Foundation and basement waterproofing — service guide
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A basement and foundations sit below ground, so water presses on them from outside rather than falling on them from above. Waterproofing them differs from a roof: during construction we waterproof from outside before backfilling, and in an existing building we treat from inside with materials that withstand negative pressure and by injecting cracks. The right decision starts with knowing the water source: groundwater, surface rain, or a pipe.
Waterproofing methods
- External (during construction): membrane or bituminous coating on foundations and retaining walls from outside, with a protection layer before backfilling and ground drainage where needed.
- Internal treatment (existing building): crystalline or flexible cementitious materials that withstand negative pressure on walls and floor from inside, with treatment of the floor–wall junction.
- Crack injection with polyurethane or epoxy materials that stop active water through the crack.
- Water management: sometimes the most important fix is correct drainage around the building and keeping rainwater away from the foundation.
When do you need it?
- A basement with damp, salt deposits or peeling paint at low height.
- Water appearing at the floor–wall junction after rain or continuously.
- A building under construction before backfilling the foundations.
- An underground tank or lift pit that takes in water.
- A persistent musty smell in the basement with condensation on the walls.
How we execute
- Identify the source: groundwater level, rain drainage direction, and pressure-testing the building’s water lines to rule out a pipe.
- Preparation: cleaning, removing loose layers and opening cracks in a V to fill them.
- Injection of active cracks and treatment of construction joints.
- Waterproofing coats internal or external per the case with care at corners and openings.
- Protection and backfill (under construction), or finishing (existing) with materials that let the wall breathe where needed.
- Monitoring: follow-up after the first rain season and recording the result in the quality record.
Service limits
Structural matters (settlement, structural cracks, weak foundations) are for a licensed engineer to decide, and waterproofing does not treat them. If we see structural indicators we say so and recommend the engineer before any waterproofing.
How the service runs, step by step
- Booking
Stage (under construction / existing building) and area in the order form.
- Survey
Identifying the water source and the condition of walls and floor, and a written quote with method and materials.
- What we need from you
Clear the basement or area, building drawings if available, and power and ventilation.
- Execution
Days to weeks depending on area and method.
- Follow-up
A visit after the first rain when agreed, and a numbered warranty.
What you receive
- A survey report identifying the water source and the proposed method.
- A written quote with materials, layers and injection items.
- An execution record with photos, materials and batch numbers.
- A numbered warranty certificate with verify code stating what it covers (the executed waterproofing) and what it does not (structural matters).
How pricing works
Published inspection fee: 150.00 SAR (VAT included). Any further work is quoted after the on-site assessment, in writing, before it starts.
Depends on area, length of injected cracks, basement depth, water level and material type. External waterproofing during construction costs less than later treatment of an existing building.
Verifying the report and warranty
Every inspection report and warranty certificate we issue carries a serial number, a verification code and a QR code. Enter the code on the verification page to confirm the document really came from us, that it has not been altered or revoked, and the warranty expiry date where one applies. A buyer, landlord or insurer can verify it the same way without contacting us.
Frequently asked questions
Can a basement be waterproofed from inside only?
Yes, with negative-pressure materials and crack injection; it is the practical solution for an existing building. External waterproofing is more complete but needs excavation around the building.
Damp appears only after rain — what is the fix?
Usually surface water entering from the building’s surroundings. Correct drainage and keeping water away from the foundation may be enough with a local treatment.
Does injection stop water running from a crack?
Expanding injection materials are designed for that and are used with active water. We monitor the crack after injection and document it.
Do you assess cracks structurally?
We describe and document the crack, but the structural judgement is for a licensed engineer. We recommend one before waterproofing when needed.
How long is the warranty?
Stated in the certificate by method and material after the survey.
On-site service is available in Saudi Arabia; the guides and tools can be read anywhere.
This page is informational and educational. Confirming a leak, an insulation condition or a pest infestation always requires an on-site assessment, and structural questions are for a licensed engineer. We do not publish promises we cannot prove.