Perimeter Drain & Building Envelope Waterproofing Systems

THE PROBLEM WITH WATER INFILTRATION

EFFLORESENCE BLACK MOLD

Mold, mildew, rust, and water bugs are just a few of the effects

of moisture damage. Prevention of water infiltration is key in avoiding

health and home deterioration hazards.

Defective perimeter drains are the most common source of basement flooding and foundation deterioration in Victoria. Debris, plant roots or old and broken drain tiles can cause improper drainage and rainwater can pool up next to your foundation causing major problems that are not limited to flooding. Water damage can cause a multitude of problems including: dangerous black mold on the inside of your home, which can cause health issues for you and your family. Bad smells, structural damage, and dangerous toxins may be caused by leaking drains. Water leaking out of drain pipes can saturate surrounding soils and loosen foundations, footings, and structure supports. Many homes in Victoria have outdated systems that are damaged or non-functional. Even worse, some homes do not have a drainage system at all! The best thing you can do to prevent unnecessary and costly damage to your home is to ensure that your drainage system is functional by getting a CCTV camera inspection by the Flintstones team.

Whitened areas of discoloration on any of your masonry, whether that be your

basement walls or outside brick, is most likely efflorescence. Efflorescence is a

tell tale sign that there is a moisture issue that should be addressed immediately.

It is caused by water seeping through concrete and other masonry construction

to the surface to form insoluble calcium carbonates that harden on the surface

appearing almost like a white powder. It takes three variables in order for

efflorescence to occur: water soluble salts present somewhere in the wall,

sufficient moisture in wall to render the salts into a soluble solution and a path

for soluble salts to migrate through to surface where moisture can evaporate.

The efflorescence process can create incredibly strong hydrostatic pressure

within the building material. Hydrostatic pressure that exceeds the strength

of the building material can blow the surface off the material ,which is known

as spalling. Furthermore, concrete spalling that is not attended to in a timely

manner will only lead to repair costs as the problem spreads. Another cause of

spalling is the seasonal freeze-thaw cycle in concrete and masonry products

that have high moisture content. This is especially relevant here in Victoria,

which is why it is so important to consult with a Flintstones professional to be

sure that your home is protected from damage.

WATER SEEPAGE THROUGH A CONCRETE FLOOR

WATER DRAW THROUGH A CHIMNEY STACK

INSPECTING

ACTUAL PHOTOS BY OUR WATERPROOFING TEAM OF COMMON SIGNS OF WATER!

Water seeps in through the concrete wall and bleeds out onto your floor

Cracked or deteriorating foundations can allow ground source water to penetrate into the home or crawlspace

Seepage can penetrate around any pipe joints that are not properly sealed in poured wall constructions

Water can seep over the top of the foundation wall for var-ious reasons

Plugged window drains and/or aging windows can lead to seepage around the perimeter of the window

Active poured wall foundation cracks will direct water into the basement

Blocked or partially blocked weeping tile can overwhelm the footing area and seep in

Exposed form tie rods can rust allowing water to seep in

Water presenting along the wall can sometimes be a direct result of cove joints problems

Floor drains without backflow preventers can allow water to rise back up

Deteriorating or faulty sump pits can cause seepage or water back-up

Hydrostatic pressure under the floor can create floor cracks and the pressure can push the high water table up through the floor

HOW WATER can enter your home1.

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Whether you suspect your home has a perimeter drainage problem, you have a leaky basement that defies explanation or you think your drains may be in need of maintenance, Flintstones can help. A Flintstones representative will thoroughly inspect your property to investigate any potential problems. In some cases, an exploratory excavation outside the home will be recommended in order to ascertain the type and condition of the current drainage system. A CCTV camera inspection is always required to allow us to see an obstruction, collapsed or damaged areas, the intrusion of roots, or at times to map the location of connections to or from the weeping tiles. A trained Flintstones technician inserts a small camera into the drain and along your sewer or drain tile. We set up a monitor and capture screenshots so that you can view the drain yourself and notice the condition it is in.

