Foundation Waterproofing Brantford

Step 1, Harrowgate works from the source side wherever access permits. We expose the full below-grade wall, repair and prepare the substrate, install a continuous membrane and protected drainage path, connect perimeter collection to an approved outlet, and rebuild the site without damaging the new system.

Step 2, Investigation and excavation planning. Leak patterns, grading, downspouts, window wells, joints, service entries, and existing drains are reviewed before digging. Utilities are located and daylighted. Excavation limits account for depth, soil, shoring or safe slopes, property boundaries, access, stockpiles, dewatering, and how entrances or fire routes remain operational.

Step 3, Exposure and substrate cleaning. The foundation is exposed from grade to footing or the designed termination. Soil, old coating, insulation, loose parging, form ties, and projections are removed. Concrete and masonry are pressure-cleaned or mechanically prepared as appropriate, then allowed to reach the membrane's required moisture condition. Hidden defects are documented before repair.

Step 4, Cracks, joints, and wall repair. Active leakage is controlled, cracks are routed or injected where the engineer specifies, honeycombs and form-tie holes are repaired, and masonry is parged where required. The wall-to-footing angle receives a compatible cant or reinforced detail. Moving joints and service penetrations receive flexible treatment rather than rigid mortar alone.

Step 5, Membrane application. Primer is applied where required, followed by the approved liquid or sheet membrane from footing transition to upper termination. Corners, cracks, joints, sleeves, and changes of plane receive reinforcement or preformed accessories. Film thickness or sheet laps are checked before covering. The membrane is terminated above finished grade or into the wall detail as designed.

Step 6, Drainage and protection. Drainage composite or protection board is placed over cured membrane to resist backfill damage and create a vertical path to the footing drain. Perforated collector pipe is bedded in clean stone, graded to an approved outlet, and separated from fines. Cleanouts, sumps, window wells, and storm connections are installed where designed.

Step 7, Backfill and restoration. Membrane, laps, terminations, and drainage are inspected before backfill. Selected material is placed in controlled lifts without dropping sharp rock against the wall. Compaction equipment is limited near the foundation and fresh work. Pavement base, concrete, pavers, curbs, landscape, and positive surface grading are then restored to the project limits.

Step 8, As-built records identify membrane limits, repairs, penetrations, drain alignment, cleanouts, outlets, and inspection photographs before backfill. Harrowgate tests sumps or observes gravity flow where practical, then confirms final grade sheds water away from the building. Downspouts, window wells, and surface drains are left connected to their approved systems rather than discharging beside the repaired wall.