Basement waterproofing
Exterior foundation waterproofing
Exterior waterproofing excavates soil down to the footing, cleans and repairs the wall, applies a waterproof membrane and drainage board, and installs new footer drains before backfilling. It stops water at the outside of the wall.
By calling, you agree to be connected with an independent waterproofing contractor, who may call or text you back about your request at the number you call from. Calls may be recorded for quality and routing. Consent is not a condition of any purchase; you can opt out at any time, and message and data rates may apply. Privacy policy.
- Typical time
- Two to five days per wall or more.
- Repair or replace
- Choose for problem walls or with structural work.
Call about exterior foundation waterproofing
(833) 460-4463By calling, you agree to be connected with an independent waterproofing contractor, who may call or text you back about your request at the number you call from. Calls may be recorded for quality and routing. Consent is not a condition of any purchase; you can opt out at any time, and message and data rates may apply. Privacy policy.
Mention exterior waterproofing and your ZIP.
It's most often used on one problem wall, when walls also need structural work, or when a finished basement makes interior drainage impractical.
Access is the limit: driveways, porches, patios and close neighbors can make excavation difficult.
Exterior Foundation Waterproofing at a glance
- What it is
- Exterior waterproofing excavates soil down to the footing, cleans and repairs the wall, applies a waterproof membrane and drainage board, and installs new footer drains before backfilling.
- Service category
- Basement Waterproofing
What are the signs you need exterior waterproofing help?
- Leaks on one wall
- Wall also needs structural repair
- Finished basement
- Failed exterior footer drains
Quick answers
What should you know about exterior foundation waterproofing first?
How long exterior foundation waterproofing takes
Two to five days per wall or more.
When exterior waterproofing can wait, and when it can't
Planned.
Fix or replace exterior waterproofing?
Choose for problem walls or with structural work.
Why exterior waterproofing happens
Failed membranes and footer drains.
The work
How is exterior foundation waterproofing done, step by step?
- 1
Excavate
Dig to the footing and shore as needed.
- 2
Repair and seal
Clean, patch, membrane and drainage board.
- 3
Drain and backfill
New footer drain, gravel, backfill and grade.
What affects the cost of exterior foundation waterproofing?
Driven by depth, length, access and repairs.
- Depth and length
- Obstacles and landscaping
- Wall repairs
- Drain connection
- Permits
Is this service available near me?
Location is only used to find the service area nearest you. It stays on your device and isn't stored.
Happening right now? 24-hour emergency service is the faster route than a scheduled visit.
What do homeowners ask about exterior foundation waterproofing?
Is exterior waterproofing permanent?
A well-installed membrane and drain last many years, but grading and gutters still matter.
Can one wall be waterproofed from outside?
Yes. Many jobs target just the wall that leaks.
What does exterior waterproofing involve?
Excavating to the footing, cleaning and repairing the wall, applying a waterproof membrane and drainage board, installing new footing drains and backfilling.
What affects the cost of exterior waterproofing?
Depth of the foundation, length of wall, obstacles such as decks, driveways and landscaping, soil type, and wall repairs needed.
When is exterior waterproofing the best option?
When walls need repair from outside, when access is good, or when owners want to stop water before it reaches the wall.
How long does exterior waterproofing take?
Often several days to two weeks depending on depth, length and weather.
Does exterior waterproofing require permits?
Excavation and drainage work may need permits, especially near property lines or utilities. Utility locates are required before digging.
Will my landscaping be damaged?
Areas along the excavated wall are disturbed. Contractors usually restore grading; plantings and hardscape may need replacing.
Where can I verify this information about your area?
- 1USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Web Soil SurveyLook up soil drainage class and shrink-swell potential for any lot in your area.
- 2U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: RadonWhy basements in your area should be tested for radon, and how sealed sumps fit with mitigation.
- 3NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information: U.S. Climate NormalsAverage precipitation, snowfall and temperatures for weather stations near your area.
- 4Federal Trade Commission: Hiring a ContractorWhat to check before hiring: licensing, insurance, written estimates and payment terms.
Service area
Where is exterior foundation waterproofing available?
Where exterior foundation waterproofing is most often needed
- Washington, DC
English basement leaks
Available in every state
Calls are connected with an independent contractor that serves your ZIP code, anywhere in the U.S.
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Mountain West & Southwest
Arizona · Colorado · Idaho · Montana · Nevada · New Mexico · Utah · Wyoming
Pacific Coast & Northwest
Alaska · California · Hawaii · Oregon · Washington
Related
Which services are often paired with exterior foundation waterproofing?
Interior Drainage Systems
An interior drainage system (interior drain tile or French drain) is a perforated pipe installed in a trench along the inside perimeter of the basement floor.
Learn more
Bowing Basement Wall Repair
Bowing wall repair stabilizes basement walls pushed inward by soil pressure, using wall anchors through the wall into the yard, steel beams from floor to joists, or carbon fiber straps bonded to the wall.
Learn more
Yard Drainage, Grading & Downspouts
Yard drainage keeps rain and snowmelt away from the foundation: extending or burying downspouts, regrading soil to slope away from the house, and installing French drains or catch basins where water pools.
Learn moreGuides
What should you read before calling?
Call about exterior waterproofing
Failed membranes and footer drains.
By calling, you agree to be connected with an independent waterproofing contractor, who may call or text you back about your request at the number you call from. Calls may be recorded for quality and routing. Consent is not a condition of any purchase; you can opt out at any time, and message and data rates may apply. Privacy policy.