Straight, honest answers to the questions Napanee homeowners ask us most — about waterproofing systems, timelines, costs, and what to expect from our process.
Duraflex is a premium rubberized waterproofing membrane applied directly to foundation walls. Unlike traditional tar-based coatings, Duraflex remains permanently flexible through Canada's freeze-thaw cycles — meaning it won't crack, peel, or separate over time. It provides a seamless, highly adhesive barrier against hydrostatic water pressure and is widely regarded as the industry gold standard for residential foundation waterproofing. AW Waterproofing is a certified Duraflex installer.
Yes. Duraflex is formulated to be non-toxic and environmentally responsible. Once cured, it is inert and poses no health risk to your family. The application process is handled by trained certified installers, ensuring it is applied correctly and safely with appropriate ventilation where required.
Duraflex bonds effectively to poured concrete, concrete block, stone, and most common foundation materials. During our site assessment, we'll confirm it's the right system for your specific foundation. In nearly all cases it is an excellent fit — particularly for exterior foundation waterproofing applications where the membrane is applied to the exposed wall surface during excavation.
When properly applied by a certified installer, a Duraflex membrane is designed to provide long-term protection for the life of the structure. Its flexibility means it can accommodate normal foundation movement and thermal cycling without degrading. It significantly outlasts conventional tar-based dampproofing, which has a lifespan of 10–15 years before it commonly begins to crack.
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Waterproofing Methods
The right solution depends on the source and severity of your water problem. Exterior waterproofing stops water before it ever contacts your foundation wall — making it the most comprehensive approach. Interior waterproofing manages water that has already entered and redirects it out via a drainage channel and sump pump. After a thorough inspection, we'll recommend the most cost-effective solution for your specific situation — sometimes a combination of both is appropriate.
Dampproofing is a basic coating applied to new foundations that resists soil moisture — but it is not designed to withstand hydrostatic water pressure. Many older homes have only dampproofing, which cracks and fails over time. Waterproofing, including systems like Duraflex, creates a true barrier capable of withstanding sustained groundwater pressure. If your basement is leaking, dampproofing alone is not sufficient — proper foundation waterproofing is required.
Exterior waterproofing requires excavation around the foundation, which does temporarily affect landscaping near the house. We take care to minimize impact where possible, and we restore disturbed areas after work is complete — backfilling, grading, and raking gravel or sod as appropriate. We'll discuss what to expect for your specific property during the assessment.
Yes, in many cases. If water intrusion is isolated to one wall or section — for example, a below-grade wall that faces a slope — a targeted solution for that area may be the most efficient approach. After inspecting the full perimeter, we'll advise whether a partial or full-perimeter solution makes more sense for your situation.
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Foundation Crack Repair
Professional polyurethane or epoxy foundation crack repair, done correctly, provides a permanent seal. The injected material bonds chemically to the concrete and remains flexible enough to withstand minor foundation settling and temperature movement. A properly repaired crack should not leak again. When paired with a waterproofing membrane and proper drainage, the repair is even more durable.
Polyurethane injection expands when it contacts moisture, making it ideal for actively leaking cracks — it seals from the inside out. Epoxy injection creates an extremely strong rigid bond and is best suited for dry structural cracks where you want to restore load-bearing capacity. We determine the appropriate method based on whether the crack is active, its width, and what the foundation requires.
Consumer crack repair kits are available but rarely provide a lasting fix. Proper injection requires specialized equipment, the right injection pressure, and experience to ensure full penetration through the crack depth. Improper repairs often fail within a year or two. Given that a foundation crack can lead to significant ongoing water damage, professional repair is strongly recommended — and our assessment and quote are free.
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Sump Pumps
In many cases, yes. An interior drainage system channels water collected at the base of your walls to a sump pit — a sump pump then ejects it to the exterior. Without a pump, the collected water has nowhere to go. For homes with high water tables, significant spring melt, or interior drainage systems, we strongly recommend a primary submersible pump plus a battery backup unit to keep your basement dry even during power outages.