CCTV Camera and thorough foundation inspecting

CAMERA HEAD HAS SONAR CAPABILITY TO WORK WITH LOCATOR

INSERTING CAMERA INTO DRAIN TILE IMAGE OF INSIDE OF DRAIN ON SCREEN

LOCATING THE CAMERA IN THE DRAINS

FLINTSTONES DRAIN CAMERA SHOT (CLOGGED!)

mold remediation

Mold is one of the most common occurrences in old and new homes. With the increase in “tightening” of homes for energy efficiency, mold and mildew can flourish. If you have living quarters in the basement or a suite below ground level, then mold could be present in your walls, ceilings, cupboards, etc. We use CCTV cameras and state of the art electronic equipment to detect mold spores both in the air and on the surface. Flintstones uses professional and highly effective containment practices to remove mold from your home.

Flintstones can perform a moisture detection test to identify and assess unusually wet areas of a home. Excess moisture and humidity left within a building environment or its structural elements is the cause of rot, mold growth, reduced insulation values, failure of flooring, roofing and wall support. Non-invasive meters, such as the one we use, are very effective for initial troubleshooting and inspection, giving a quick indication of the location of elevated moisture and its source. By pressing the handheld instrument onto the material being tested, we can instantly detect moisture and location of moisture related problems.

MOISTURE DETECTING

INSPECTING

FINDING BLACK MOLD!

Type of system: Clay and concrete drainage tiles (weeping tiles) are segments of pipe that are placed next to each other to create a drain system that allows water to enter inside and flow through the directed route.

Why it fails: These systems have many limitations and often have a very short life expectancy. Soil and frost related ground movement cause the individual tiles to shift and separate from each other allowing excess clay or soil to enter the tiles or the tiles become crushed and collapse. This causes partial or total blockage of the pipe, rendering the system ineffective. Clay tiles can last a long time yet easily separate with earth movement or roots which then allows surrounding debris to clog the tiles.

Type of system: Big O, or corrugated pipe, is another form of piping used for drainage systems.

Why it fails: Although big O pipe is effective in some situations, it is not ideal for perimeter drain systems in Victoria because it isn’t smooth on the inside and crushes more easily, resulting in clogs from leaves and soil that are not possible to clean out with an auger. Due to the fairly flexible nature of the pipe, especially when compared to PVC pipe, it is more difficult to install the pipe at the correct grade as it tends to sink down into the ground in wet areas. It can’t be augered or flushed as it will be destroyed by the pressure.

The CCTV camera drain inspection will allow our drainage technician to pinpoint problems with your system. Our technician will also conclude what type of system you have. Some systems are so outdated that they no longer provide any drainage for your home at all. Here are some of the systems that we may come across:

typical drain systems

Type of system: One pipe system (PVC)

Why it fails: PVC pipe systems are ideal when installed properly by the Flintstones team. However, a multitude of issues can arise when the proper steps are not taken to ensure the system functions. These problems include but are not limited to: no maintenance, absence of drain rock, inadequate use of soil cloth, improper grading and/or insufficient adhesive for pipe connections. All of these problems and more cause the system to clog and render it ineffective. That’s why our expertise in drainage is so imperative. Do it once, do it right!

Left untreated, a damaged (or non-existent!) drainage system can result in water backing up against the foundation or under your basement floor, which can lead to basement flooding and

the associated consequences:property damage,

poor indoor air quality, and ultimately, lower home resale value.

POWER FLUSHING

POWER FLUSHING NOZZLE

INSERTING INTO DRAIN SYSTEM

Depending on the situation, after a inspection, our drainage technician may begin the cleaning process by power flushing your drain system, or by using an auger. Sometimes it is necessary to wash out debris from a system with a high-pressure water flushing tool first. If one of our drainage technicians notices a blockage in the system caused by roots, we may move forward with augering. An auger is a rotating cable with an attached blade that can cut through smaller tree and plant roots in its path. Once at the obstruction, a multitude of different bits on the end of the cable can be used to unclog the drain. Flintstones owns and uses large motor powered augurs that can clear through many drain issues that arise. Often times, in this order, a second power flush is performed in order to remove that loosened debris and tree roots, clearing the drain. Drain system inspections require the expertise of our trained technicians because every situation is unique and solutions are not limited to one or both of these procedures.

