When your basement was built the foundation contractor installed a drain system and waterproofed the walls. Including exterior basement waterproofing, correct? Well, maybe. Way too often home builders will only use damp proofing methods instead of waterproofing methods. This spray on material looks like true waterproofing emulsion, but is watered down and not nearly as thick. The next thing that many home builders do poorly is their installation of the perimeter drain. Way too often they will use corrugated pipe as a perimeter drain because the excavation is not graded for proper drainage.
This corrugated pipe runs up and down the peaks and valleys along the bottom of the excavation and then cover this piping with extra plumber rock. Plumbers rock is too small and there generally is not enough to properly cover the drainage system. Finally it is time to backfill. As everyone knows, that have been is to a new construction site, there is trash, building waste and un-compacted soil used for backfill. All of these things contribute to an exterior basement waterproofing system that does not last for more than about 7-10 years.
The number one thing needed to properly waterproofing the exterior of a structure is – care. Yes, you must care. You must use proper materials, take your time and have pride in the workmanship. Without these things your home will not be waterproofed correctly.
Moisture is transferred from the outside of the building to the basement interior by four primary mechanisms. First, water flow. Water takes the path of least resistance, if this is into your basement, then that is where the water will flow. Second, capillary action. Concrete is a porous material, it is very hard yet porous. Think of capillary action being like a wick. As concrete sets in water, this water is absorbed by the concrete until it becomes complete saturated and then disperses moisture and water vapor to the inside of the home.
Next is vapor diffusion. Vapor diffusion is much like capillary suction, except with water vapor. Water vapor only needs the smallest of openings to penetrate a structure and raise humidity levels. Lastly, air movement. Any time that a door or window is opened not only are you bringing air in to the home but you are pulling air from the basement to the upper living levels. This is known as stack effect. Your home acts like a chimney drawing air from the bottom toward the top. 40% of the air we breathe in our homes comes from the basement.
If exterior water is making its way into your basement or crawlspace you are in the need of proper exterior waterproofing. To properly waterproof your home it will need to be excavated. The footing will need to be exposed and all exterior issues will need to be dealt with.
Foundation walls will need to be cleaned and then a spray or roll on polymer waterproofing product will need to be applied. Once dry, this coating will need to be covered with a dimple board product. The dimple board protects your newly sealed surface and also allows better water flow downward. The next step is to install a drain pipe system that is properly sloped for continuous drainage. This slope can be to a sump pit or to daylight, depending on the site layout. Now the drain pipe is covered with a ¾” clean rock. This rock backfill can be from 1’ up to 60% of the wall height, depending on the soil conditions. On top of the rock a non-woven geo-textile material is wrapped to help filter soil without clogging. After the geo-textile material installation soil backfill can begin. This soil needs to be native clayey soils that resist water intrusion. Backfilling with loose soils creates a highway for the water opposed to clay soils that force water away.
Proper exterior waterproofing is no small chore and should not be attempted by unqualified people. You are protecting your home and the job should be done correctly and provide a permanent solution to your home. Remember that exterior wall waterproofing cannot prevent water from moving deeply below your foundation walls. This water can move through your basement or crawlspace floor. In these cases an interior drainage system will complement your exterior efforts, not replace them. An interior drainage system is not waterproofing. Interior drain systems are water management agents that relieve excess water from around and under your foundation.
Keep in mind that if your are moving the exterior water to a sump pump system, this system must be up to the task. Modern sump pumps, battery backup sump pumps and high quality sump basins are available to remove this collected water away from your home.
Foundation drain tile systems are the means by which groundwater is transported away from your basements foundation and floor. If you want a dry basement and a sound foundation, you must have an adequate foundation drainage system.
For more information, contact our local basement waterproofing expert today!
Dampness and mildew produce stall unpleasant smell. They also provide an excellent condition for the propagation of mold. Mold infestation results in respiratory complications like asthma and coughs. Such conditions are harmful to the entire households, with their effects more pronounced on children and pets. To guide against such occurrence, it is recommended that premises are kept dry and airy, through exterior water proofing.
Basements are normally put to use, either as storage area, garage, living, study or bedroom room. When dampness occurs, the utilization of such space is diminished in that the environmental therein, turns unhealthy. To fully enjoy usage of such space as well as protect furniture and other valuables from the inherent rot associated with dampness, exterior waterproofing is recommended. It helps restore your home to its former glory.
