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Exterior Foundation Waterproofing

Void Filling – Using Polyurethane to Fill, Stabilize and Reinforce Open Spaces, such as: Under Concrete Slabs, Concrete Leveling, Driveways, Sidewalks, Walkways and Patios, Under Structures Both Commercial and Residential, Porches and Stairs

Exterior Foundation Waterproofing in Southeastern Michigan

Exterior Waterproofing for Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Foundations

Exterior foundation waterproofing is used to address water intrusion by sealing and protecting the outside of the foundation wall.

What Exterior Foundation Waterproofing Is

Exterior foundation waterproofing is a repair approach that addresses water intrusion at the outside surface of the foundation.


Instead of managing water after it enters, this method focuses on stopping it at the source by sealing and protecting the exterior wall.


It is often used when conditions outside the foundation are contributing to water intrusion and interior solutions alone are not sufficient.

What Exterior Foundation Waterproofing Fixes

Exterior foundation waterproofing is used to address water intrusion problems that develop along the outside of foundation walls where groundwater and surrounding soil place moisture against the structure.


Exterior waterproofing may be used to address issues such as:

In some cases, property owners choose exterior waterproofing as a preventative measure to add protection before water intrusion issues develop.

Why Water Builds Up Around Foundation Walls

Water buildup around foundation walls is typically caused by saturated soil and poor drainage near the structure.

When soil becomes saturated from rain, snowmelt, or groundwater, pressure builds against the foundation. This pressure, known as hydrostatic pressure, can force water through cracks, joints, and porous materials.


Common causes include:

  • Saturated soil from heavy rainfall or poor drainage
  • Improper grading that allows water to collect near the structure
  • Soil settlement that changes how water flows toward the foundation
  • Clogged or ineffective exterior drainage systems
  • Deteriorated or missing exterior waterproofing materials


When water remains in contact with the foundation, the risk of intrusion increases.


Exterior foundation waterproofing addresses this by sealing and protecting the foundation at the point where pressure occurs.

Want to understand what is causing water to build up around your foundation?

How Our Exterior Foundation Waterproofing Repair Works

Each project is tailored to the specific conditions at the property. Exterior waterproofing may be completed in targeted areas or around the full perimeter, depending on what is needed to properly address the issue.


When needed, drainage components such as drain tile, cleanouts, or tied-in systems may be included as part of the repair.


The process generally involves:

Permits are obtained when required, and all work is completed in accordance with local building codes.


At Suburban Basement, we focus on addressing the source of the problem, not just the symptoms, for a long-term solution.

Applications for Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Properties

Exterior foundation waterproofing can be applied across a wide range of structures when conditions at the exterior foundation require direct access. Repairs may be completed in targeted areas or as a full perimeter system, depending on the structure, site conditions, and your preferences.

Residential Homes

Best for: Basement wall leaks caused by soil moisture and groundwater pressure


Examples include:

  • Homeowners experiencing water seepage along basement walls
  • Homes with poor exterior drainage or grading issues
  • Older foundations with deteriorated exterior waterproofing
  • Homeowners looking for added protection before issues develop

Commercial Buildings

Best for: Multi-unit and occupied structures requiring controlled excavation and targeted repairs


Examples include:

  • Apartment and multi-unit housing properties
  • Office buildings with below-grade spaces
  • Properties requiring minimal disruption during repairs
  • Structures with recurring water intrusion along foundation walls

Industrial Facilities

Best for: Large or complex structures with groundwater exposure


Examples include:

  • Warehouses and storage facilities
  • Manufacturing or processing plants
  • Facilities with large or deep foundation systems
  • Sites with ongoing groundwater or drainage challenges

Exterior foundation waterproofing is a flexible repair approach that can be adapted to different building types, helping address water intrusion conditions at the exterior foundation wall regardless of the size or complexity of the structure.

Why Choose Suburban Basement for Exterior Foundation Waterproofing

Exterior foundation waterproofing requires identifying the source of the problem and determining whether exterior access is necessary.


Suburban Basement provides practical, condition-based solutions designed for long-term performance.


Why property owners choose us:

We determine how and where water is affecting the foundation before recommending a solution.

Repairs are recommended based on actual conditions, not as a one-size-fits-all approach.

Residential, commercial, and industrial foundation experience.

