Basement Services

Exterior Basement Waterproofing That Lasts

Water near your foundation is often the first sign that something will go wrong in your basement. It shows up as small puddles, slight wall dampness, or peeling paint and quickly turns into foundation cracks, mildew growth, and damaged basement walls if left unaddressed.

At Bramwell-McKay, we don’t rush in with quick fixes. We take the time to look closely and treat your structure like it’s our own. With decades of hands-on experience in exterior basement waterproofing, we focus on long-term solutions that fit your home, your soil, and your basement space.

Start Where the Water Does: Exterior Waterproofing

Moisture problems rarely start on the inside. Water infiltration begins at the source: along exterior walls, in the soil, and through poorly graded ground. Treating the problem from the outside stops water from ever intruding in the first place.

We’ve seen how quick fixes and interior patch jobs lead to costly repairs down the line. That’s why we focus on exterior waterproofing systems that defend your structure from the source: moisture in the soil. Our approach involves targeting and waterproofing the entire chosen zone of your home, including exterior insulation, proper grading, and barrier coatings that keep water where it belongs.

Give our experts a call today for a waterproof coating and other exterior basement waterproofing services rooted in masonry and engineering excellence.

A Waterproofing Service That Works

Water doesn't belong next to your home's foundation. Our waterproofing planning starts with understanding how water flows across your unique property. Once we know how water behaves on your site, our approach is carefully tailored to the landscape that surrounds your home. Our drainage system services include:

Exterior French Drains

Subsurface drainage systems that collect and redirect groundwater using perforated pipe wrapped in gravel, ideal for relieving hydrostatic pressure.

Waterproofing Membranes

Our membranes are foundation-sealing systems applied to exterior walls to block moisture penetration. Installed after excavation and paired with drainage to keep water from reaching the structure, this waterproofing technique is ideal for creating a long-lasting barrier that works with your home’s natural drainage design.

Through targeted strategies and careful design, we redirect water to safe, controlled outlets, protecting the foundation and preserving the surrounding landscape.

Basement & Foundation Waterproofing Materials That Hold Up Over Time

Exterior basement waterproofing is only as strong as the materials behind it. That’s why we apply coatings, membranes, and sealants that are tested for the Midwest’s wet seasons and clay-heavy soils.

Liquid waterproof coatings
Applied directly to masonry or concrete walls, these products cure to form a seamless barrier that resists water penetration and remains flexible under structural movement.
Peel-and-stick membrane barriers
These self-adhering sheets offer continuous protection and are ideal for areas that require uniform application across wide surfaces. They conform to the contours of foundation walls and provide long-lasting adhesion.
Cementitious sealants
Used for block walls and specific repair applications, sealants are brush- or spray-applied materials that bond with the surface to fill and seal existing cracks, providing a durable shield against moisture.
Exterior insulation systems
Exterior insulation adds a thermal layer to your foundation walls while also contributing to moisture control. They help reduce cold bridging and protect against condensation and related mold growth concerns.

Experience and Expertise That Eliminate Water Damage for Good

For nearly 40 years, Bramwell-McKay has been solving complex water problems for homes across the Midwest. We don’t approach waterproofing as a one-size-fits-all service.

Our team combines masonry expertise, engineering insight, and decades of field experience to create solutions that work for the life of your structure. We’re not here to cover up symptoms—we get to the source of the problem, address it with precision, and make sure the work stands the test of time. That’s why homeowners count on us for exterior waterproofing that lasts.

Start Protecting Your Structure

Water problems don’t fix themselves. And when they reach your basement or crawl space, the damage is already underway. Exterior basement waterproofing is your chance to stop water before it compromises your foundation, your air quality, or your peace of mind. If you’re ready to put long-term protection in place, we’re ready to help. Contact Bramwell-McKay and schedule a consultation with a team that treats your structure like its own.