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Exterior Foundation Waterproofing & Drainage in Ottawa
Addressing water at the outside face of your foundation, with work planned around access, soil and the season.
Overview
Exterior Foundation Waterproofing & Drainage: what you should know
Exterior waterproofing involves excavating along the foundation so the outside of the wall can be cleaned, repaired, protected with a membrane and given improved drainage at the footing.
Because it involves digging, the right approach depends heavily on the site: access, landscaping, driveways, neighbouring structures, soil and the time of year.
When exterior work may be worth considering
- Water entering through the wall itself, not only at the floor joint
- Water collecting against the foundation after rain
- Failed or missing exterior drainage (weeping tile)
- Poor grading that slopes water toward the house
- Planned landscaping or driveway work near the foundation
Solutions
Exterior waterproofing approaches
Excavation and wall preparation
Soil is removed along the affected section so the wall can be inspected, cleaned and repaired where needed.
Waterproofing membrane
A membrane and drainage layer is applied to the outside of the foundation to manage water against the wall.
Footing drainage
Weeping tile set in clean stone at the footing can collect water and direct it away from the foundation.
Grading and surface water
Backfill, grading and downspout routing are reviewed so surface water is encouraged away from the house.
Illustrative image.
The assessment
How we assess your basement
01
Share your concern
Where the water appears and what is around that wall outside.
02
Assess inside and out
We look at the wall, grading, downspouts and site access.
03
Discuss site conditions
Access, landscaping, utilities and timing all shape the plan.
04
Recommend a suitable approach
Exterior, interior or a combination, based on your site.
Why homeowners call us
Exterior foundation waterproofing & drainage in Ottawa
01
Dedicated exterior waterproofing experts
Specializing in complete perimeter excavation and heavy-duty barrier protection engineered to withstand Ottawa’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rain.
02
Thorough exterior site diagnosis
We assess your yard slope, foundation condition, and soil hydrostatic pressure to design a custom exterior drainage and sealing strategy.
03
Clear, honest site restoration plans
We explain the excavation process, membrane choices, and drainage options in plain terms, giving you a transparent project scope and timeline.
04
Complete membrane & French drain integration
Combining rubberized waterproof membranes, dimple boards, and exterior weeping tiles to direct water safely away from your foundation wall.
FAQ
Exterior Foundation Waterproofing & Drainage questions
Can’t find your question? Call us and we’ll talk it through.
Can exterior waterproofing be done in winter?
It depends on frost depth, weather and the site. Frozen ground and snow can make excavation impractical. We can assess in winter and schedule exterior work for suitable conditions.
Do you have to dig around the whole house?
Not necessarily. Work may focus on the walls where water is entering. The extent is decided after the assessment.
What about my driveway, deck or landscaping?
Structures and landscaping next to the foundation affect access and may need to be removed or worked around. We discuss this during the assessment.
Is exterior waterproofing always better than interior?
Not always. It addresses water at the outside of the wall, but interior drainage may be more practical where exterior access is limited.
Related services
Often considered alongside this service
Basement Waterproofing
Assessment-led waterproofing approaches that address how and where water is reaching your basement.
Foundation Crack Repair
Assessment of visible cracks and water entry, with repair options matched to the type of crack.
Basement Drainage
Interior perimeter drainage that collects water at the foundation and directs it away from your living space.
Concerned About Water in Your Basement?
Tell us what you’re seeing and we’ll arrange an assessment to identify the likely cause.
Contact Info
Phone
613-857-4746
capitalcitypave@gmail.com
Service Area
403 Bank Street Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y6
Our Promise
No deposit required. You pay only when the project is complete and you’re 100% satisfied.
Waterproofing · Drainage · Foundation Repairs. A basement solutions division of Capital City Paving & Masonry.
Basement Services
Capital City Paving & Masonry
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