Foundation
Waterproofing
Vancouver
Water entering through a below-grade foundation wall is not always just a waterproofing problem. The water has to be coming from somewhere.
Vancouver Underground Drainage Experts provides exterior foundation waterproofing in Vancouver and Greater Vancouver for homes, strata and commercial properties experiencing leaking or moisture-affected foundation walls.
We investigate the foundation and surrounding water conditions first. When exterior waterproofing is required, our team can excavate the affected foundation, expose and prepare the wall, repair problem areas, install the appropriate waterproofing and foundation membrane system, and investigate drainage conditions around the footing.
GREATER VANCOUVER FOUNDATIONS
DRAINAGE
EXCAVATION
Trusted by Property Owners & Managers
Across Greater Vancouver
Trusted by homeowners, strata properties, property managers, contractors and commercial properties throughout Greater Vancouver.
Foundation Waterproofing
From a Drainage Company
Foundation waterproofing protects below-grade foundation walls from water and moisture in the surrounding soil.
But protecting the wall is only one part of controlling foundation water.
If water is repeatedly collecting around a building because of grading, perimeter drainage, underground downspout drainage or another site condition, waterproofing the wall may not address the entire problem.
That is where our drainage experience becomes important.
We look at both the foundation and the water conditions around it before recommending what needs to be repaired.
Determine the cause → Recommend the appropriate repair
Excavation &
Foundation Work
Excavation Exterior Access
Lasting Results
Exterior Foundation
Waterproofing
Exterior foundation waterproofing allows us to work directly on the below-grade side of the foundation exposed to surrounding soil and moisture.
When exterior waterproofing is appropriate, the affected area is excavated to expose the foundation wall. This gives our team the opportunity to see conditions that may have been impossible to properly evaluate from inside the building.
Exterior access allows us to:
Inspect the exposed foundation
Identify accessible cracks and deteriorated areas
Clean and prepare the foundation wall
Complete repairs included in the project scope
Apply the appropriate waterproofing system
Install a foundation membrane where appropriate
Examine conditions around the footing
Inspect related perimeter drainage conditions
Protect the completed waterproofing system
Backfill and restore the area according to the project scope
Exterior waterproofing can involve significant excavation.
We do not recommend excavating an entire foundation simply because water appeared inside.We first investigate whether the conditions actually justify exterior foundation waterproofing.
Signs Your Foundation
May Need Waterproofing
Foundation water problems often provide warning signs before significant leaking or water damage occurs.
It does not automatically tell us which repair is required.
Damp Below-Grade Foundation Walls
Foundation walls that repeatedly become damp, particularly after rainfall, may indicate moisture reaching the exterior foundation.
Water Stains
Recurring staining on concrete or masonry can help identify areas where moisture has been moving through or around the foundation.
Leaking Foundation Cracks
Water entering through a crack may require localized crack repair, but the water conditions outside the foundation should also be investigated.
White Powder or Efflorescence
White mineral deposits can appear on concrete or masonry as moisture moves through the material and evaporates.
Moisture After Heavy Rain
A problem that consistently becomes worse following Vancouver's wet weather can indicate an exterior water-management issue.
Water Collecting Beside the Foundation
Low areas, poor grading or drainage problems can allow unnecessary water to remain beside the building.
Persistent Damp or Musty Conditions
Below-grade areas that remain damp may have an exterior moisture problem even when active water is not visible during the inspection.
Foundation Waterproofing
Membranes
A foundation waterproofing membrane creates a protective layer between a below-grade foundation wall and the surrounding soil. It is an important component of many exterior foundation waterproofing systems.
Why Foundation Preparation Matters
A new membrane should not simply cover an unprepared foundation. Once the wall is excavated and exposed, the surface can be cleaned and inspected.
Cracks or damaged areas included within the project scope can then be addressed before the waterproofing system and membrane are completed.
Proper preparation allows the new waterproofing assembly to be installed against a foundation whose condition has actually been inspected.
What Does a Foundation Waterproofing Membrane Do?
Depending on the selected system, a foundation membrane can help:
- ✓ Protect below-grade foundation walls from exterior moisture
- ✓ Create a more continuous protective barrier
- ✓ Protect repaired areas of the foundation
- ✓ Separate the wall from wet surrounding soil
- ✓ Protect other components of the waterproofing assembly
- ✓ Form part of a broader exterior water-management system
Drier Foundation
The right membrane system helps protect your home for the long term.