augering/rootering & power flushing

AUGER HEAD INSERTING AUGER INTO DRAIN PIPE

When cleanouts are not available or connecting through a downspout does not offer sufficient access to view your entire drain system with the drain camera, we may perform an exploratory excavation at the corners of your home. Exposing your drain tiles at the foundation footing and entering through cut or removed drain tile means we can reach the camera through and see every section of the system and get a much better understanding of what we are dealing with. This accessibility also allows us to auger and/or power flush through the entire system. This is a common requirement to properly clean and flush old, deteriorated or unmaintained drain systems.

exploratory excavations

We may find that either a power-flusher or auger solved any minor issues that we had found with your drain system. In this case, we proceed with installing a two-way cleanout system so that access to your drain system becomes much easier (allowing for more frequent maintenance). First the pipe must be excavated using digging equipment or dug up by hand. The existing pipe will be cut out and removed and a new section of piping with the cleanout fitting attached will be put in its place.

two-way cleanout

90-DEGREE SWEEPING PVC ELBOW

Type of system: A continuous system of PVC or ABS piping is the modern drainage system used today. Two high-density and continuous pipes create a system to carry rain water away from the roof and the base of the foundation. Why it works:The 2 pipe system is BC building code; all new drainage systems in Victoria must be built this way. On average, 60 percent of water that enters an outdated weeping tile system is rain water from the roof of the house that runs into the gutter and down the downspouts pooling up next to the foundation of your home.

A 2-pipe system consists of:A perforated pipe right at the base of the house that carries ground water away from your foundation.

3 inch pipe that is connected directly to your downspouts in order to carry rain water away to the lateral line or storm drain. This completely inhibits water from the downspouts from pooling at foundation.

Today’s standard:2-pipe system (PVC)

Type of system: In addition to the usual 2-pipe system, Flintstones uses check valves (or, backflow prevention valves) to prevent backflow from the storm drain washing back into your home when the city’s portion of the storm drain is overloaded. This is highly recommended by Canadian insurers which is why we include one in every drain system we install.

backflow prevention

FLAP IN STANDARD POSITION FLAP UP

Here at Flintstones, we understand how important it is for you to know and feel that your home, property, and privacy is respected. That is why our goal is to exceed your expectations in every aspect of our work. It is our guarantee that your project will always be regulated to meet our high safety standards

and we promise to treat you, your neighbours, and your property with the utmost respect and care. Our safe job sites mean that everything from the security of your home, to the safeguarding of your pet will be looked after. As experts at what we do, everything will be put back properly as it was before.

TRANSPLANTING

TEMPORARY MAILBOX

Taking care

PLYWOOD TO PLACE EXCAVATED DIRT ON

ACCESS RAMP

PROTECTING YOUR HOME

Often times, in order to access the drain system concrete needs to be removed. Whether that be a driveway or pathway, Flintstones has the tools and expertise necessary to cleanly cut the concrete to create an access area to work with. Once the work has been completed, we will replace the concrete with an effort to match the original as closely as possible.

cutting concrete

CUT CONCRETE

REPLACED CONCRETECUTTING CONCRETE

we can work around anything!

APPLYING WATERPROOFING MOLD REMEDIATION

LAYING PIPE UNDER A SET OF STAIRS

Once the home and property are protected and

prepared, we will begin excavation down to the

bottom of the foundation where the new drain

pipes will be laid. Depending on how deep a trench

is, we may need to support the walls using a shoring

technique to prevent collapse. At Flintstones, we

use shoring methods that are built to meet WCB

requirements. We take safety seriously.

We are pleased to offer both hand and machine

excavation. Having a machine excavator can make all

the difference for large projects, but there are also

situations where a machine is just too big for a

confined area and could cause damage to a home or

garden. We utilize man power during these occasions

to protect your home and do the job right. We use

our excavators for large scale digging to work quickly

and efficiently.

