Exterior waterproofing addresses the source directly: excavation, membrane application, and footing drainage designed to keep water away from the wall in the first place.
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What "specialized" actually means for exterior waterproofing at our company — not a marketing word, a set of specific practices.
Crews are trained in proper excavation depth, membrane application technique, and footing drain installation specific to exterior waterproofing systems.
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.
Drainage board goes over the membrane to create a channel for water to travel down to the footing drain instead of pressing against the wall. 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.
Here's what happens between your call and a completed exterior fix.
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 Lake Forest, 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.
We document the completed system with photos before backfilling, so you have a record of exactly what's below grade.
Real feedback from Lake Forest-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."
The questions Lake Forest customers ask us before booking exterior waterproofing service.
Arrow Tight Waterproofing provides exterior waterproofing throughout Lake Forest, IL, dispatching from regional staging points to keep arrival times short across our full coverage footprint.
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.
