Exterior foundation waterproofing in Waterloo, Iowa
Keeping water off the outside of the wall is the most thorough fix and the most disruptive. Here's what's involved.
Exterior waterproofing means excavating along the foundation down to the footing, cleaning the wall, repairing cracks, and applying a waterproof membrane or coating, usually covered by a drainage board. A perforated drain at the footing carries water to a sump pit. The trench is backfilled with soil that drains reasonably well, and the ground is shaped to fall away from the house.
When is excavation worth it?
- You're finishing the basement and want dry walls, not just a dry floor
- One wall leaks badly while the others stay dry
- A block wall needs to be exposed for structural repair anyway
- The old footing drain is crushed, plugged or was tied into the sewer and needs replacing
What makes it harder here?
Mainly water in the trench and the soils themselves. On lower ground, a high water table can fill an open excavation, and the county soil survey notes that soils vary so much from lot to lot that onsite investigation is needed to know what's there. Backfill also matters: heavy, wet soil pushed back against a wall holds water and adds pressure. A good company will explain what it plans to backfill with and which walls are better handled from inside.
What has to happen before digging?
Iowa law requires anyone who digs, homeowner or contractor, to contact Iowa One Call through 811 at least two business days ahead, and the Iowa Utilities Commission recommends calling at least 48 hours before. The utilities then mark their buried lines. Your contractor should place the request and wait for the marks before excavating.
What should I ask?
- What membrane or coating goes on the wall, and how is it protected during backfill?
- Where will the new footing drain empty?
- How will the lawn, plantings, steps and walks be restored?
- What happens to the plan and price if the wall turns out to be damaged?
What affects the price?
- Foundation depth and how many feet of wall are dug out
- Machine access versus hand digging near utilities or tight spaces
- Concrete, steps, decks or landscaping that have to come out and go back
- Wall repairs found once the foundation is exposed
We don't quote prices, and nobody should quote you over the phone. A waterproofing company sets its price after walking the basement, looking at the walls, the floor joint and the sump pit, and checking the gutters, downspouts and grading outside. Until then, any number is a guess.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is exterior waterproofing better than interior drain tile?
It keeps water off the wall, which interior tile doesn't. It also costs more and tears up the yard. Which fits best depends on your walls, your lot and how you plan to use the basement.
Can just one wall be done from outside?
Yes. It's common to excavate only the wall that leaks and leave the others alone or treat them from inside.
Related services
- Interior drain tile
- Sump pumps and backups
- Foundation crack repair
- Window wells, downspouts and grading
More background: Waterloo, Iowa basement water guide.
Damp carpet along the wall, or a sump pump that cycles all night?
Call and a waterproofing company that works in Waterloo and Cedar Falls will come take a look.