Below-Grade Walls
Against Moisture
Water-Management System
What Happens at the
Footing Matters Too
This is one of the reasons drainage experience is valuable when waterproofing a foundation.
Waterproofing helps protect the wall, but water around the foundation still needs to be properly managed.
At the bottom of many foundations is a perimeter drainage system designed to collect and move water away from the building.
If that drainage is blocked, damaged, deteriorated or no longer functioning properly, water conditions around the foundation can become worse.
When relevant to the project, we investigate conditions around the footing instead of treating the foundation wall as an isolated component.
Foundation Wall
System
Waterproofing vs. Dampproofing
in Vancouver
Waterproofing and dampproofing are related methods of protecting below-grade building assemblies, but they are not necessarily the same thing.
Vancouver's current Building By-law contains specific provisions for the control of water, moisture and soil gas in below-grade assemblies, including requirements addressing dampproofing, waterproofing and drainage depending on the construction and conditions.
Dampproofing
Dampproofing is used to control moisture at below-grade building assemblies under applicable conditions.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing provides protection where the applicable building conditions require resistance to water, including conditions involving hydrostatic pressure.
For an existing leaking property, our first question is therefore not simply:
on the wall?”
It is:
Foundation Waterproofing &
Vancouver Building Requirements
Foundation moisture is not simply a cosmetic issue.
The Vancouver Building By-law contains requirements dealing with water and moisture control below grade, including provisions concerning foundation drainage, dampproofing and waterproofing.
Vancouver's Standards of Maintenance By-law also requires foundation walls and supporting members to be maintained in good repair so as to prevent moisture from entering the building. The by-law identifies measures that can include subsoil drainage at the footing, repairing masonry cracks and waterproofing or dampproofing walls and joints.
That is also why we don't necessarily treat a leaking foundation wall as an isolated surface problem. Depending on what we find, we may need to consider:
Condition
Drainage
Water Conditions
Warranty on New
Foundation Waterproofing
Systems
When we completely replace a foundation waterproofing system, we want our customers to have confidence in the work going back underground.
2-Year Workmanship Warranty
on Full Waterproofing ReplacementsQualifying full foundation waterproofing replacements completed by Vancouver Underground Drainage Experts are backed by our 2-year workmanship warranty.
This applies when we complete the full replacement scope — not to localized repairs, patching, crack repairs or work performed on only part of an existing waterproofing system.
Before the excavation is backfilled, we also document the completed work so you can see what was installed before it disappears underground.
System
Installation
Documentation
Workmanship Warranty
Peace of Mind
A properly installed, complete waterproofing system helps protect your property for the long term. We stand behind our workmanship on qualifying full replacements because we do the job right.
Important Note
Our 2-year workmanship warranty applies to qualifying full foundation waterproofing replacements. It does not apply to localized repairs, patching, crack repairs or work completed on only part of an existing waterproofing system.
Warranty coverage is subject to the scope of work and written warranty terms.
How We Waterproof a Foundation
Every property is different, so we start by finding the cause of the problem, documenting what we find and recommending the appropriate solution.
We look at the foundation, drainage and water conditions around the property before recommending the repair.
Inspect the Foundation
We inspect the foundation, visible cracks, moisture, grading and surrounding exterior conditions to understand where the problem may be starting.
Camera Inspection
When underground drainage may be contributing to the problem, we can inspect accessible drain lines for blockages, damage or other drainage conditions.
Review the Findings
We organize what we found so the condition of the foundation, surrounding water conditions and relevant drainage issues are clear.
Discuss the Solutions
We explain what we found and whether the appropriate solution is foundation waterproofing, localized repair, drainage work or a combination.
Complete the Repair
Once the scope is approved, our team completes the agreed waterproofing, foundation and related drainage work and documents important stages before backfilling.
We do not assume every leaking foundation needs the same waterproofing system or the same amount of excavation.
20+ Years of Drainage &
Excavation Experience
Larger foundation waterproofing and excavation projects are supported by Ricardo Quintana, who brings more than 20 years of experience in drainage, excavation and landscaping projects.
