Basement Waterproofing Services

Foundation Waterproofing

Stopping Water at the Source

When water gets into your basement, it came from somewhere outside. The grade isn’t moving water away from the house. Drainage has failed or never worked. The foundation wall has cracks or weak spots. Water sits against the wall every time it rains.

Interior systems can redirect water once it’s already inside. Exterior basement waterproofing stops it before it gets through the wall. That’s the only approach SBW uses.

Not sure yet if you have a waterproofing problem? Signs You May Need Waterproofing

Demonstration of exterior foundation waterproofing installation along a house foundation wall

HOW IT WORKS

The SBW System

Every exterior basement waterproofing job follows the same sequence. Each step prepares the way for the next.

Excavation

We dig down to the base of the foundation wall. That’s what allows us to see the full picture: the wall condition, existing drainage, and what actually needs to be done.

Wall Prep and Foundation Sealing

The wall is cleaned, dried, and inspected. If there are cracks, Rafael addresses them before waterproofing begins. Smaller cracks get Thoroseal. Larger ones may need rebar reinforcement and concrete first. Foundation sealing is part of the prep, not a separate service.

Waterproofing Membrane

Once the wall is ready, the Rub-R-Wall waterproofing membrane is applied directly to the exterior surface. It bonds to the wall and stays flexible over time.

Membrane Protection

A protective plastic layer goes over the membrane, followed by insulation sheets to shield it from rocks, gravel, and ground movement during backfill. Seams and top edges are sealed with flashing tape.

Drainage

Depending on foundation depth, water volume, and site conditions, drainage may include dimple board, J-drain, PVC pipe with filter fabric, or gravel. SBW uses PVC where possible because it holds up better than corrugated pipe over the long term. Drainage keeps water from sitting against the wall after the job is done.

Backfill and Final Grading

The area is backfilled and graded so water moves away from the foundation. If water runs back toward the house, the rest of the system has to work harder. Grading is the last step and one of the most important.

See How We Manage the Work

What a Complete Job May Include

Every foundation is different. The exact scope depends on what Rafael finds during the assessment. A complete exterior basement waterproofing job may include:

Excavation to the base of the foundation wall

Hand digging or machine excavation depending on access and depth

Wire brushing and surface prep

Foundation crack repair where needed

Thoroseal or rebar and concrete for larger cracks

Rub-R-Wall waterproofing membrane applied to the exterior wall

Protective plastic layer over the membrane

Insulation sheets to protect the membrane before backfill

Drainage at the base of the wall

Flashing tape on seams and top edges

Backfill and final grading

You don’t need to know which of these your home needs before you call. That’s what the assessment is for.

The Difference

Why Exterior Waterproofing,
Not Interior

Interior waterproofing systems manage water after it’s already inside. They can limit damage, but they don’t address what’s happening at the wall.

Exterior basement waterproofing is different. By exposing the foundation, Rafael can see the actual wall condition, repair what needs attention, apply the membrane to the exterior surface, and install drainage so water has a clear path away from the foundation.

The goal isn’t to manage water. It’s to stop it.