In this part of the country, we have a nasty habit of building below-grade spaces called basements.
There is actually a lot of potential value to engaging in such a practice as long as due consideration is given to the earth placed against the walls, the exterior water management system, EWM, and the possible build-up of groundwater pressure.
Remember, a 2,500 square-foot roof can deposit up to 1,500 gallons of water per inch of rain around a foundation, so EWM is critical.
Failure to properly design and build for these issues too often leads to spaces that are dank, musty, and may even develop active water issues.
Many multi-million-dollar businesses flourish on the sole premise of correcting these problems after the home has been constructed.
We have written in the past regarding EWM, but what about a proactive approach to resolving the sub-grade water issues during construction?
A typical sub-soil water management system consists of a perimeter footing drain made of round, corrugated, plastic pipe wrapped in a sleeve of filter cloth and embedded in a drainage layer of pea-pebbles.
It is tasked with draining water in the ground away from the home before it can penetrate the foundation.
Left unattended, this water can build up and create hydrostatic pressure that, at the least, allows water to enter the basement, and at its worst can actually undermine and jeopardize the structure.
This system should be installed level around the building and lead to either a sump crock or to daylight at a safe, lower point of elevation where the water can consistently drain.
Unfortunately, it is often installed by an untrained employee who may not sufficiently embed the system in the pea-gravel, protect the pipe from collapse prior to backfill, or install the system level.
Water ends up in basements because the house provides a path of least resistance.
One technique utilized in heavy clay soils is to install a deep layer of stone beneath the entire home; a drainage layer that can intercept that groundwater and redirect it away from the home.
Another useful consideration is a product like Form-a-Drain, FD, in place of the plastic pipe.
When we begin a basement build, we use wood to create forms into which we can place concrete for the footings or “feet” of the home. Care is taken to install these forms level around the perimeter. They are then removed as construction proceeds.
What if the forms were permanent and provided a drain? FD is a heavy-gauge plastic-type hollow rectangle that is partially perforated or slotted on the outside. It is installed securely and permanently to not only contain the concrete placement for the footings, but to provide a properly installed drain for both the interior and exterior of the footing.
This product is not going to be crushed by the load of backfill material and is sturdy enough to withstand a later internal power flush if needed to remove fine sand that may, over time, impede water flow.
Because it doubles as the footing form, it may save time and labor dollars in the process.
When connected to a vertical PVC vent pipe, it can also serve as a passive exhaust system for radon in the soil, not only a great concept, but also a huge selling point for the building owner.
This isn’t like installing a new hot tub on the back deck. There is very little brag factor in having an enhanced footing drain system or drainage bed under the basement floor.
The greater benefits are a dry basement that is minus the typical dank odor.
Professionals know these things and employ them every day. The key is to make certain you are dealing with a professional that understands the details.
Contractors like you can find every day at Insideoutsideguys.com
Listen to the Inside Outside Guys every Saturday and Sunday on AM 760-WJR from 10 a.m.-noon or contact us at insideoutsideguys.com.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Keep your basement dry using the Form A Drain system
Reporting by Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein, The Inside Outside Guys / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein, The Inside Outside Guys | USA TODAY Network
