French drain installation and repair

In Quebec, there are three types: 

• Agricultural
• BNQ
• Terracotta

An internal drainage system is the ideal solution for preventing water from seeping into your basement. This modern, high-performance system, fitted with a sump pump, effectively captures any water that tries to penetrate and redirects it outwards, protecting your foundations.

Why Choose an Interior French Drain? 

This solution is particularly effective in preventing the build-up of water caused by rain and melting snow. As well as protecting against cracks and water damage, it provides long-lasting waterproofing for your foundations, often at a lower cost than traditional methods.

Steps for Installing an Interior French Drain

1. Preparation and Demolition:Demolition of the section of the basement floor bordering the foundation walls.
2. Creating the Trench: Digging and cleaning a sloping trench along the walls, leading to the sump pit.
3. Drain Installation: Installation of the wall drain with Delta®-MS protection to prevent moisture. Installation of French drain pipes with geotextile protection to prevent clogging.
4. Sump Pit:Creation of the sump pit and installation of the sump pump, connected to the drain to evacuate the water.
5. Finishing: Cover drain pipes with ¾ inch crushed stone to ensure optimum drainage. Cover the floor with a new layer of cement, levelling the surface with the existing slab.
6. Cleaning: Removal of excess soil and complete site clean-up.

Why Choose GABOLI Excavation? 

Our expertise and advanced technology ensure an efficient and durable installation, minimizing disruption and costs. With GABOLI Excavation, you get a complete solution for keeping your basement dry and safe.

Please Note: 

Exterior drainage can often be hampered by obstacles that are difficult to get around or by costly elements that have to be demolished and rebuilt. Townhouses with party walls also present particular challenges for this method. 

In these situations, interior drainage is a state-of-the-art, more economical solution that is better suited to ensuring that your foundations are watertight.

Water infiltration in basements is often due to excessive rainwater run-off and high water tables. Rainwater runs off the roof into the ground and collects in the foundations.

Although saturated soil alone can destroy a foundation wall, it's when water freezes and exerts a lateral force that it can cause cracks. This is where the French drain comes into its own to protect your foundation from potential damage.

Steps for Installing an Exterior French Drain

1. Excavation: Excavation near the foundations using specialized equipment that minimizes damage to property.
2. Cleaning the Walls: Scrape the walls with a wire brush, then use a pressure washer to remove any loose material.
3. Crack Repair: Seal cracks through injection where necessary and fill joints with Sika 623F, a specially formulated cement, to provide a smooth surface for application of the membrane.
4. Membrane Application: Spray application of a Blue Seal elastomeric membrane. This membrane is 100% environmentally friendly, formulated without solvents or harmful chemicals, thus respecting the environment while providing long-lasting, effective protection against water infiltration.
5. Wall Protection: Install a drainage and protection plate (Delta®-Drain) on the walls.
6. Drain Installation: Install BNQ perforated pipe to ensure effective water drainage around the foundations.
7. Connection: Connect the French drain to an existing drain or install a sump pit if necessary. Also connect window wells, install drain access chimneys for maintenance, and make sure the pipes are clean.
8. Backfill: Cover the drain with 24 inches of clean ¾-inch gravel to ensure optimum drainage and effective filtration.
9. Levelling and Cleaning: Backfill and level the earth around the foundations, then remove any excess earth and clean up the work area.