My house was built around 1900, and I have a stone foundation that leaks. What can I do to waterproof it?
The absolute best approach is to dig up the outside to expose the stone and apply a waterproofing membrane on the 'positive side'. Frequently, the condition of the foundation is poor, so a mason is needed to parge the stone and rubble so we have a continuous substrate onto which we apply the waterproofing. Adding exterior perimeter drainage to the site is another important component to a good waterproofing job.
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If I have good waterproofing on my walls, why would I need a sump pump?
Foundation waterproofing will keep water and moisture from coming through your walls. A sump pump is designed to relieve the hydrostatic head that can build up from the ground water beneath your basement slab.
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I have a building lot with a high water table. How can I build a house with a full basement, like I want?
As buildable land becomes scarcer, many homes these days are being built on what used to be considered marginal land because of ground water. We have many different products that are designed to stand up to a constant head of water. While this situation is less than ideal, we can "build a boat in the ground". There are a number of engineering considerations when introducing ground water as a building variable, so it's always best to consult an engineer as well as an architect who are knowledgeable in this field. While waterproofing applications are state-of-the-art and can withstand constant pressure, water management… sump pumps, drainage, retaining chambers are recommended, as well as emergency back up generators for those occasional New England storms and power outages.
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What is the difference between waterproofing and damproofing?
Damproofing is what we consider an out-dated building code that more and more states are replacing. Wayne Fortier, our founder, used to say " Damproofing a foundation is like putting tar paper on a roof and expecting it to shed water." Waterproofing is a much thicker application that remains flexible under ground over time, and will span small defects in the concrete, such as shrinkage cracks. Waterproofing membranes come with anywhere from a 10-year to 30-year warranty, while damproofing generally offers no warranty at all. For pennies more per square foot, waterproofing is a far better choice for the average builder and homeowner.
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I want a good waterproofing job on my foundation, but my builder says he can do it himself for much cheaper than the quotes I got. What should I do?
Waterproofing your foundation is the last place in the building process you want to skimp. You get one shot to do it right. The cost of remediation is extremely high, and very disruptive. While your builder may have the best intentions to save you money, in the long run, having a dry, healthy basement (with a warranty) is what you really want.
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I had an addition put on my house. How come it leaks where the new foundation wall meets the old one?
When new concrete is poured up against existing (cold) concrete, this is referred to as a cold joint. Cold joints are notorious for leaking because while the new concrete abuts the old concrete fully, as it hardens, and shrinks, it pulls away a tiny amount, and that's all water needs to find a way into your basement. The best way to remedy a leaking cold joint is an epoxy injection (see CRACK-X) that fills the entire depth of the foundation wall, and creates a water-tight structural bond between the two surfaces of concrete.
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Are the little cracks in my foundation 'normal'?
Yes. Most concrete will crack as it settles and shrinks. Concrete is very inelastic. Most cracks will appear within the first two years.
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I have a crack in my basement foundation wall. Someone told me that I have to dig up my yard to fix it right. That sounds like a big bummer. Can't I get it fixed from the inside?
We can absolutely repair the crack from the inside. With a pressurized epoxy injection, we can fill the crack to the full depth of the wall, creating a structural repair. There is no need to dig up your yard.
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25 Washington Ave. - Natick, MA 01760
Phone: 1-800-548-3379 - Email: info@livedry.com
