Exterior Waterproofing

Exterior basement waterproofing helps keep your basement dry and your foundation structurally sound. The idea between exterior waterproofing is to seal water out and, at the same time, maintain the structural integrity of your home.

Waterproofing is important because excess water poses structural risks to your home and health risks to your family. Excess water leads to high humidity conditions which, in turn, leads to water-logged foundation walls, wood rot, and structural failure. Plus, the presence of moisture in your dark, damp basement creates an ideal breeding ground for mold growth, pest infestation and the spread of disease.

Look out for common signs of water damage: mold growth, sagging floors, and foundation cracks. Once you notice any—or all—of these warning signs, call us immediately.

Once you contact Helitech Waterproofing & Foundation Repair, we’ll schedule a free consultation with you, the homeowner. We’ll look at your home and discuss the problems you’ve been experiencing, which will give us the information we need to develop a customized waterproofing plan. And we even present you with a free estimate before commencing work.

Schedule an obligation-free consultation today and find out how to promote the health of your home.

Exterior basement waterproofing products: Damp-proof vs. waterproof

Waterproofing is a bit of a misleading name—some of the best exterior foundation waterproofing systems are damp-proof rather than water-proof.

Not all of the best exterior foundation waterproofing systems are technically waterproof. See, there’s an important distinction between damp-proof and waterproof products.

Waterproof, by definition, means that a product that completely prevents water infiltration. In fact, many ”waterproofing products” control the flow of moisture through the substrate, but doesn’t stop it altogether. Damp proofing keeps the buildup of hydrostatic pressure and water leaks under control but doesn’t necessarily keep all water out.

The minimal amount of water that makes it through your concrete wall will flow out through the ”weep holes” at the footing of your home or collected by your sump pump. And, to prevent excess water from reaching your foundation in the first place, it’s a good idea to have a comprehensive yard drainage system in place.

How to install the best exterior foundation waterproofing systems

It’s certainly easier to waterproof the exterior of your foundation at the time your home is being built than afterward. But, at Helitech Waterproofing & Foundation Repair, we are able to cost-effectively waterproof your home no matter the condition. Before we start any work, we will present you with a free estimate for the necessary work.

Although the specific details of a waterproofing project vary from home to home, this is the general process:

1. We will excavate the dirt along your foundation
   We will begin your exterior basement waterproofing project by digging up the dirt directly surrounding your foundation down to its footing. This will give us the necessary workspace to apply your waterproof or damp proof coating.
2. Then we’ll clean your foundation and leave it to dry
   Once your walls are uncovered, we will thoroughly clean your foundation walls to ensure there is a clean substrate for the coating application.
3. Our technicians will apply the water- or damp-proof coating, membrane or spray
   There are many product choices for damp proofing. Many plastic products are often waterproof, as are rubber-based products. Asphalt sprays and coatings, however, are just damp proof. We’ll guide you toward the right product for your home’s particular waterproofing needs.
4. We’ll install the Hydraway drainage system along the footing of your foundation wall
   Lastly, we will install Hydraway’s drainage system—which never clogs—at the footing of your foundation. Your basement and foundation walls will inevitably get wet—during a storm, after a plumbing leak, etc.—and it needs an exit route. Your sump pump, outdoor drainage system and the Hydraway system will ensure that any excess moisture has a way out.

Prevent leaks with downspout gutters

To avoid leaks in your basement and cracks in your foundation, water needs to be directed away from your home. If there’s no water pooling where it shouldn’t, then there are no leaks!

Fully protect your home from water damage and the subsequent foundation problems by installing a downspout drainage system. It’ll direct any excess water along a sloped path away from your house.