New Construction Waterproofing

Building a new home is a big endeavour. It’s an exciting time, filled with many decisions. At LETY Construction, we encourage you to ask one more important question:

“How will our foundation be protected below grade?”

The answer is simple – waterproofing!

Our waterproofing system includes applying a rubberized elastomeric membrane to the new foundation walls, followed by a foundation drainage board. And when the professionals at LETY Construction waterproof your new foundation, it comes with a 30-year dry basement guarantee from the manufacturer, Tremco.

There are many benefits to waterproofing your foundation at the time of construction:

  • Prevent Water Intrusion

    Even small shrinkage cracks can allow water to enter a basement. Further, with Alberta’s freeze-thaw cycles, any water sitting in a hairline crack can freeze, expand, and cause more damage over time. Waterproofing helps stop this before it starts.

  • Protect Your Foundation Long-Term

    Waterproofing helps maintain the integrity and durability of the foundation, extending the lifespan.

  • Cost savings

    Waterproofing at the time of construction saves money. There is no need to excavate, we simply show up, spray the foundation, and apply the foundation board. Then you can confidently backfill, landscape, pour sidewalks etc., knowing that your foundation is soundly protected for the long run.

  • Increase property value

    A waterproofed foundation provides peace of mind for homeowners and future buyers, who can take comfort knowing they can enjoy a dry basement for years to come.

New construction foundation waterproofing with rigid insulation, drainage membrane, and washed rock backfill ready for weeping tile installation.
Foundation walls with waterproofing membrane and foam insulation boards installed prior to backfill on Edmonton-area new home construction.

FAQ

  • When it comes to your foundation, waterproofing and damp-proofing are not equal. 

    Damp-proofing is often referred to as “tar” and it is the minimum building code for new construction. Damp-proofing only slows the penetration of soil moisture through the concrete – it has no resistance against water under hydrostatic pressure (which is created every time it rains). Damp-proofing products are easily broken down by ground water and they do not have the ability to span cracks. When the concrete cracks, so does the damp proofing, therefore providing no protection against water intrusion. 

    Waterproofing a foundation is done by spraying a seamless elastomeric membrane onto the exterior of the foundation wall. An elastomeric membrane stops water from penetrating the concrete, even under hydrostatic pressure. Not only will an elastomeric membrane stop water, it will also span foundation shrinkage cracks, ensuring your basement is fully protected.

    Key Differences

    • Level of Protection: Waterproofing offers a higher level of protection against moisture than damp proofing.

    • Longevity: Waterproofing is far more durable than damp proofing, as proven by the superior warranty coverage. 

    • Protects Structural Integrity: Waterproofing protects against water damage which in turn protects the structural integrity of your foundation. 

    • Increases Property Value: While damp proofing meets the minimum code requirements, waterproofing is an investment that will increase your property value. Should you decide to sell, a fully waterproofed foundation offers potential buyers a selling feature that provides confidence in the quality of your home.