Exterior Drainage and Waterproofing

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Exterior Drainage and Waterproofing

for South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska

Quality Waterproofing by Rapid Foundation RepairPicture of a diagram showing a sheet drain, GEO Fabric, a clean wall, a wall with polymembrane, and a 4" perforated drain tile with filter sock. Exterior Drainage

Rapid Foundation Repair specializes in exterior drainage and exterior waterproofing.

We all assume that when our home was constructed, the contractor installed a perimeter drain system and waterproofed the walls. Often, home builders only damp-proof the walls with a spray-on material that looks like waterproofing emulsion. However, it’s watered down and doesn’t wholly waterproof the basement.

Another problem is that home builders often install a corrugated pipe as a perimeter drain because the exterior excavation is not graded for proper drainage. The corrugated pipe system also includes plumber rock and backfill that contribute to an exterior waterproofing system that lasts only seven to ten years.

Proper Exterior Drainage Solutions for South Dakota, Wyoming

Water can enter your basement interior in several ways. Our first concern is water flow. If the path of least resistance flows into your basement, then that’s where the water will go. Concrete is a porous material, and as it sits in the water, it absorbs into the concrete until it becomes completely saturated. The damp concrete then disperses moisture and water vapor inside the home.

Vapor diffusion is similar to capillary action, except we deal with water vapor. Water vapor only needs the slightest opening to penetrate the structure and raise the humidity levels. This is called the stack effect. Your home draws air in from the bottom toward the top, and 40% of the air we breathe comes from the basement.

Exterior drainage provided by Rapid Foundation Repair services for South Dakota, Wyoming, and parts of Nebraska can provide solutions to the problems above and protect your home in the future.

Here at Rapid Foundation Repair, we offer professional exterior drainage solutions to ensure you have a dry home. Top-quality Earth Contact Products provide a durable solution for your wet basement needs. First, we clean your foundation walls and apply a polymer waterproofing product. Then this coating is covered with a dimple board that protects the sealed surface and allows better downward water flow. We then install a drain pipe system for continuous drainage. We also offer interior waterproofing for a complete waterproofing solution for your home.

Please read our blog on how exterior drainage helps prevent foundation problems.

Let the experts at Rapid Foundation Repair in South Dakota assist you with your exterior drainage needs. Our services prevent wet basements and protect your home from water damage. Get a free quote from the local experts: Call us today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Drainage and Waterproofing

Damp proofing is a spray-on asphaltic coating that many home builders apply during construction. It resists minor moisture vapor but isn’t designed to stop actual water intrusion. True exterior waterproofing uses a polymer coating combined with a dimple board and a drain pipe system to actively block water and direct it away from the foundation — a significantly more durable and effective solution.

The corrugated pipe perimeter drain systems commonly installed during home construction often last only seven to ten years before they fail. Factors like improper grading, plumber rock, and backfill contribute to their limited lifespan. A professionally installed exterior drainage system is designed for long-term performance.

Concrete is a porous material that absorbs water over time. As the concrete becomes saturated, moisture and water vapor disperse through the wall into the living space — a process called vapor diffusion. Even the smallest opening is enough for water vapor to penetrate and raise humidity levels inside the home.

The stack effect refers to how your home draws air upward from the bottom to the top. Roughly 40% of the air circulating through your living spaces originates in the basement or crawl space. If your basement is damp or has elevated humidity from water vapor seeping through foundation walls, that air quality problem affects your entire home.

The process starts with cleaning the foundation walls, then applying a polymer waterproofing coating. A dimple board is installed over the coating to protect it and improve downward water flow. Finally, a drain pipe system is installed along the foundation to carry water continuously away from the home. Interior waterproofing can be added for a complete system.

Yes. Rapid Foundation Repair provides free estimates for exterior drainage and waterproofing throughout South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska.