Water coming from a window is a common problem in the springtime when the snow melts. Fixing this problem is as easy as caulking the outside window frame. Other times water can come in over the top of the foundation. Those cases are rare but patios that are built too high and rest above the foundation where it meets the brick line are usually the problem. Unfortunately, we only fix foundation problems.

There are two types of foundations that we waterproof: poured cement (concrete) and cinder block foundation. If water is coming from a cinder block foundation wall we will need to waterproof the exterior wall, which usually means excavating down to the footing and applying a waterproofing membrane (not to be confused with damp proofing; a spray application which is not recommended). Repairing a cinder block foundation from the inside usually is just a patch job and you should not attempt such a repair. Depending on the drainage system around the house, you might also require an exterior french drain.

If you have a poured foundation there are several places that it could leak from. The most common of those problems are foundation cracks and many times they are located at the corner of a window. Not all cracks leak but if you are getting water in your basement, the best course of action is to locate the original point where the water hits the floor, then determine if there is a crack in that area. If you have a finished basement we would have to go outside and inspect the foundation wall. All cracks, no matter what size, will show up on the outside of the wall. If there is parging on the exterior wall (the finishing cement that covers the poured foundation wall) then it can be a little tricky to locate the crack, especially if it is a hairline, but most times they will still be visible to the eye.

If we do not see a crack on the outside then there are other potential problems that may be causing water infiltration such as leaking form pins, honeycombing, seam leaks and inlet pipes to name a few. In all cases we first need to determine where the water is coming from. If your basement wall is finished we may be required to open up the wall because if there is no evidence of a crack we can only guess where the water is coming from. To be sure that you actually have a foundation problem we would perform a hose test. Running a hose outside at the point where we believe water is coming in, and letting the water run at that point, will show us if the foundation is actually leaking, thereby eliminating of any problems that exist above ground. If we run the test for 30 minutes and there are no signs of water, then we have to look elsewhere, possibly above ground in the bricks or even higher. Most of the time if it is a foundation problem there will be water after only a few minutes of running the hose.

In most cases, a simple job can cost anywhere between $175 and $300, but that can change depending on your problem. Average repair costs range between $300 and $800, with increases depending on whether excavation is needed. Because each problem is unique it is necessary for us to see the problem in person. With a site visit we can provide you with an accurate quote for your specific situation.

Click on the list above to get more information about each potential problem. If you have a foundation problem then you can contact us to get an estimate. The majority of our clients are in the Greater Montreal Area (including the South Shore and Laval) and we give FREE estimates. Occasionally we can go further, but in those situations (depending on the distance) we might have to charge a small traveling fee.