You may use interior waterproofing to address the problem of damp basement. However, this only works on the interior space meaning the exterior surfaces are still exposed to water. Interior waterproofing will deal with the problem of moisture from inside the house. What this means is that the exterior will continue getting in contact with water. It may penetrate the walls and reach the basement after sometime.
When you have exterior waterproofing, you’re trying to actually stop the problem. You are preventing water from getting in to contact with the exterior wall surfaces. This is an ultimate solution because it can also protect the interior of the house.
If water still collects on the external wall it will breach the structural integrity of the home structure. When exterior waterproofing solution by Aquatec is provided, it provides protection against water reaching the external walls, thereby ensuring a dry, damp-free walls even during the rainy seasons. If this is undertaken together with drainage improvement works, the walls are completely protected against water logging, enabling them to function properly and offer the protection needed.
Foundations, columns and walls are intended to support the building structure. When water pooling occurs in these areas, they compromise their structural strength, thereby subjecting the building to cracks and possible structural failures. Continuous disintegration of the structure could lead to condemnation of the building. In order to guide against such possibilities, exterior waterproofing solutions is recommended.
Exterior waterproofing offers the best possible solution to wet basement problem. Once done, it protects the foundations, walls and basement. This is in stark contrast with other solutions which are short term in nature and provides only patch work approach to solving the water pooling problems. For example, although you can use interior waterproofing, it leaves the external surfaces like walls and foundations still exposed to water and moisture. Aquatech Waterproofing will deal with your wet basement problem and provide a permanent solution through exterior waterproofing.
Poorly drained buildings are hard to sell or lease however good the neighborhood. You may have noticed that when looking for a premise, the first investigation is to visit the basement and smell its surrounding. Property owners with leaky walls are left with disadvantageous lease terms or sales offers (in case they get to have any).
With exterior waterproofing solution, the value of the property appreciates instantly and the owner has full command on the leasing and selling pricing, being that the property attracts high net worth customers. Exterior waterproofing solution therefore, offers a great return on investment.
Investing in basement waterproofing is essential for protecting your home’s structural integrity. While costs vary based on the severity of the leaky basement, professional exterior solutions typically offer the highest return on investment by preventing water from ever reaching your foundation.
The total price for a wet basement fix depends on the method and the linear footage of your foundation.
| Method | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Best For |
| Exterior Basement Waterproofing | $100 – $250+ per linear foot | Severe leaks & full foundation protection |
| Interior Drain Tile System | $70 – $150 per linear foot | Managing hydrostatic pressure from inside |
| Crack Injection (Epoxy/Polyurethane) | $400 – $800 per crack | Minor, localized leaks in concrete walls |
| Sump Pump Installation | $1,500 – $3,500 | Redirecting water away from the home |
Depth of Excavation: For exterior basement waterproofing, deeper foundations require more labor and heavy machinery.
Accessibility: Obstacles like decks, porches, or narrow walkways between houses can increase manual labor costs.
Material Quality: Premium rubberized membranes and high-density drainage boards cost more upfront but last decades.
Geographic Location: Rates in high-demand areas like Ontario or Alberta may fluctuate based on local soil conditions and labor availability.
Note: While interior fixes are often cheaper, exterior basement waterproofing is considered the “gold standard” because it stops water before it enters the masonry, preventing long-term freeze-thaw damage.
Would you like a more detailed breakdown of the specific materials used in exterior versus interior systems?
Is a leaky basement turning your home into an indoor pool? Ignoring a wet basement can lead to structural damage and mold. Most issues start from the outside, but with the right exterior basement waterproofing strategies, you can keep your home bone-dry.
If water pools near your foundation, it’s only a matter of time before it seeps in.
The Fix: Re-grade your landscape so soil slopes away from the house. Clean your gutters and extend downspouts at least 5–10 feet from the wall.
Hydrostatic pressure forces water through even the tiniest hairline fractures.
The Fix: Professional basement waterproofing often involves excavating the perimeter to apply a thick elastomeric membrane and high-density drainage boards.
Old or blocked drainage pipes can’t divert water away from your footings.
The Fix: Replace failing clay tiles with modern PVC systems and a clear gravel bed to ensure long-term flow.
Debris-filled window wells trap rain against your basement windows.
The Fix: Install proper drains within the well and add fitted covers to deflect runoff.
Don’t wait for the next storm—investing in exterior basement waterproofing now saves you from the massive costs of structural repair later.
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