Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - grade with concrete vs. dirt?
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MontanaMama
05-25-05, 07:09 AM
We have owned our 1940's built home for 10 years. Have never needed to do a big project. Are amateurs. We have a basement water issue, and have done alot of research about it...bottom line is to take care of the source. PROBLEM: Rain gutters are not an option in this problem spot without significant structural change. We know that the ground needs to be graded away from the foundation, but we would like/have been told that we can pour an angled concrete "drainage slab" in the area of problem (there is a flower bed there now). Has anyone done this and is it possible to adhere it and seal it to keep most of the water from getting to the foundation?
marksr
05-25-05, 07:46 AM
Welcome to the forum Sue
IMO concrete is not a good option. Often water gets under it or finds cracks to make its way through. Best fix is to dig down to footer,waterproof the wall, install drain tiles and gravel. Then regrade the surface away from the bldg. Have you tried applying drylok to the inside of the basement walls? It is a very good product for stopping water penetration. :)
IMO concrete is not a good option. Often water gets under it or finds cracks to make its way through. Best fix is to dig down to footer,waterproof the wall, install drain tiles and gravel. Then regrade the surface away from the bldg. Have you tried applying drylok to the inside of the basement walls? It is a very good product for stopping water penetration. :)
Concretemasonry
05-25-05, 10:56 PM
I don't know what a "significant structural chage" is.
If the change cannot be made outside you also have the option of using interior drain tiles. They can provide an excellant way to lower the water table and do a better job of reducing any leakage going through the floor hrinkage and structural cracks.
As stupid as it sounds, a sloped piece of plastic adhered to the foubation under the flower could help if there is a place to get rid of the water it collects. Make sure it has a double loop of excessmaterial at the foundation to accomodate the settlement of the soil below.
The sloped concrete slab is just a big, heavy band-aid. Drain tile is a real cure.
Dick
If the change cannot be made outside you also have the option of using interior drain tiles. They can provide an excellant way to lower the water table and do a better job of reducing any leakage going through the floor hrinkage and structural cracks.
As stupid as it sounds, a sloped piece of plastic adhered to the foubation under the flower could help if there is a place to get rid of the water it collects. Make sure it has a double loop of excessmaterial at the foundation to accomodate the settlement of the soil below.
The sloped concrete slab is just a big, heavy band-aid. Drain tile is a real cure.
Dick