Dampproofing
resists moisture where there's no water pressure: typically a spray- or roller-applied bituminous coating on foundation walls above the water table. Lower cost.
Division 07, Waterproofing
Waterproofing Estimating Services for Below-Grade, Deck & Interior Systems
Waterproofing failures are expensive because they show up after everything is finished: behind a foundation wall, under a plaza, beneath a tiled shower. Pricing the system properly means pricing every layer and every detail, not just the membrane area.
Our waterproofing estimating services cover below-grade walls and slabs, plaza and podium decks, balconies, and interior wet areas, with membrane quantities, accessories, and detail counts organized for bidding.
07 10 00Below-grade, deck and plaza
Excel + PDFWith marked-up drawings
ZIP-code pricedLocal material and labor rates
24 to 48 hoursTypical turnaround
Dampproofing or Waterproofing?
The specs may call for either, and the difference matters:
Waterproofing
resists water under hydrostatic pressure (sheet membranes, fluid-applied systems, bentonite, or crystalline treatments) with protection and drainage layers. Higher cost and more detailing.
We price what the drawings and specs actually call for, and flag inconsistencies between sections and details.
Below-Grade Waterproofing
Positive-Side Application
Applied to the exterior face of the wall after it's built, when the excavation allows access. Includes surface preparation, membrane, protection board, and drainage composite.
Blind-Side Application
Installed against shoring or lagging before the foundation wall is poured, used on tight urban sites with no room to work outside the wall. Different materials and more detailing, and usually a higher cost per square foot.
Under-Slab Waterproofing
Membranes below slabs-on-grade and mat foundations, often tied into blind-side wall systems.
Systems Priced
- Sheet-applied membranes (self-adhered, HDPE, rubberized asphalt)
- Fluid-applied membranes
- Bentonite systems
- Crystalline waterproofing
- Dampproofing coatings
Plaza, Podium & Balcony Waterproofing
Decks over occupied space carry heavier systems: hot-applied or fluid-applied membranes, protection layers, drainage mats, insulation, and overburden (pavers, soil, or concrete topping). We take off the membrane, the full assembly above it, and drains, curbs, and edge terminations.
Interior Wet Areas
- Shower pans and wet room membranes
- Mechanical room floors
- Kitchen floors and pool decks
- Sheet or liquid-applied waterproofing under tile Flooring estimating →
The Accessories That Make the System Work
Membrane area is only part of the quantity. Each system also needs:
- Primers and surface preparation
- Protection board
- Drainage composite and filter fabric
- Termination bars and edge sealing
- Waterstops at construction joints
- Reinforcing strips at corners and transitions
- Foundation drainage connections (often by others)
Details Counted Separately
Labor concentrates at details. We count:
- Pipe and conduit penetrations
- Inside and outside corners
- Tie-ins between wall, slab, and deck systems
- Transitions to above-grade air barriers Thermal and moisture protection →
- Drains and sumps
Who Uses Waterproofing Estimating
- Waterproofing subcontractors
- General contractors pricing Division 07
- Concrete contractors who include dampproofing in their scope
- Tile contractors pricing wet-area membranes
Checklist
What to Send
- Foundation, structural, and architectural drawings
- Waterproofing details and specifications
- Geotechnical report (water table information)
- Addenda
Send Your Files
Upload the drawings through our quote form, share a Google Drive or plan-room link, or email them. Large sets travel best as a shared folder.
Upload Your Plans →Or email info@primeestimation.com.
Excel + PDFWith marked-up drawings
Deliverables
What You Receive
- Membrane areas by system and location
- Accessory quantities
- Detail counts
- Labor and material pricing
- Marked-up drawings
- Clarifications and exclusions
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between dampproofing and waterproofing?
Dampproofing resists moisture without water pressure. Waterproofing resists water under hydrostatic pressure. They use different materials and carry different costs.
Do you estimate blind-side waterproofing?
Yes, including the shoring-side membrane, under-slab tie-ins, and details.
Are drainage boards and protection board included?
Yes, as separate quantities.
Do you estimate shower waterproofing?
Yes, as part of interior wet-area scope.
Ready to Get Started?
Price Every Layer and Every Detail
Send your foundation and waterproofing drawings. We'll quote the estimate and delivery date.