Many people in Toronto have problems with water coming into their basements. Wet basements can damage your home and create health problem. At TheFixitGuys, we get many questions about how to fix wet basements. One of the questions we often hear is this: can concrete basement removal help with waterproofing?
The short answer is yes. But the full answer depends on what is causing the water problem in the first place. In this blog, we will explain how removing the concrete in your basement can help with waterproofing, when it is a good idea, and what steps we take to do the job the right way.
What Is Concrete Basement Removal?
Concrete basement removal means taking out the concrete floor in your basement. In older homes in Toronto, the concrete slab might be cracked, uneven, or letting water come through. Sometimes the concrete was poured without a waterproof barrier under it. This makes it easier for moisture to rise up from the ground and into your home.
Removing the old concrete gives us access to the soil underneath. Once the slab is gone, we can install waterproofing materials under the new floor and fix any drainage problems.
Why Is My Basement Wet?
Before we talk about removal, it’s important to know why basements get wet. Here are some common reasons:
- Water comes in from the walls
- Water rises up from under the floor
- Poor drainage around your home
- Cracks in the concrete
- No waterproof membrane under the slab
- High water table in your area
When we visit your home, we look at all these things. We check the walls, the floor, the grading outside, and the type of foundation you have. If the water is coming up through the floor, removing the concrete is one of the best ways to fix the problem.
How Does Removing the Concrete Help?
When we remove the old concrete floor, we can do many things to improve your basement:
1. We Can Install a Waterproof Membrane
A waterproof membrane is a special sheet that blocks water from coming up through the ground. In many older homes, this sheet was never installed. When we remove the old slab, we lay the membrane down before pouring the new concrete. This keeps your new basement dry for many years.
2. We Can Fix the Drainage System
Under the concrete floor, there may be old or broken drains. Sometimes there are no drains at all. We can add new weeping tiles or a French drain system. These pipes help move water away from your basement and out of your home. We can also add a sump pump if needed.
3. We Can Add Gravel for Better Drainage
After we remove the old slab, we add a layer of clean gravel. This helps water move through the ground and into the drains. It also gives strong support for the new concrete slab.
4. We Can Pour a New Strong Slab
Once everything is in place, we pour a new slab that is stronger and better sealed. We make sure it is thick enough and smooth so that it stays dry and level. This gives your basement a fresh start.
Can This Help With Mould?
Yes. If you have mould in your basement, removing the concrete can help stop the moisture that feeds the mould. Once we remove the wet or cracked slab, install proper waterproofing, and pour new concrete, the area becomes dry. After that, we can clean up the mould and repair any damage to walls or insulation.
Do I Always Need to Remove the Concrete?
No. Not every wet basement needs concrete removal. Sometimes the water problem is coming from outside walls or leaking windows. In those cases, fixing the outside or adding wall waterproofing is enough.
But if the water is rising up from the ground through cracks or gaps in the concrete, or if the slab is too thin or broken, then removal is the best choice.
We do a full inspection before we start any job. We want to make sure you only do the work that is really needed.
Can I Just Add Drylok or Waterproof Paint?
Waterproof paint like Drylok can help with small moisture issues. But if the water is coming from under the slab, paint will not be enough. Water will still find a way to come in through cracks or the edges. Paint only works on the surface. It does not fix problems under the concrete.
That’s why full slab removal is a better long-term solution for heavy or ongoing basement water problems.
Is This a Big Job?
Yes, concrete basement removal is not a small job. It involves:
- Breaking and removing the old concrete
- Digging out soil if needed
- Installing waterproofing materials and drains
- Pouring new concrete
- Cleaning up the space
The good news is, we do all of this for you. At TheFixitGuys, we have the right tools and team to do the job safely and quickly. We also handle permits if needed and make sure everything follows local building rules.
Will It Make My Basement Usable Again?
Yes. After we remove the old wet slab and pour a new dry one, your basement can be used again. You can use it as a workshop, storage room, gym, laundry room or even finish it as a living space. A dry basement also increases your home’s value.
How Long Does It Take?
Every home is different, but in most cases, basement concrete removal and replacement takes about one to two weeks. If there is a lot of extra work like drainage or mould removal, it may take a bit longer. We will give you a full timeline before we begin.
Is It Worth the Cost?
We understand that removing and replacing concrete sounds like a big cost. But when you think about the long-term benefits, it can save you money. A wet basement can damage furniture, tools and even your home’s foundation. It can cause mould, bad smells and health problems.
By fixing the water problem the right way, you avoid many future repairs. You also improve the value and safety of your home.
Can This Be a Temporary Fix?
Concrete removal is usually done for a long-term solution. If you only need a short-term fix, like blocking water for a season, we can offer other options. But keep in mind that short-term fixes may not stop the problem fully.
If water is coming from under the floor, the only real way to stop it is by removing the slab and sealing the ground below.
Why Choose TheFixitGuys?
We are based in Toronto and we understand the weather and soil in this area. Our team has many years of experience in concrete removal and basement waterproofing. We use strong tools, safe methods and clean up the job properly.
We also explain everything clearly and treat your home like it’s our own. We want you to feel safe and confident in your basement again.
Ready to Get Started?
If you think your basement needs help, give us a call. We offer full inspections and free estimates. We will check the problem and tell you if concrete removal is needed or not.
At TheFixitGuys, we believe in doing the job once and doing it right. Let us help you make your basement dry strong and safe again.
