Exterior waterproofing addresses the source directly: excavation, membrane application, and footing drainage designed to keep water away from the wall in the first place.
Call +1-866-476-1348 Now
Four commitments that separate a properly trained exterior waterproofing crew from a generalist showing up with a truck and a hope.
We don't treat exterior work as a bigger version of interior injection — it's a different discipline requiring different equipment and technique.
Initial exterior assessments, which require walking the full property perimeter, are typically scheduled within a few days.
Quotes break out excavation linear footage, membrane material, footing drain installation, and backfill/regrading separately, in writing.
We apply rubberized asphalt or sheet membrane systems rated for below-grade application, not a consumer-grade coating that degrades within a few seasons.
We don't run a one-size-fits-all playbook — every exterior waterproofing job starts from these core service components, adapted to what your property actually needs.
We excavate along the affected wall section down to the footing, clean and prep the existing foundation surface, and apply a rubberized waterproofing membrane rated for permanent below-grade exposure. This is the most thorough exterior fix available and typically carries the longest service life of any waterproofing method.
Older homes often have footing drains that have silted in or collapsed over decades — we assess existing drain condition and replace where compromised.
We regrade the perimeter to direct water away from the structure and coordinate downspout extensions as part of a complete exterior fix.
We install window well drains tied into the footing drain system, plus a clear cover to reduce debris accumulation.
Sealing from the exterior addresses hydrostatic pressure at the point of entry rather than relying solely on an interior injection to manage it after the fact.
Four steps, start to finish — from your call to a backfilled, regraded foundation wall.
Describe what you're seeing from outside — pooling water, visible efflorescence on the wall, soil that stays saturated — and dispatch routes a crew equipped for an exterior assessment.
Most Chicago, IL exterior assessments are scheduled within a few days given the scope of a proper perimeter evaluation.
A full grading and drainage evaluation identifies whether the fix needs full excavation, footing drain repair, or grading correction alone.
Excavation sites are backfilled, compacted, and regraded to proper slope before the crew leaves, with landscaping restoration included where disturbed.
Real feedback from Chicago-area customers who called us for exterior waterproofing.
"They found our footing drain had completely collapsed after thirty years — explains why the interior fixes never fully worked before."
"Regraded the whole side yard and extended our downspouts as part of the job. Haven't seen water against that wall since."
"Excavation crew was careful with our landscaping and put everything back better than it was before."
"Appreciated that they explained why interior injection alone wasn't going to solve our specific problem before recommending exterior work."
High-intent questions we hear most often about exterior waterproofing in Chicago, IL.
Our exterior waterproofing crews cover Chicago and the surrounding Chicago, IL service area, with regional dispatch keeping response times tight regardless of which part of the footprint you're in.
Because exterior work requires excavation crews, coverage is more regional than interior services — worth confirming by phone either way.
Notice: Arrow Tight Waterproofing is a free referral service designed to assist homeowners and businesses in connecting with independent local contractors. All contractors and service technicians are independent and Arrow Tight Waterproofing does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the customer to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All calls are routed to independent local service providers.