Ricardo works with excavation machinery and crews capable of handling larger foundation and underground drainage projects throughout Greater Vancouver.
That experience matters because once a foundation is exposed, the work involves more than installing waterproofing material. The team needs to understand:
Condition
Drainage
Lines
Management
Our smaller residential drainage and diagnostic work is also supported by experienced specialists focused on determining where water is coming from before larger repairs are recommended.
Foundation Waterproofing for Homes, Strata & Commercial Properties
We provide foundation waterproofing and related drainage solutions for residential, strata and commercial properties throughout Greater Vancouver.
Residential Foundation Waterproofing
We investigate leaking foundation walls, recurring below-grade moisture, leaking cracks and drainage-related foundation problems at homes throughout Greater Vancouver.
Strata Foundation Waterproofing
Foundation leaks at townhouses, apartment buildings and other strata properties can affect both individual units and common property. We can document conditions found, define the proposed work and photograph underground repairs throughout the project.
Commercial Foundation Waterproofing
For larger properties, our team can coordinate excavation, foundation access, waterproofing and related underground drainage work according to the project scope.
Why Choose Vancouver Underground Drainage Experts?
Foundation waterproofing involves more than the wall itself. Our drainage and excavation experience helps us look at the complete underground water problem.
Foundation Waterproofing From Drainage Specialists
We investigate the underground water conditions surrounding the foundation, not only the visible moisture inside.
20+ Years of Large-Project Experience
Ricardo brings more than 20 years of drainage, excavation and landscaping experience to larger projects.
Excavation Capability
We have experience accessing below-grade foundations and completing substantial underground projects.
We Diagnose Before Recommending
We determine the likely cause before recommending major excavation or foundation waterproofing.
We Look at the Footing Too
When drainage is relevant, we investigate conditions around the bottom of the foundation instead of treating the wall as an isolated problem.
Underground Project Documentation
We photograph important stages before completed work disappears underground.
Local Vancouver Knowledge
Our work considers applicable Vancouver requirements concerning below-grade moisture, foundation drainage, dampproofing and waterproofing.
2-Year Workmanship Warranty
Qualifying full foundation waterproofing replacements include our 2-year workmanship warranty, according to the applicable project terms.
Foundation Waterproofing Across Greater Vancouver
We provide foundation waterproofing and related foundation, excavation and drainage services throughout Greater Vancouver.
Cities We Serve
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Richmond
- North Vancouver
- West Vancouver
- Coquitlam
- New Westminster
- Surrey
- Delta
- Langley
- Maple Ridge
- Pitt Meadows
Vancouver Neighbourhoods
- Kitsilano
- Kerrisdale
- Dunbar
- Point Grey
- Mount Pleasant
- East Vancouver
- West End
- Fairview
- South Vancouver
- Marpole
- Strathcona
Different properties have different foundations, soil conditions and drainage systems. But the first step remains the same: Find where the water is coming from before deciding how to stop it.
What Our Customers Say
Read real Google reviews from customers who have worked with Vancouver Underground Drainage Experts for drainage, foundation and waterproofing projects.
“excellent service to fix my sinkhole”
The customer highlighted the team's clear explanation of the technical work, reasonable pricing and successful repair of a backyard sinkhole.
Read on Google →“communication was excellent, and the team was polite”
After recurring yard pooling, a camera inspection identified missing drainage. New drainage was installed and tied into the existing system, with the customer praising the professionalism and pricing.
Read on Google →“everything has been working smoothly”
The project included adding a gravity sump and cleaning clay drain tile. The customer also highlighted the team's communication and the solutions provided for easier future maintenance.
Read on Google →“very pleased with the work”
This larger project involved foundation excavation and repair, waterproofing, a new two-pipe drainage system and a new sump. The customer highlighted communication and attention to detail.
Read on Google →Visit our Google Business Profile to read more customer experiences, view our company information and find us on Google Maps.
Foundation Waterproofing Questions
Questions Vancouver property owners commonly ask when water, moisture or leaking begins affecting a below-grade foundation.
How much does foundation waterproofing cost in Vancouver?
Foundation waterproofing costs vary significantly because the waterproofing material itself is only one part of the project. Excavation depth, length of foundation, access, soil conditions, existing concrete damage, membrane requirements, perimeter drainage, backfilling and restoration can all affect the price.