HAND EXCAVATION

SHORING

MACHINE EXCAVATION

Excavation

In some situations it is necessary to use a different method of excavation. One example is the preservation of protected trees. When we are excavating on property that is home to trees like Arbutus and Garry Oak, we must take extra precautions to safely remove the soil while following the bylaws. One way we manage this is by using the Hydrovac method. The process of hydro excavation only non-destructive method of digging. During the Hydrovac process, pressurized water is injected into the ground through a handheld wand. As the soil cover is liquified, the resulting slurry is simultaneously extracted by a powerful vacuum and stored in a 14 yard debris tank onboard the Hydrovac.

HYDROVAC EXCAVATION

other types of excavation

TRENCHLESS EXCAVATIONCAREFUL EXCAVATION

The first step in preparing a foundation for waterproofing is to clean off the exposed foundation walls using the concrete surfacing diamond grinder. The grinder has a high-speed rotating cup that smoothes concrete. Having a grinder attached to a vacuum like the one we use offers surface prep while minimizing any dust particle contamination. A clean, smooth surface allows for thorough inspection of the condition of the foundation, proper crack filling, and stronger adhesion of waterproofing products.

preparation work

BEFORE

AFTER DURING

Once the foundation wall is clean our proprietary waterproofing agent can be applied directly to the wall. This industrial coating completely seals the foundation wall resulting in an impermeable barrier against any water infiltration.

The next step is to apply a dimple board, or water prevention membrane to the foundation wall. We use a highly effective foundation protection system, based on a uniquely shaped air-gap membrane. It reliably keeps ground moisture away from the foundation wall – a key factor in achieving a permanently dry basement.

Transition strips are installed to create a clean line between the foundation wall above grade and the dimple board below. The transition strip is fastened closely against the wall preventing water from entering in behind the dimple board.

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The Flintstones Process

A 2-pipe system is installed to relieve hydrostatic pressure around the perimeter of the house. Groundwater is directed into the drain system so that it may be carried away from the home and not into areas where it can damage carpets, walls, or belongings. The water is then directed towards the lateral line or storm drain.

Once the piping system has been laid, soil cloth is placed around the pipe to filter soil and other debris from entering the pipe.

Next, drain rock (gravel) is poured into the trench. Drain rock will facilitate the surface water to drain directly to the piping system, while any other material, such as clay or soil, would either prohibit or block the water from easily entering.

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7. 9. 10.All drain lines are will be properly graded when installed. Meaning, the correct slope will be determined and pipe will be laid accordingly in order to allow for the best flow of water away from the home.

All trenches will be backfilled to grade with backfill, road base and/or soil depending on desired final finish. In areas where concrete must be replaced, road base is used to backfill. Our vast knowledge of concrete allows us to prepare your excavated areas so that your concrete can be installed properly without any sinking that could cause cracking to the concrete.

Cleanouts, or pipe access points, will be installed allowing for optimal maintenance and inspection of the pipe system in the future. All work completed by Flintstones will be installed to meet current BC building code.

Correctly preparing the ground for concrete means compacting the ground with proper equipment and tools, such as the jumping jack and one thousand pound plate compactor we own and use. Properly backfilling prevents sinking and pipe movement.

Whether concrete was removed in order to install drainage, or you just want to update the look of your home, yard or driveway, Flintstones can do the job!

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Catch basins, or inlets, and surface drains used in conjunction with a drain pipe system will remove large amounts of surface water from an affected area. These are typically used in low areas of turf landscapes, hardscapes, driveways, and parking lots.

Channel (or California) drains are linear surface drains connected together to a length appropriate for the specific installation. Runoff water collected in the drain is discharged to end outlets, or catch basins all of which are connected to drain pipe.

Channel systems operate on the same principle as a roof gutter. Instead of grading a deck surface to a low area, the deck is gradually sloped in one direction or plane, and the channel drain acts as a perimeter drain at the edge of the slope.

surface drains

SURFACE DRAINS

A sump pump works to redirect water away from your property. Ground water is collected

by drain rock and drain tile buried along the foundation (and, in some cases, under the floor).

