Toronto’s Trusted Basement
Waterproofing Company Since 1961

Most exterior membranes and drainage systems are designed to work quietly in the background with minimal attention. However, sump pumps, backup systems, and surface drainage should be checked periodically to ensure everything is functioning as intended. During our final walkthrough, we explain any maintenance items that apply to your specific system.

Yes. While no system can control extreme weather or municipal infrastructure, proper waterproofing, sump pump installation, backwater valves, and drainage improvements all work together to reduce the risk of water entering your home during heavy storms.

Foundation repair focuses on structural stability—addressing cracks, settlement, or movement. Waterproofing focuses on keeping water out and controlling moisture. In many cases, the two go together: we may repair structural issues and then add waterproofing and drainage so the same water pressures don’t cause new problems down the line.

Permits are typically required for underpinning and structural changes, and sometimes for certain types of exterior work, depending on your municipality. City Wide Group can advise you on what is required and help ensure all work is completed in compliance with local building codes and regulations.

We design waterproofing solutions with your finished space in mind. If your basement is already finished, we’ll explain what needs to be opened up and how it will be restored. If you’re planning a renovation, we can coordinate waterproofing and underpinning first so you’re building on a dry, secure foundation instead of trying to work around leaks later.

Clay-heavy soils, which are common in many parts of the GTA, expand when saturated and contract when they dry. This constant movement can create pressure against foundation walls and open up small pathways for water. Effective waterproofing in clay conditions usually includes robust drainage (such as weeping tiles in clean gravel) and high-quality exterior membranes to relieve pressure and control moisture.

Older foundations often require a more customized approach. Mortar joints, irregular surfaces, and previous repairs all influence how water moves. We typically combine careful crack and joint repairs with suitable membranes, drainage systems, and sometimes interior solutions to manage water effectively without putting additional stress on aging walls.

Minor maintenance tasks—like extending downspouts, improving grading, or sealing very small surface cracks—can sometimes be handled by homeowners. However, full waterproofing systems involve excavation, drainage design, membranes, and sump systems that need to be installed correctly the first time. For those projects, professional installation is almost always the better long-term investment.

Waterproofing work can be done year-round, but exterior excavation is often easier during milder weather when the ground is not frozen and snow is minimal. Interior waterproofing can typically proceed in any season. If you’re already seeing leaks, the best time to start is as soon as possible—before the next major storm.

Yes. Controlling water entry and moisture levels is the foundation of mould prevention. Once water is managed through proper waterproofing and drainage, we can pair that with appropriate ventilation or dehumidification to help keep humidity in a healthy range and reduce the conditions mould needs to thrive.

Project timelines depend on the size of the home, the method used, and site conditions. Smaller interior systems can often be completed in a couple of days, while full exterior waterproofing or underpinning may take longer. During your estimate, we outline an expected schedule so you know how long crews will be on-site and how the work will be phased.

In many cases, standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover water entry through foundation walls, floors, or typical seepage. Policies vary, but coverage is often limited to sudden, accidental events—not ongoing leakage. That’s one reason many homeowners choose to invest proactively in waterproofing rather than risk a major, uninsured loss later on.

Early warning signs include musty odours, small damp spots on walls or floors, peeling paint, rust on metal surfaces, and white mineral deposits on foundation walls. You may also notice the base of wood framing or furniture becoming discoloured. If you see these indicators, it’s a good time to schedule a professional assessment.

When basement waterproofing is done properly—with quality materials, correct installation, and adequate drainage—it is designed to last for the life of the structure. That’s why we back our work with a lifetime, fully transferable warranty on treated areas. The key is addressing the real cause of the water problem, not just sealing over the symptoms.

Underpinning is a significant structural project, so there will be noise, dust, and limited access to parts of your basement while work is underway. Our crews complete the work in carefully planned stages to maintain full support for your home at all times. Before starting, we explain the full process, timing, and what to expect day-to-day so you can plan around the disruption. Once finished, you’re left with a stronger foundation and a more spacious, usable lower level.

Yes. In fact, combining waterproofing and underpinning is often the most efficient and cost-effective option. Because underpinning requires working right at the foundation level, it creates an ideal opportunity to add or upgrade waterproofing and drainage systems at the same time. This approach can reduce overall disruption and ensures your newly lowered basement is both structurally sound and well-protected from water.

Basements can leak for many reasons, including failed or aging exterior damp-proofing, clogged or broken weeping tiles, poor grading around the home, foundation cracks, high groundwater, or blocked drains. In older homes, original waterproofing systems may simply have reached the end of their lifespan. A professional assessment helps pinpoint the true cause so the repair plan addresses the source of the problem instead of just treating the visible symptoms.

Basement waterproofing is the process of preventing unwanted water from entering your basement or foundation. It can include crack repairs, membranes, drainage systems, sump pumps, grading improvements, and more. Proper waterproofing helps protect against mould growth, rot, structural deterioration, and damage to flooring, drywall, and stored belongings. It also makes your basement more comfortable, usable, and attractive to potential buyers.

Interior basement waterproofing usually involves cutting a narrow trench around the inside perimeter of the basement floor, installing a drainage pipe or channel, and connecting it to a sump pump or floor drain. As water collects at the base of the wall, it’s intercepted and carried away before it can reach your finished floors and walls. This method is especially useful when exterior excavation is not practical or when you are planning to finish or renovate your basement.

The cost of waterproofing depends on several factors: the size and depth of your foundation, whether work is done inside or outside, soil conditions, access for excavation, and the extent of existing damage. After a site visit, we provide a detailed, written estimate so you know exactly what is included. In many cases, addressing water issues early is significantly more affordable than dealing with a major flood or structural repair later on.

Exterior waterproofing stops water at the outside of your foundation by sealing the walls, installing membranes and drainage boards, and adding or replacing weeping tiles at the footing. Interior waterproofing manages water that has already reached your foundation by capturing it along the inside perimeter and directing it to a sump pump or floor drain. Both approaches are effective when used in the right situations, and in some cases a combination of interior and exterior work offers the best long-term protection.

Yes. Even hairline cracks can allow water to seep through under hydrostatic pressure, especially during heavy rainfall or spring thaw. Over time, that steady trickle can widen the crack, damage finishes, and lead to more serious structural problems. Having foundation cracks inspected and repaired early is usually far less expensive than waiting until they turn into major leaks.