Exterior Foundation Repair
Stop water at the source. A-Proseal excavates around your foundation, applies waterproof membranes, and installs exterior drainage to keep water out of your basement for good.
The Most Complete Way to Waterproof Your Foundation
Exterior foundation repair attacks water problems at the source, before water ever reaches your basement wall. While interior waterproofing manages water after it gets inside, exterior waterproofing stops it from getting through in the first place. For many Chicago homes, this is the most thorough and long-lasting solution available.
The process starts with carefully excavating the soil around your foundation down to the footer. Once exposed, we clean the wall, repair any cracks, and apply a thick waterproof membrane that creates a permanent barrier between the soil and your concrete. We also install an exterior French drain along the footer to catch and redirect groundwater before it puts pressure on your walls.
Chicago's clay soil is the main reason so many homes need this kind of protection. Clay holds water like a sponge and pushes it against your foundation with tremendous force. An exterior membrane and drain system takes that pressure away and gives water an easy path to drain safely.
A-Proseal has been doing exterior foundation work across Chicagoland since 2000. Our crew handles every step, from excavation to backfill. We protect your landscaping, work around utilities, and leave your yard looking clean when we are done.
Get Your Free Estimate
Signs You May Need Exterior Foundation Repair
These problems often mean water is attacking your foundation from the outside.
How We Do Exterior Foundation Repair
Inspection and Planning
We inspect your foundation inside and out. We check for cracks, water damage, soil conditions, and drainage issues. Then we map out the excavation plan, identify utility lines, and give you a detailed estimate before we start any work.
Excavation
We carefully dig down to the base of your foundation, exposing the full wall. We protect your landscaping, deck, walkways, and utility lines during the dig. The exposed wall is then cleaned and prepared for the waterproofing membrane.
Membrane and Drainage
We apply a thick waterproof membrane to the entire exposed wall. Then we install a dimple board for drainage and lay a French drain pipe along the footer wrapped in filter fabric. This catches groundwater before it ever reaches your wall and redirects it away.
Backfill and Grading
We backfill the trench with clean gravel and soil, compact it properly, and re-grade the surface so water flows away from your foundation. We restore your landscaping and clean up the entire work area. Your yard looks great and your foundation is fully protected.
What You Get With Exterior Foundation Repair
Waterproof Membrane
A heavy-duty membrane is applied directly to your foundation wall. It creates a permanent barrier that stops water, moisture, and soil chemicals from reaching the concrete.
Exterior French Drain
A perforated pipe wrapped in filter fabric is laid along your foundation footer. It catches groundwater at the deepest point and redirects it away from your home through a drainage system.
Proper Grading
We re-grade the soil around your foundation so rainwater flows away from the house instead of pooling next to it. Proper grading is one of the most important parts of exterior waterproofing.
Crack Repair
While the wall is exposed, we repair every crack on the exterior surface. This gives us access to fix damage that cannot be reached from inside and provides a double layer of protection.
Dimple Board Protection
A dimple board is placed over the membrane to create an air gap that allows water to drain down to the footer drain. It also protects the membrane from rocks and roots in the soil.
Written Warranty
Every exterior repair comes with a written warranty. Our waterproofing membrane and drainage system are built to last for the life of your home. If there is ever a problem, we fix it.
Why Chicago Homeowners Trust A-Proseal
Exterior work requires serious expertise. You need a team with the right equipment, training, and experience to do the job safely and correctly. A-Proseal delivers on every project.
Exterior Waterproofing Questions Chicago Homeowners Ask
Each method has its place. Exterior waterproofing stops water before it reaches your wall, making it the most complete solution. Interior waterproofing manages water after it gets inside. In some cases, you may need both. Our team will inspect your home and recommend the best approach based on where the water is coming from and the condition of your foundation.
Most exterior waterproofing projects take three to five days. The timeline depends on the size of the area being excavated, the depth of your foundation, and the soil conditions. We give you a clear schedule before we start so you know exactly what to expect each day.
We do our best to protect your yard. Before digging, we carefully move plants, bushes, and anything else in the work area. After the job, we backfill, re-grade, and restore the area. Some landscaping may need to be replanted, but we work hard to leave your yard looking as good as possible.
We excavate all the way down to the foundation footer, which is usually six to eight feet deep for most Chicago homes. This gives us access to the entire wall surface so we can apply the membrane and install the drain at the lowest point where water collects.
Exterior waterproofing reduces the water pressure that causes bowing. However, if a wall is already bowing inward, it may also need structural support like wall anchors or I-beam bracing. During our inspection, we will tell you if the wall needs structural repair in addition to waterproofing.
Spring through fall is the best time for excavation work in Chicago. The ground needs to be unfrozen so we can dig safely. However, if you have an urgent water problem, we can work year-round in many cases. Contact us and we will figure out the best plan for your situation.
Other Services You Might Need
Basement Waterproofing
Interior drain tile, sump pumps, and wall barriers for homes that need waterproofing from inside. Works great on its own or paired with exterior work.
Learn More
Foundation Repair
Helical piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber for settling and bowing foundations. We can do structural repair and waterproofing at the same time.
Learn More
Discharge Lines
Route sump pump and drain tile water far from your foundation through buried discharge pipes with pop-up emitters.
Learn More