Drain tile carries the water to the sump tank (or two sump tanks, in a large house) that is

buried in the basement floor. Sometimes, sump pumps can be installed on the exterior of

the home.

sump pumps

SUMP BASIN HOUSING AN EXTERIOR SUMP PUMP

INTERIOR SUMP PUMP

We’re foundation experts. That means that we can solve any issue that we may come across when exposing the base of your home during the installation of perimeter drains. Sometimes, we find problems such as cracked, deteriorating, or improperly poured foundations that require attention. We’ve got the team to tackle any issue and we’ll make sure your home is sitting on a strong base that is built to last. These restoration methods include shotcrete, where concrete is applied to a foundation with strong force and smoothed over to create a crack-free and strengthened base of the home, as well as traditional underpinning, where the foundation is rebuilt from the bottom up when major restoration is required.

foundation & Building envelope restoration

BuIlding envelope restoration

ROTTED FOUNDATION

CUT OUT ROT RESTORING THE FOUNDATION

WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE APPLIED DIMPLE BOARD (AIR GAP MEMBRANE) APPLIED

WIRE MESH APPLIED AND READY FOR STUCCO

Stone foundation restoration

LEAKING STONE FOUNDATION

SPRAY FOAM SEALS AND INSULATES

CONCRETE UNDERPINNING

APPLYING SEALANT

SEALED AND REPAIRED

MAJOR FOUNDATION ROT

WOOD & CONCRETE FOUNDATION REPLACEMENT

MAJOR FOUNDATION ROT

FORMING SUPPORTING THE FOUNDATION WITH REBAR

SUPPORTING WITH REBAR POURED CONCRETE TO REPLACE FOUNDATION

REPLACED FOUNDATION AND NEWLY INSTALLED PVC DRAIN PIPEREPLACED CONCRETE FOUNDATION

COMPLETE REPLACED FOUNDATION AND NEW PATIO

The application of parging over the foundation walls will smooth out any imperfections as well as protect your home from the weather. When Flintstones inspects your drains, we also inspect your foundation for any necessary structural upgrades. Our vast experience working throughout Greater Victoria has allowed us to face challenges on a wide variety of homes. The bulk of homes in need of foundation repair and or structural upgrades are typically older homes in areas such as Oak Bay, Rockland, Fairfield and James Bay. Some of these older homes have foundations that are constructed of stone and mortar.They are then either formed or pointed with concrete or mortar on the inside walls which in some cases is almost 100 years old. We are able to deploy a variety of techniques to help repair or restore your foundation and provide structural upgrades no matter the original construction – concrete, stone or block.

BEFORE

foundation parging

AFTER

SHOTCRETE

underpinning

COMMERCIAL UNDERPINNING

UNDERPINNING CONCRETE BLOCK SUPPORT

WHEN CONCRETE IS POURED IT CREATES A NEW FOUNDATION RESTORATION COMPLETE

CONCRETE STAPLES

FOUNDATION ROT

BOULDERS

OIL TANK HYDRO VAC/ROOTS

CONTAMINATED SOIL

EXCLUSIONS We understand the importance of being upfront and realistic when it comes to larger projects such as perimeter drain systems and foundation restoration. When renovating older or existing homes, it’s nearly impossible to determine the full extent of work some projects require to complete. That’s why Flintstones, with our many years of experience and thousands of completed projects, clearly outline in detail what will be included, what is not included, and what issues may be likely to arise that require additional costs before any work takes place. We keep you informed and involved in the communication from start to finish, providing the best value for your money that you expect with no surprises.

engineeringOn a daily basis, we at Flintstones require engineers who are experienced in renovations and older homes. These include civil, structural, mechanical, geotechnical and hydrotechnical. Whether it be because we need to install a drain pit or sump pump, or we come across a particularly challenging structure or landscape to work around, we can do so with confidence due to our invaluable network of detail-oriented engineers who are particularly well-versed in this area and more.

CURTAIN DRAINS

beyond drainage...Our expertise does not stop at drainage. We create beautiful outdoor living areas, patios, driveways and more while we are already there at your home. Why not take advantage?