Added confidence in long-term performance.

Suburban Basement

Locally Owned
Independently Operated
Licensed & Insured
For Over 20 Years

Serving: Southeastern Michigan

Looking to stop ground water entry?

We’re here to help. Get your free assessment today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is exterior waterproofing recommended instead of interior solutions?

Exterior waterproofing is typically recommended when water intrusion is being caused by conditions outside the foundation that cannot be reliably addressed from inside the structure alone. Exterior waterproofing is typically recommended when water intrusion is being caused by conditions outside the foundation that cannot be reliably addressed from inside the structure alone. This may include groundwater pressure, deteriorated exterior materials, or situations where addressing the problem at the source provides a more reliable long-term solution.

Does exterior foundation waterproofing require excavation?

Yes, exterior foundation waterproofing requires excavation along the affected portion of the foundation to access the area where water intrusion is occurring. Depending on the conditions, excavation may be limited to a targeted area or extended along the full perimeter of the structure.

Can exterior waterproofing be done on just one section of the foundation?

Yes, exterior foundation waterproofing can be performed on a specific area of the foundation when water intrusion is isolated to one location. In other cases, a larger portion or full perimeter may be recommended based on the overall conditions and how water is interacting with the structure.

How long does exterior foundation waterproofing last?

When properly installed, exterior foundation waterproofing is designed to provide long-term protection against water intrusion. At Suburban Basement, this service is backed by a full warranty, providing additional confidence in the durability and performance of the repair.

How much does exterior foundation waterproofing cost in Michigan?

The cost of exterior foundation waterproofing can vary depending on factors such as the length of the foundation being excavated, site accessibility, soil conditions, and whether structural repairs are needed. Because each situation is different, the best way to determine cost is through an assessment of the specific conditions at the property.

How disruptive is exterior foundation waterproofing?

Exterior waterproofing involves excavation, which can temporarily impact landscaping and access around the structure. Care is taken to limit disruption where possible and restore the area after the repair is completed, while also supporting proper drainage conditions around the foundation.

Will exterior waterproofing prevent all basement water issues?

Exterior waterproofing is designed to stop water intrusion at the source along the foundation. However, additional factors such as interior drainage systems, plumbing issues, or surface water conditions may also need to be addressed depending on the situation. A full evaluation helps determine the most effective approach.

Do I need exterior waterproofing or is there another solution?

Not every situation requires exterior waterproofing. In some cases, interior systems or targeted repairs may be more appropriate depending on how and where water is entering. The most effective approach is determined by evaluating the conditions at the property and identifying the source of the problem before recommending a solution. A full evaluation helps determine the most effective approach.

Exterior Waterproofing Glossary​
Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure is the force created when water builds up in the soil surrounding a foundation. As pressure increases, it can push moisture through cracks or porous areas of the foundation.

A waterproofing membrane is a protective material applied to the exterior surface of a foundation to create a barrier against groundwater and moisture intrusion.

Excavation is the process of removing soil around a foundation to expose the exterior so repairs and waterproofing can be performed.

A foundation crack is an opening in the foundation that can allow water to enter the structure. Cracks may form due to settlement, pressure, or changes in soil conditions.

Soil saturation occurs when the ground around a foundation becomes fully or heavily soaked with water, increasing pressure against the structure and the likelihood of moisture intrusion.

Exterior drainage conditions refer to how water flows and collects around a structure based on grading, soil type, and drainage systems. Poor drainage can lead to water buildup along the foundation.

Targeted waterproofing refers to applying exterior waterproofing to a specific section of the foundation where a problem has been identified, rather than addressing the entire structure.

Full perimeter waterproofing involves excavating and waterproofing the entire foundation. This approach may be recommended when conditions affect multiple areas or the full structure.

Groundwater is water that exists within the soil surrounding a foundation. When it comes into contact with the structure, it can contribute to water intrusion if not properly managed.

Foundation settlement is the movement of a structure caused by changes in the soil beneath or around it. This movement can affect drainage patterns and create conditions that allow water to collect near the foundation.

EXTERIOR FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING PHOTOS

The examples below show exterior foundation waterproofing in progress, including coating, crack repair, drainage installation, membrane protection, and other steps used to help stop water before it reaches the structure.

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