Exterior Foundation Waterproofing
Digging down the outside of the foundation to the footing and putting a membrane or coating on the wall, with new drain tile at the bottom where it is replaced.
About $100–$350 per linear foot, commonly $150–$250 (published Ontario contractor pricing, 2025–26; yours will differ). Deeper walls, decks, walkways and tight side yards add to it.
Find a Waterproofing ContractorAbout Exterior Foundation Waterproofing
Exterior work means excavating beside the foundation wall down to the footing, cleaning the wall, sealing cracks and holes, applying a coating or membrane and, where the tile is replaced, laying new drain tile in stone before the trench is backfilled.
Ontario's Building Code separates two levels of protection. Dampproofing is the default on the outside of a below-grade foundation wall and runs from the finished ground level to the top of the footing (O. Reg. 163/24, 9.13.2.4). Waterproofing is required "where hydrostatic pressure occurs" (9.13.3.1), and a wall that is waterproofed does not also need dampproofing. The Code gives no number for when hydrostatic pressure occurs, so ask the contractor which one the quote describes and why.
On permits, the City lists "Damp proofing of existing basements" as work that does not need a building permit, while "Structural foundation repairs and drain tile replacement" is on its permit list. A job that replaces the tile is permit work; for anything in between, ask the City.
Digging needs a locate request first, by law, and locates are free. Ontario Dig Authority asks for the request at least 5 business days before you dig.
Published Ontario contractor pages put exterior work at about $100 to $350 per linear foot of wall, commonly $150 to $250. Deeper foundations and tight access cost more.
What This Work Covers
- Excavation to the footing on the affected wall
- Wall cleaned, cracks and holes sealed
- Dampproofing or waterproofing membrane, named in the quote
- New drain tile in clean stone where the tile is replaced
- Locate request before any digging
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What this work costs
Common questions about exterior foundation waterproofing
- What should one wall of exterior waterproofing cost in Kanata?
- How much does exterior foundation waterproofing cost per foot in Ottawa?
- Who should look at a crack that leaks every spring in Stittsville?
- Are exterior waterproofing quotes in Barrhaven priced by the foot or by the job?
- Is a crack that leaks only in spring still a waterproofing job in Ottawa?
- Why do exterior waterproofing quotes in Westboro vary so much per foot?
- Are foundation drains present in every older Ottawa house?
- Can a granular layer under the footing replace drain tile in Ontario?
Other Waterproofing Services
Interior Drainage & Sump Systems
A drain channel cut in along the inside of the basement floor that carries seepage to a sump pit and pump, without digging outside.
Weeping Tile Replacement
Replacing the drain pipe at the base of the foundation that collects groundwater, laid to the Building Code's size and stone rules.
Foundation Crack Injection
Sealing a leaking crack in a poured concrete foundation from the inside by injecting it, priced per crack.
Sump Pumps & Battery Backup
New sump pits, pump replacement and battery backup pumps, with the City permit and the protective plumbing rebate in view.
Backwater Valves
A normally open valve on the sanitary or storm drain that closes when the sewer backs up, installed under a City permit as part of a flood plan.
Window Wells
New or replacement basement window wells, drained to the footing as the Building Code requires.
Structural Foundation Repair
Repairs to a foundation wall or footing that carries load, which the City lists as building permit work.
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Tell us about your exterior foundation waterproofing job and we'll send it to local waterproofing contractors in Ottawa. They reply by email.