We’re not only drainage experts, but concrete and landscape experts, too. This is a major

advantage when it comes to ensuring that your perimeter

drain job is completed to perfection and no issues arise

down the road.

Landscape Design & build

MASONRY WORK

why choose flintstones?

We have our own 1000 pound plate compactor and vehicle to transport it. We also have our own waste collection bins and specialty truck to deliver and remove them from your property. We are proud to have our own specialty equipment and vehicles such as these, but it sets us apart and allows us to do the job right the first time, both quickly and efficiently. We’ve figured out the safest and most efficient methods including using the HydroVac method to remove soil around delicate or protected tree roots. Our range of equipment, vehicles, and large, dedicated team, are all factors in how we can deliver high quality results and value for your money that you expect (stress-free!).

“Sheila and I recommend Flintstones without hesitation for their brilliant service. They live up to their motto of Do it Once. Do it Right. Our house is built on rock at the bottom of a slope. There have been drainage problems for years with numerous contractors trying to make permanent solutions. The last attempt worked until a sump pump seized during a flood. We called Flintstones for help knowing nothing about them and Mike the boss turned up straightway, diagnosed the problem, removed the faulty pump and replaced it. A great relief. Mike offered to send us a proposal if we wanted which we accepted. The proposal included a complete design and layout which was explained to us in detail to ensure we understood it. In came a crew of happy, pleasant coordinated workers working non-stop. Of particular note was the care to protect the house from dust and dirt and the handling of plants and turf and our two dogs who grew to love them. When the workers left the grass and plants had been replaced and with a few weeks of dry weather no-one will know what had been done. We now have peace of mind. The new sump pumps can handle volumes of drain water far greater then we will ever experience, is silent, connects with a rebuilt drainage system (9 feet down!) which feeds into the fresh water drain and not illegally into the sewer. Plus we can now go away with confidence since even a power failure in the middle of a storm will be handled by the backup battery system.” – Geoff

“Several cracks in the foundation of our 102-year old Fairfield home, too much surface runoff, and the general trend towards wetter winters led us to Flintstones’ website. But it was the immediate response to our request for an inspection and the thoroughness of our initial consultation that made us decide to work with this company. The Flintstones crew, after some digging, discovered that we had no perimeter drains, as is common in our neighbourhood, so it was a big job that we soon agreed upon. Thankfully, all digging was done by hand, resulting in minimal disruption to our garden, which was very important to us. We were impressed by the number of skilled, hard-working men Flintstones brought to the task and by the co-ordination of the job by the project manager. Good communication, a high-level of professionalism, and completion of a project to a standard above-and-beyond what is to code, kept the City inspectors happy and ourselves delighted. We highly recommend this company.” – Dorothy

“Our experience with Flintstones has been excellent. We have had them around our house to do quite a bit of repair work. We started with a refacing of our fireplace in the living room, the job was done beautifully with a minimum of mess and disruption of our house. Then we moved on to a repair of the brick facing on the front of the house this led to the discovery that the perimeter drains were collapsed. We started the repairs and were told right up front of the price for the first half of the house and that they would check the other half when they could get to it as some digging was required. With each step things were set out very clearly and honestly and the price that was quoted was the price that stayed no up selling or hidden costs. Finally we had 2 new chimneys built and a new brick planter added to the front of the house, again done with expertise and care. All of the onsite crews for all of the jobs were polite and skilled. They cleaned up behind themselves and left the site cleaner then they found it. I would recommend this company to anyone who asks and will certainly have them back to do more work should the need arise.” – Nancy

what our clients are saying...

www.flintstonesmasonry.com

Flintstones Masonry 520 Ardersier RdVictoria, BC, CanadaV8Z 1C7

Contact UsTel. 250 880 1188Fax. 250 590 1727email. info@flintstonesmasonry.com

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If there is mold in your home or you have any warning signs there is moisture present it is imperative you have it looked at immediately. The team at Flintstones has you covered, with many solutions available to aid your home or workplace.

Call our office today to have a trained professional assess your situation and come up with an effective solution.