A shallow, easily accessible wall is very different from a deep foundation beside concrete, landscaping or restricted access. We inspect the property and determine the required scope before providing pricing.
How do you waterproof foundation walls from the outside?
Exterior foundation waterproofing normally begins by excavating the affected area so the below-grade foundation wall can be exposed. The wall is cleaned and inspected, repairs included in the scope are completed, and the selected waterproofing system and membrane are installed.
When drainage is related to the problem, conditions around the footing and perimeter drainage should also be considered before the excavation is backfilled.
Which is better: interior or exterior waterproofing?
It depends on where the water is coming from and what is causing it. Interior systems can help manage water that has entered the building, while exterior foundation waterproofing works on the below-grade side of the foundation exposed to surrounding soil and moisture.
For an exterior foundation problem, we prefer to determine why water is reaching the wall before deciding whether interior water management, exterior waterproofing, drainage work or a combination is appropriate.
Learn about Basement Waterproofing Vancouver →Can water seep through a concrete foundation?
Yes. Water or moisture can enter through cracks, joints, deteriorated areas or other vulnerable parts of a concrete foundation. Persistent moisture can also leave staining or white mineral deposits on the wall.
The important question is not only where the moisture appears inside. We also want to determine why water is collecting against or reaching that part of the foundation.
How do you fix water coming in through a foundation?
The repair depends on the cause. An isolated leaking crack may need localized foundation crack repair. A larger area with deteriorated exterior protection may require exterior waterproofing. Water collecting around the footing may indicate a drainage problem.
Sometimes more than one condition is present, which is why we diagnose the foundation and surrounding drainage before recommending major work.
Foundation Crack Repair Vancouver →How long does foundation waterproofing take?
The timeline depends on the length and depth of excavation, access, foundation condition, drainage work required and restoration included in the project.
A localized accessible section can be much faster than waterproofing a long or deeply buried foundation wall. Once we inspect the property and define the scope, we can give you a more realistic project timeline.
How long does foundation waterproofing last?
There is no single lifespan for every waterproofing system. Performance depends on the materials used, foundation preparation, installation quality, drainage conditions, soil conditions and future movement around the building.
This is why we consider the wall and surrounding water-management conditions together rather than treating waterproofing as simply applying a product to concrete.
Can I waterproof my foundation myself?
Small above-grade sealing projects may be suitable for some property owners, but exterior foundation waterproofing is different. It can involve deep excavation, underground utilities, soil management, foundation preparation, drainage and work beside an occupied building.
The difficult part is often determining why the foundation is wet and exposing the wall safely — not simply applying waterproofing material.
Does every leaking foundation crack need waterproofing?
No. If water is entering through an isolated crack and surrounding conditions do not indicate a larger exterior waterproofing problem, localized crack repair may be more appropriate.
If moisture affects a broader part of the wall or the existing exterior protection has deteriorated, a larger waterproofing scope may be required.
Can failed drain tile cause foundation water problems?
Yes. Perimeter drainage or drain tile helps collect and move water around the footing. If the system is blocked, damaged, deteriorated or no longer functioning properly, unnecessary water can remain around the foundation.
Waterproofing protects the wall and drainage manages water around it. One does not automatically replace the other.
Learn about Drain Tile Services Vancouver →Do I need a permit for foundation waterproofing in Vancouver?
It depends on the scope of work. A waterproofing repair, structural foundation alteration, excavation or related drainage work can involve different requirements.
If permits, engineering or other approvals are required for the proposed work, those requirements should be determined for the individual property and scope before applicable work proceeds.
How do you keep water away from a foundation?
Keeping water away from a foundation can involve several systems working together, including surface grading, gutters and downspouts, underground drainage, perimeter drain tile and exterior foundation protection.
At Vancouver properties, we look at how water is reaching the building before deciding which part of that water-management system actually requires repair.
Tell us where you are seeing water or moisture and we can help determine the appropriate next step.
Talk to Our Foundation & Drainage Team
Have Water Reaching Your Foundation?
Send us photos or tell us what you are seeing. Whether you have a leaking foundation wall, recurring dampness, water after heavy rain or are not sure whether the problem is waterproofing or drainage, our team can help determine the appropriate next step.
Tell Us What’s Happening
Complete the form and our office team will follow up with you.
