Exterior waterproofing addresses the source directly: excavation, membrane application, and footing drainage designed to keep water away from the wall in the first place, permanently.
Call +1-866-476-1348
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 distinct discipline requiring different technique and specialized equipment.
Active pooling against the foundation moves to priority scheduling ahead of routine appointments.
Pricing accounts for landscaping restoration where excavation disturbs existing beds or hardscape.
Drainage board over the membrane channels water to the footing drain rather than letting pressure build against the wall.
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, prep the surface, and apply a rubberized membrane rated for permanent below-grade exposure. This is the most thorough exterior fix available and typically carries the longest service life.
Older homes often have drains that have silted in or collapsed over decades — we assess and replace where compromised.
Soil sloping toward the foundation sends every rainfall straight at your basement wall, regardless of how good the membrane below is.
We install well drains tied into the footing drain system with a clear cover to reduce debris.
Sealing from the exterior addresses hydrostatic pressure at the point of entry rather than relying solely on interior injection.
Four steps, start to finish — from your call to a backfilled, regraded foundation wall.
Describe what you're seeing from outside — pooling water, visible staining on the wall, saturated soil — and dispatch routes a crew equipped for exterior assessment.
You'll get a text confirmation with an arrival window and any documents needed, like utility locate authorization.
Utility locates are scheduled ahead of excavation as standard practice.
Membrane and footing drain work carries a written warranty against failure at the treated wall section.
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 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."
"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 Lake Forest, IL.
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.
