Keeping Basements Dry Since 1956
Exterior Waterproofing & Foundation Leak Repair for St. Clair Shores, Grosse Pointe & Metro Detroit
Most basement problems start outside the wall — not inside your basement. We stop water at the source with hand-dug exterior waterproofing that protects both your living space and your foundation.
Licensed & Insured • Free Estimates • 10–15 Year Warranty
Family-Owned • Owner on Every Job • Exterior Waterproofing Only • Serving Metro Detroit Since 1956
About Clark Basement Waterproofing
Mark Rhoades
Owner/Operator
Bringing more than 40 years of hands-on waterproofing experience to every job. Mark is on-site and involved with each project — inspecting the problem, explaining the solution, and supervising the crew from start to finish.
Why Homeowners Choose Clark
Clark Basement Waterproofing is a family-owned company based in Macomb County, Michigan. We’ve been fixing basement leaks the right way since 1956, focusing exclusively on exterior waterproofing and foundation protection.
- Owner on-site and involved with every job
- No subcontract crews — the same team, year after year
- Exterior-only methods backed by a 10–15 year warranty
- Licensed, insured, and trusted in the community since 1956
Is Your Basement Trying to Tell You Something?
Most leaks start small. If you notice any of these, your foundation is asking for help:
Damp, musty smell in the basement
Water stains or seepage lines on walls
Puddles after rain or snow melt
Cracks in foundation walls
Rust on appliances or fixtures
Mold or mildew on walls or stored items
These aren’t “normal basement problems.”
They’re signs that water pressure is building up outside your home and finding its way in.
Do you have basement water issues?
Our Exterior Waterproofing Process
Every job is personally overseen by owner/operator Mark Rhoades. Here’s what you can expect when you work with Clark.
STEP 1
Inspection & Estimate
We inspect your foundation, explain what’s causing the problem, and provide a clear written estimate — for free and with no pressure.
STEP 2
Prep & Hand Digging
We protect your landscaping and hard surfaces, move what’s necessary, and hand dig the wall down to the footing. No backhoes tearing up your yard.
STEP 3
Seal, Tar & Membrane
Cracks are sealed with hydraulic cement, then the wall is coated with tar and covered with a waterproof membrane to block future water penetration.
STEP 4
Drain Tile & Restoration
New drain tile and pea stone are installed to relieve water pressure and carry water away. Then we restore your yard, landscaping, deck or concrete so it looks like we were never there.
Most projects take 3–7 days depending on the length and depth of the wall.
When we’re finished, you’re left with a dry basement protected through spring thaws, heavy rain, and seasonal ground pressure.
Why Your Basement Could Be Leaking
Metro Detroit basements leak because of hydrostatic pressure — wet soil pressing against your foundation. Over time, that pressure forces water through small cracks, joints, and gaps.
- Small foundation cracks and deteriorated mortar joints
- Older, clogged, or collapsed drain tile
- Gaps around basement windows or utility entries
- Rising spring groundwater and heavy summer storms
When water is pushing on the outside of the wall, the only permanent fix is to relieve that pressure and waterproof the exterior surface.
Why Interior Waterproofing Doesn’t Fix the Problem
Interior systems are designed to collect water after it comes through your wall. They hide symptoms instead of fixing the structure.
- Water still enters your foundation wall and footing
- Freeze–thaw cycles in winter widen cracks every year
- Constant moisture weakens concrete over time
- Moisture inside the wall can feed mold and mildew
Exterior waterproofing stops water before it enters the wall, protecting both your living space and your foundation. Interior waterproofing will only make the problem worse.
Clark vs. Interior Waterproofing Companies
| Question | Clark Exterior Waterproofing | Interior Waterproofing Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Does it stop water before it enters the wall? | Yes | No |
| Does it relieve hydrostatic pressure on the foundation? | Yes | No |
| Are cracks sealed on the exterior with cement, tar & membrane? | Yes | No |
| Does the foundation wall stay dry instead of constantly wet? | Yes | No |
| Does water still enter the wall and footing? | No | Yes |
| Can freeze–thaw cycles keep widening cracks over time? | Greatly reduced | Yes |
| Is the work hand dug (no backhoes tearing up the yard)? | Yes | Usually no |
| Are landscaping, decks & concrete restored after the job? | Yes | Not typically needed (no exterior work) |
| Is the crew owner-supervised on site? | Yes | Rarely |
| Is it a long-term structural solution, not just symptom control? | Yes | No |
Do you have basement water issues?
Our Services
Clark specializes in exterior-only waterproofing and related foundation protection work.
Exterior Basement Waterproofing
We inspect your foundation, explain the issue, and give a clear written estimate, for free.
Foundation Crack Repair
Seal exterior cracks with concrete, tar, and a membrane to prevent future leaks.
Basement Leak Diagnosis
Honest, experienced evaluation of what’s actually causing your leak and the best way to fix it.
Drain Tile Replacement
Full hand-dug exterior waterproofing to eliminate leaks permanently.
Exterior Water Management
Improve exterior drainage to keep water away from your foundation.
Waterproofing Under Decks & Concrete
We cut or lift only what’s necessary – and restore everything we touch.
Serving St. Clair Shores, Grosse Pointe & Metro Detroit
Serving homeowners since 1956 specializing in older foundations throughout Metro Detroit, including Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb Counties.
Homes built between the 1920s-1970s are especially prone to exterior pressure cracks – which we repair permanently.
- St. Clair Shores
- Grosse Pointe Park
- Grosse Pointe Woods
- Grosse Pointe Farms
- Grosse Pointe Shores
- Harper Woods
- Eastpointe
- Roseville
- Warren
- Harrison Township
- Clinton Township
- Macomb County & nearby areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you really not use interior systems at all?
Correct. We only perform exterior work. Interior drains can manage visible water, but they don’t stop water from entering your foundation. Our focus is protecting the structure itself.
Will my yard be destroyed?
No. We dig by hand and restore the area when we’re finished. That means replacing soil, smoothing and leveling, and repairing any concrete or surfaces we had to cut. The goal is a yard that looks like we were never there.
How long does a typical job take?
Most projects are completed in 3–7 days, depending on how much wall has to be exposed, soil conditions, and weather.
Can you work under decks, porches, or driveways?
In most cases, yes. We can remove and replace smaller sections or work under certain structures. During the estimate, we’ll explain what access is required and how we’ll restore it.
How much does exterior waterproofing cost?
Costs vary based on wall length, depth, access, and how many sides of the house are affected. That’s why we offer a free on-site estimate with a detailed explanation of the work.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. We offer a written 10–15 year warranty based on the project scope and conditions.
Request a Free Estimate
If you’re seeing water, smelling mildew, or just worried about foundation cracks, we’ll take a look and give you an honest opinion.
Phone: (313) 885-3915
Email: mark@clarkwaterproofing.com
Hours: Monday – Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM
Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan
We’ll review your message, call you back, and schedule a time for Mark to inspect the problem area and explain the best solution.