Exterior Foundation Sealing & Waterproofing
Exterior foundation waterproofing addresses water at the outside face of the foundation before it reaches the crawl space or basement. The appropriate system depends on where water is coming from, foundation conditions, drainage, grading and available access.
Treat the Exterior Side of the Foundation When Conditions Call for It.
Water visible inside a crawl space or basement may begin outside the structure.
Saturated soil, roof runoff, poor grading and repeated surface-water exposure can keep soil beside a foundation wet. Depending on the construction and access, exposing and waterproofing the exterior foundation wall may be part of the appropriate water-management plan.
We evaluate the source and path of the water before determining whether exterior waterproofing, drainage, grading corrections or a combination of systems makes the most sense.
What We Evaluate
- Where water appears inside the structure
- Exterior soil and grading conditions
- Downspout and roof-water discharge
- Accessible foundation-wall conditions
- Existing cracks, joints and penetrations
- Existing exterior drainage
- Available gravity or pumped discharge
- Excavation and site-access requirements
Why Foundation Walls Become Repeatedly Exposed to Water
Exterior waterproofing works best when the entire water-management problem is considered rather than treating only the location where moisture becomes visible.
Roof Runoff
Downspouts that release concentrated roof water beside the home can repeatedly saturate soil along the foundation.
Surface Grading
Low areas or soil that pitches toward the structure can allow rainwater to collect against foundation walls.
Saturated Soil
Soil that remains wet around the foundation can create persistent moisture exposure even after rainfall has stopped.
Cracks & Joints
Foundation cracks, joints and penetrations can provide locations where exterior water becomes visible inside.
Failed Existing Coatings
Older exterior coatings or waterproofing materials can deteriorate, separate or become damaged over time.
Inadequate Drainage
Waterproofing a wall without providing an appropriate path for recurring water may leave the larger drainage issue unresolved.
From Excavation to Final Grading
Every property is different, but an exterior foundation waterproofing project may include the following steps.
Evaluate
Determine where water is coming from and whether exterior wall waterproofing is appropriate for the conditions.
Excavate
Excavate the required area to expose the accessible exterior foundation surface included in the project scope.
Prepare the Wall
Remove loose soil and debris and prepare the accessible masonry or concrete surface for the specified waterproofing material.
Treat Details
Address accessible cracks, joints or penetrations included in the written project scope before the main waterproofing application.
Apply Waterproofing
Apply the specified exterior waterproofing membrane or compatible coating system to the prepared wall.
Protect, Backfill & Grade
Install drainage or protective components where included, backfill the excavation and restore the affected grade according to the project scope.
Exterior Waterproofing Is More Than a Coating.
The correct scope may combine wall preparation, waterproofing, drainage and exterior water management.
Foundation Preparation
Accessible wall surfaces are prepared so the specified waterproofing system can be applied to an appropriate substrate.
Waterproof Membrane
A compatible waterproofing membrane or coating is applied to the prepared exterior foundation surface according to the project scope.
Crack & Joint Treatment
Accessible cracks, seams and joints may require separate preparation or reinforcement before the primary waterproofing layer.
Drainage / Protection Board
Where appropriate, drainage or protection board can be installed between the waterproofed foundation and surrounding backfill.
Foundation Drainage
Exterior French drainage may be incorporated where conditions require collection and routing of water along the foundation.
Final Grading
Disturbed soil is returned and graded according to the agreed scope so exterior water management is considered as part of the completed project.
Waterproofing and Drainage Solve Different Parts of the Problem.
The wall system addresses water reaching the foundation surface. Exterior drainage and roof-water management address how that water reaches and moves around the structure.
Exterior French Drainage
A French drain can collect water from saturated soil and route it toward an appropriate gravity or pumped discharge location when site conditions require it.
Explore Exterior French Drains →Downspout Drainage
Roof runoff should be evaluated separately from groundwater. Buried solid-pipe downspout systems can move concentrated gutter discharge away from the foundation.
Explore Downspout Drainage →Conditions That May Point Toward Exterior Work
Exterior waterproofing is not automatically required every time water appears inside. The property should be evaluated before excavation is recommended.
We Do Not Treat Every Water Problem the Same Way.
Exterior foundation waterproofing does not automatically correct every source of water around a home. Roof runoff, grading, groundwater, plumbing leaks, interior low points and drainage failures can create different moisture conditions.
The project scope should address the conditions that can reasonably be identified at the property. Work involving major structural foundation repair, engineering, inaccessible conditions or items outside the applicable project scope may require another qualified professional.
Written Coverage for Qualifying Work
Exterior waterproofing projects may include written workmanship or system coverage when identified in the project documents. Warranty duration, covered components, limitations and exclusions depend on the specific materials and scope installed. Manufacturer warranties remain separate where applicable.
Exterior Foundation Waterproofing Service Area
Encapsulation Professionals serves homeowners throughout Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens, Greenwood and surrounding Upstate South Carolina communities.
Water Reaching Your Foundation?
We can evaluate the exterior conditions, drainage, grading and visible water path to determine whether exterior waterproofing should be part of the solution.