Exterior Basement Waterproofing

AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing® is an established waterproofing contractor serving the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
We provide permanent basement waterproofing solutions for all foundation types, including
exterior basement waterproofing when conditions require an external repair.

Exterior waterproofing is widely used because it can be highly effective when done properly.
The real difference is not the concept itself, but the execution — correct surface preparation,
proper materials, and verified drainage performance.

When exterior basement waterproofing is required

Exterior basement waterproofing is typically required when:

• There is significant exterior deterioration of the foundation wall.
• Access from the inside is not possible or not desirable.
• A below-grade issue requires exterior repair and drainage work to address the cause.

If you’re not sure whether exterior excavation is the most viable option for your situation, we invite you to contact us. We’ll help you confirm the best approach and explain other waterproofing methods available for your foundation and the nature of the problem.

Our proven exterior waterproofing process

At AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing®, external excavation and waterproofing is executed in the following steps:

1. Excavate the foundation wall down to the footing.
2. Remove existing weeping tile in the excavated area (as required for proper replacement and drainage).
3. Clean and prepare the foundation wall to ensure strong adhesion of the coating.
4. Apply foundation coating (we use an elastomeric rubber coating).
5. Install an air-gap membrane / foundation wrap / dimpled sheet membrane (for damp-proofing and protection).
6. Install new weeping tile
   (drain tile) and gravel.
7. Confirm the entire system drains adequately.

Important note: Exterior waterproofing results vary widely based on materials, detailing,
and drainage verification. Poor outcomes are most often linked to improper preparation or shortcuts,
particularly when specialized waterproofing work is treated as general excavation.

What an exterior waterproofing job looks like

Below are examples of a typical external excavation and waterproofing job, from excavation to wall protection prior to backfilling:

Appearance of excavated poured concrete wall with visible footing

The waterproof rubber coating applied to exterior surface of a foundation wall prevents water from penetrating the wall

Appearance of waterproofed foundation wall prior to backfilling

Are you specifically considering exterior waterproofing for concrete block / cinder block foundation walls? For detailed procedures specific to that foundation type, see our Concrete Block Foundation Waterproofing page.