We recommend testing your sump pump at least once per year — ideally in early spring before heavy rain and snowmelt season begins. Simply pour water into the pit to confirm the pump activates and drains correctly. Check the discharge line to ensure it's clear. Battery backup units should have their batteries tested and replaced on the manufacturer's schedule (typically every 3–5 years).
This is exactly why we recommend a battery backup sump pump alongside your primary unit. A battery backup activates automatically when it detects the primary pump has lost power, and can run for several hours on a fully charged battery — more than enough for most power outages. For homes with serious water intrusion risk, a water-powered backup (which uses municipal water pressure) can also be installed as an additional layer of protection.
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Process & Logistics
Timelines vary based on scope. Foundation crack injection is typically completed in a single day. Interior waterproofing of a standard basement takes 2–4 days. Full exterior waterproofing with excavation typically takes 3–7 days depending on perimeter size and site conditions. We provide a clear project timeline in writing before any work begins, so you know exactly what to expect.
We recommend being present for the first day and for the final walkthrough, but you're not required to be home every day of the project. We'll provide regular updates by phone and make sure you're comfortable with the arrangement before we begin.
For interior waterproofing, we need clear access to the perimeter of the basement floor — roughly 3–4 feet in from the walls. We'll advise you specifically on what needs to be moved before we start. For crack injection only, minimal clearing is usually required. For exterior work, you don't need to move anything inside.
Interior waterproofing involves cutting a channel along the perimeter of the concrete floor, which creates dust and noise. We use dust barriers to contain the work area and clean up thoroughly at the end of each workday. Exterior work stays entirely outside. We take the cleanliness of your home seriously and leave every job site in good condition.
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Cost & Warranty
Yes — completely free, no obligation, and no pressure. We'll come to your property, conduct a thorough inspection, and provide you with a clear written estimate. If you decide not to proceed, there's no cost and no hard feelings. We believe homeowners deserve honest assessments, not high-pressure sales tactics.
Several factors drive the range: the type of system recommended (interior vs. exterior), materials used (standard vs. premium like Duraflex), the scope of the drainage system, whether a sump pump is included, and the company's experience and overhead. Be cautious of unusually low quotes — they often involve inferior materials, subcontractors, or an incomplete scope. Ask every company what materials they use and what's specifically included in the price.
Our written workmanship warranty covers defects in the work we performed — including membrane application, drainage installation, crack injection, and sump system installation. If a waterproofing issue arises that is covered by our workmanship (rather than a new structural problem or unrelated area), we come back and make it right. Warranty terms are clearly spelled out in your proposal before you sign anything.
Generally, standard homeowners' insurance policies in Ontario do not cover waterproofing installation as it's considered preventative maintenance rather than sudden damage. Some policies with water damage riders may cover damage caused by a sudden leak, but routine waterproofing is typically out of pocket. We recommend reviewing your specific policy and speaking with your insurer. We can provide documentation of completed work for insurance or home sale purposes.
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Local Area & Service
Yes — we provide free on-site assessments and written estimates throughout Napanee, Greater Napanee, Bath, Deseronto, and surrounding communities in Lennox & Addington County. We also serve Belleville and Kingston area homeowners. Call us at (519) 278-5002 or reach out through the website to schedule your assessment.
Absolutely. The Napanee and Lennox & Addington region has a mix of clay-heavy soils and limestone bedrock that affect drainage and foundation behaviour uniquely. Heavy spring snowmelt from the Napanee River basin creates elevated groundwater pressure. Homes built before the 1980s often have inadequate original drainage or deteriorated weeping tile. We understand these local conditions and factor them into every solution we design.
For routine assessments, we typically schedule within a few business days. If you're experiencing active water intrusion and need urgent attention, call us directly at (519) 278-5002 and we'll do our best to prioritize your situation. We understand that a wet basement isn't something you want to wait on.
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Still Have a Question?
If we haven't answered it here, give us a call. Our team is happy to discuss your specific situation — no sales pressure, just honest answers.