Exterior waterproofing Orillia homeowners rely on stops water outside the foundation, before it ever reaches your basement walls. At GDS Landscaping and General Contracting, we excavate to the footing, repair and seal the wall, apply a waterproof membrane and drainage board, install weeping tile and backfill with proper grading. It is the permanent way to deal with a wet basement, and every assessment starts free. Learn more on our Orillia landscaping page and our main exterior waterproofing page.
Worried about water around your foundation? Call GDS at 647-767-1986 for a free on-site assessment anywhere in Orillia and Simcoe County. With 12 years of industry experience, we will tell you honestly what is happening at your foundation and what it takes to fix it properly, and every project is backed by our 4-year limited workmanship warranty.
Our Exterior Waterproofing Process
- Excavation and inspection. We dig down to the footing and assess the true condition of your foundation wall and existing drainage.
- Surface preparation and crack repair. The wall is cleaned and every crack and vulnerability is sealed before waterproofing begins.
- Membrane application. A waterproof membrane plus drainage board is applied to protect the wall and guide water downward.
- Weeping tile and drainage. New perimeter drainage is installed and tied to a sump or storm outlet so water is carried away from the home.
- Backfill and grading. We backfill carefully and shape the grade so surface water slopes away from the foundation.
Each step matters. A membrane without working drainage leaves water sitting against the wall, and drainage without a sealed wall leaves cracks exposed. The system works because it is built as a system, in the right order, by one crew that handles the whole job from excavation to final grading.
Built for Orillia & Simcoe County Conditions
Much of our region sits on clay-heavy soil that holds water against foundations instead of letting it drain away. Add Ontario freeze-thaw cycles, which widen small cracks a little more each year, and it is easy to see why basements that were dry for a decade start leaking. Orillia’s older housing stock, especially around the downtown core and established streets near the waterfront, often has aging weeping tile and grading that has settled toward the house. We build every waterproofing system for these exact conditions, so the fix lasts.
What’s Included in Exterior Waterproofing
- Foundation waterproofing membranes. A seamless protective barrier applied to the exterior foundation walls.
- Weeping tile installation and replacement. Proper perimeter drainage that carries groundwater away from your home.
- Sump pump installation. Reliable protection where water tables run high or drainage needs a lift.
- Foundation crack repair. Sealing cracks properly before they become active leaks.
- Grading and drainage correction. Reshaping soil so surface water flows away from the foundation instead of toward it.
- Window well drainage. Keeping basement windows and wells from collecting and admitting water.
Signs Your Orillia Home Needs Exterior Waterproofing
- Water stains or damp spots on basement walls or floors
- White, powdery residue (efflorescence) on concrete
- Musty odours that linger in the basement
- Visible cracks in the foundation wall
- Pooling water near the foundation after rain or spring melt
- Window wells that fill with water
Any of these signs is worth a free assessment. Caught early, exterior waterproofing protects not just the basement but the finishes, storage and living space in your home, and it is far less disruptive than repeatedly repairing water damage inside. You can also see examples of our work on the project photos page.
What to Expect During the Work
Exterior waterproofing is excavation work, so we plan it carefully with you before the first bucket of soil moves. We confirm which walls are being treated, how access will work along the side of the house and what will happen to plantings, walkways and surfaces next to the foundation. Soil is managed on site, the wall is exposed and inspected, and if we find damage that changes the picture, we show you and explain the options before proceeding. Once the membrane, drainage board and weeping tile are in and tested by inspection, we backfill in a controlled way and finish with grading that sheds water away from the house. Before we leave, we walk the work with you and explain what was done at each stage, so you are not simply trusting that the important parts are buried correctly. That transparency is a big reason homeowners choose exterior waterproofing done properly, once, over repeated interior patches.
A Local Note for Orillia
Orillia sits between Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, and water is part of life here, from spring melt to heavy summer rain. Older homes from the downtown streets out toward Tudhope Park often have foundations and drainage that have simply aged out, while cottages and waterfront properties see high water and shifting grades. Our advice is consistent: assess the foundation and grading before spending money finishing a basement. Fix the outside first, and the inside stays dry and worth finishing. We schedule seasonal work thoughtfully for cottage owners as well, so projects get done without consuming your summer at the lake.
Exterior Waterproofing Pricing — Orillia & Simcoe County
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Exterior foundation waterproofing (excavation, membrane, drainage) | from $90 / linear ft |
Final pricing depends on foundation depth, soil conditions, access along the wall and the drainage work required. We establish the full scope in a free on-site assessment and written quote, and our cost guide can help you understand project budgeting.
Exterior Waterproofing FAQs — Orillia & Simcoe County
How much does exterior waterproofing cost in Orillia?
Our exterior waterproofing starts at $90 per linear foot, including excavation, membrane and drainage in the quoted scope. Foundation depth, soil, access and drainage requirements determine the final figure, which we confirm with a free on-site assessment and written quote.
Do you warranty exterior waterproofing?
Yes. Every GDS waterproofing project carries our 4-year limited workmanship warranty, and our 12 years of industry experience go into the excavation, membrane, drainage and grading work that keeps a basement dry.
Which areas do you serve?
Based in Barrie, we provide exterior waterproofing in Orillia and across Simcoe County, including Innisfil, Collingwood, Midland, Wasaga Beach, Bradford and New Tecumseth. Our Orillia page covers the other services we bring to local homes.
How long does exterior waterproofing take?
Timelines depend on how much of the foundation is being waterproofed, depth, soil and weather. After your assessment we will set out the expected schedule and sequence, including excavation, inspection, membrane and drainage work, backfill and grading, so you know what to expect at each stage.
Get a Free Exterior Waterproofing Quote in Orillia
A dry basement starts outside the walls. We bring 12 years in the trade to Orillia waterproofing projects, and every job carries our 4-year limited workmanship warranty. Call or text 647-767-1986 for your free assessment, or send your details through our quote form.