Exterior Foundation Waterproofing & Sealing in Cuyahoga County, OH
Exterior foundation waterproofing and sealing stops water before it ever reaches your basement walls. By excavating along the foundation and applying a heavy seal barrier to the outside, this is the best long term fix for many Cuyahoga County homes. Imperial Waterproofing Inc. has performed this work since 1981, owner supervised by Ray.
What It Is
Exterior foundation waterproofing is the process of excavating the soil along the outside of your foundation walls down to the footing, cleaning and inspecting the wall surface, and applying a heavy damp proofing barrier that stops water from penetrating the concrete or block.
Alongside the seal, we install exterior perimeter drainage tile at the footing to collect and carry groundwater away from the foundation. This combination keeps water off the wall and gives it a path out, which is why it is considered the most complete long term waterproofing solution for many older homes.
Foundation wall sealed with waterproofing and a new drain line set in gravel.
Signs You Need Help
Warning signs Ray looks for on every visit.
Foundation wall freshly sealed with waterproofing and backed with gravel.
How We Do It
Our process keeps your project clean and clear. Owner supervised by Ray on every job.
Ray inspects the exterior, identifies the water entry points and plans the excavation to protect landscaping, utilities and structures.
We carefully excavate along the foundation wall down to the footing, removing the saturated clay soil that traps water against your home.
The wall surface is cleaned and inspected for cracks, voids and joint failures that let water through.
We apply a heavy damp proofing barrier to the outside of the walls to stop water penetration at the source.
Exterior perimeter drainage tile is installed at the footing, and the excavation is backfilled to direct water away from the foundation. Owner supervised by Ray throughout.
Why Ohio Foundations Leak
Cuyahoga County homes were often built with only a thin original coating on the foundation, or none at all. Decades of saturated clay soil, freeze and thaw cycling and heavy spring rain degrade that barrier until water passes straight through the wall.
Because exterior waterproofing stops water before it touches the foundation, it is the strongest defense against the hydrostatic pressure that Cleveland area clay soil creates. It is the best long term fix for homes with wall seepage, not just floor seepage.
Excavation along a foundation for exterior waterproofing.
Why Imperial
45 years. Done right the first time.
Imperial Waterproofing crew excavating along an older brick and stone foundation.
Foundation wall freshly sealed with waterproofing and backed with gravel.
Imperial Waterproofing crew excavating along a brick building foundation.
Imperial Waterproofing excavating along a brick ranch home foundation in Cuyahoga County.
Foundation Waterproofing, Start to Finish
BEFOREFoundation dug out and exposed
AFTERWall sealed and drainage stone set
Where We Work
Based in Bedford, OH. Serving Cleveland and every city in Cuyahoga County for residential and light commercial properties, 24 hours a day. Pan and zoom the map below to explore our full service area.
Common Questions
Q.When is exterior waterproofing the best choice?
Exterior waterproofing is the best long term fix when water is seeping through the walls themselves, not just at the floor. It stops water before it reaches the foundation, making it the most complete solution for homes with wall staining, high seepage or a failed original coating.
Q.How deep do you excavate for exterior waterproofing?
We excavate down to the footing of the foundation so we can seal the full wall and install perimeter drainage tile at the base. The exact depth depends on your foundation, which Ray confirms during the on site inspection.
Q.Will excavation damage my landscaping?
Our small crew of 5 works carefully to protect your landscaping, utilities and structures as much as possible. Ray plans the excavation on site and supervises the entire process to minimize disruption.
Q.Do I need exterior waterproofing if I already have interior drainage?
Interior drainage manages water after it enters, while exterior waterproofing stops it at the wall. If you have wall seepage or a failed exterior coating, adding exterior sealing gives you the most complete protection. Ray recommends the right combination after inspecting your home.
Q.Is exterior waterproofing a long term fix?
Yes. Because it stops water before it reaches the foundation and includes footing drainage to relieve pressure, exterior waterproofing is considered the most durable long term solution for many older Cuyahoga County homes.
More Services
Need Immediate Help? Ray Answers Direct:
(216) 276-3963Get Your Exterior Foundation Waterproofing & Sealing Problem Fixed
Ray answers your call directly. Small local crew of 5 serving all of Cuyahoga County.