Foundation Waterproofing in South Africa protects foundations, slabs and below-ground walls from ground moisture, best done while a building goes up. Send one request and independent local contractors reply with availability and prices.
Say whether it is a new build or existing house, and get quotes.
Get Waterproofing QuotesWhat It Covers
- DPM under slabs. A plastic damp proof membrane below the floor slab.
- DPC in walls. A damp proof course at the base of walls, linked to the DPM.
- Foundation wall membranes. Bitumen, torch-on or sheet membranes on below-ground walls.
- Drainage. Subsoil drains to keep water away from footings.
New Builds and Existing Homes
- New builds. Cheapest and most effective when done during construction.
- Extensions. New DPM and DPC must join the existing ones.
- Existing homes. Usually means digging out alongside walls or treating damp from inside.
Common Problems
- Damp floors. Lifting tiles or vinyl and stained screeds.
- Damp at wall bases. Often rising damp from a missing or damaged DPC.
- Water pooling. Poor site drainage around the house.
Foundation Waterproofing Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quotation.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Foundation membrane | R250 - R650 per m² |
| Drainage alongside a foundation | R600 - R1,500 per metre |
| Chemical DPC injection, existing walls | R350 - R900 per linear metre |
| Cementitious coating | R140 - R300 per m² |
| Hand excavation alongside a wall | R400 - R1,200 per metre |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Indicative ballpark figures in rand, rounded, including labour unless stated. They are not our prices or quotations, and no contractor is bound by them. Confirm VAT, access costs, the product system and what each quotation includes.
Get prices for your property rather than a range. Send one request and see who replies.
Get Waterproofing QuotesWhat Affects the Quote
- Stage of the build. Open foundations cost less to waterproof.
- Excavation. Digging out existing foundations adds significant cost.
- Soil and water table. Clay and high water tables need stronger systems.
- Membrane type. Torch-on, bitumen and sheet systems differ in price.
How the Work Usually Runs
- Plan. Agree the system with the builder or engineer.
- Prepare. Clean, repair and prime the concrete or blockwork.
- Apply. Lay the membrane with lapped and sealed joints.
- Protect. Add protection board and drainage before backfill.
Preparation and Disruption
- New builds. Schedule waterproofing before backfilling and slab casting.
- Existing homes. Expect lifted paving and gardens along the walls.
- Inspections. Have the work checked before it is covered.
Questions to Ask the Contractor
- Which membrane system will you use, and to what spec?
- How will the DPM and DPC be joined?
- Is protection board and drainage included?
- What written warranty applies, and does it need inspection sign-off?
Foundation Waterproofing FAQs
Is foundation waterproofing required on a new house?
A DPM and DPC are standard in South African building practice. Extra membranes depend on the site and design.
Can foundations be waterproofed after the house is built?
Yes, by excavating alongside the walls, but it is costly. Inside treatments are sometimes used instead.
Who should specify the system?
Your architect, engineer or builder, with the waterproofing contractor.
Does it stop rising damp?
A properly installed DPC does. Damp in older homes may need DPC injection instead.
Related Services
Request foundation quotes through Waterproofing South Africa and compare the system and drainage each contractor specifies.
Waterproofing South Africa is a quote and referral service. We do not carry out waterproofing work and we do not employ contractors. Work is quoted and carried out by independent local contractors, and your agreement is with the one you choose. The right system depends on an inspection and the cause of the water ingress. Ask for a written quotation, the product system and the guarantee terms before you pay a deposit.
Foundation Waterproofing. Describe what you need once and get the best quote, fast.
Get Waterproofing QuotesGet the Best Quote, Fast
Keep it brief. Say what is leaking or damp, the type of surface and your suburb. Your enquiry is passed only to contractors suited to the job, and you decide whether to go ahead.
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