FAQs Archive - The City Wide Group

Q: What kind of maintenance do waterproofing systems require?

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.

Q: Does basement waterproofing help with flood prevention?

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.

Q: How is basement waterproofing different from general foundation repair?

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.

Q: Do I need a permit for basement waterproofing or underpinning?

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.

Q: Will waterproofing interfere with my finished basement or future renovations?

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.

Q: How does clay soil affect basement waterproofing requirements?

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.

Q: What waterproofing methods work best for older homes with stone or block foundations?

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.

Q: Is it worth trying to waterproof my basement myself?

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.

Q: What time of year is best for basement waterproofing?

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.

Q: Does basement waterproofing help prevent mould growth?

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.