Re: foundation waterproofing

[Guest guest]

I would say a structural engineer would need to observe that crack. Cracks in

foundations have variables. It could be settling crack or a structural problem

depending on the crack size (width)

God Bless !!

dragonflymcs

Mayleen

________________________________

From: momoko_uno <momoko_uno@...>

Sent: Sat, February 19, 2011 11:50:07 AM

Subject: [] foundation waterproofing

i have come to understand that water intrusion in the basement could be due to

many reasons. (thank you to everyone who has helped me to better understand this

fact.)

we are in contract with a house and found water intrusion in particular in one

side of the basement and visible mold during the final walk-through. initial

inspections found no visible mold or water intrusion.

the sellers have indicated that the footing drain is okay. the side of the house

where the water intrusion has occurred in the basement has functioning gutters

and no water staining on the exterior wall of the house. the house is about 100

years old with a stone foundation. i am concerned that a crack may have

developed in the foundation wall during the last several months due to the

extreme amount of precipitation. is this a possibility?

once you can see the foundation crack, within how many week/months/years can you

tell when the crack occurred and the water intrusion started?

how effective are foundation sealer? for people with chemical sensitivities,

would a sealer be okay?

thank you!

tions of this message have been removed]

[Guest guest]

A 100 year old foundation obviously has no waterproofing at all. No one

thought it necessary so long ago. In addition, the mortar holding the stones

together was softer and more permeable than that used today. I worked on an old

house a few years ago on which foundation mortar could be removed with one's

finger, no tools required. On these buildings, the mason's selection of stones

was critical, since the stone shape held the foundation together more than the

mortar did. Mortar was really more decorative than structural. Foundation

waterproofing might help some, but not completely. This will involve digging

down to the footers, a process which might cause some damage to an old

structure. As long as the waterproofing is done several days before you move in,

it should de-gas before you live there, plus it's outside. I would certainly

recommend airing the house out some a few days after the odor is gone outside.

If the foundation walls are successfully waterproofed without damage to the

walls, where will the water go? The old house has no vapor barrier under the

basement floor. Any water now leaking through the walls may start seeping up

through the floor. Benefit from foundation waterproofing is somewhat

questionable.

Siting of the house and its landscaping are very important. If the house is on

a small rise or on a hill, you can probably live with a little infrequent water

intrusion into the basement. Clean up with a wet/dry shop vac whenever water

enters, and run a dehumidifier to keep humidity low during the majority of the

time no water is leaking in. This can be very successful even for mold

sensitized people like me. Just don't store any cardboard boxes down there. A

few years ago Walter Jowers, a writer for the Nashville Scene, made the comment:

" Has your basement leaked yet? If not, it will eventually. All foundations crack

and let water in. That's why I'd never put anything more expensive than a

pingpong table there. " Landscapiung and waterproofing certainly minimize these

problems, but can never totally eliminate them. We simply need to learn how to

cope with them.

However, if the house is in a low spot such that water is expected to drain

toward it with every rainfall, or if water leaks in with every light rain, walk

away.

Gil

foundation waterproofing

Posted by: " momoko_uno " momoko_uno@... momoko_uno

Date: Sat Feb 19, 2011 9:18 am ((PST))

i have come to understand that water intrusion in the basement could be due to

many reasons. (thank you to everyone who has helped me to better understand this

fact.)

we are

[Guest guest]

hi Gill ive been reading up on this issue-ive built a cabin on a cement slab.its

dry but ive been researching to keep it that way as even if you put a vapor

barrier under the cement floor it will decompose over time.

what i read is you can put in drainage tile and/or dig a trench all the way

around the house and v both sides into a pit away from the house.it gives the

water somewhere to go and it wont stay under the house.

i just wanted to add this hope it helps someone out there who needs the

info,Brett 

From: Gil Vice <gilvice@...>

Subject: [] Re: foundation waterproofing

" sick buildings " < >, momoko_uno@...

Date: Sunday, February 20, 2011, 11:28 AM

A 100 year old foundation obviously has no waterproofing at all. No one

thought it necessary so long ago. In addition, the mortar holding the stones

together was softer and more permeable than that used today. I worked on an old

house a few years ago on which foundation mortar could be removed with one's

finger, no tools required. On these buildings, the mason's selection of stones

was critical, since the stone shape held the foundation together more than the

mortar did. Mortar was really more decorative than structural. Foundation

waterproofing might help some, but not completely. This will involve digging

down to the footers, a process which might cause some damage to an old

structure. As long as the waterproofing is done several days before you move in,

it should de-gas before you live there, plus it's outside. I would certainly

recommend airing the house out some a few days after the odor is gone outside.

If the foundation walls are successfully waterproofed without damage to the

walls, where will the water go? The old house has no vapor barrier under the

basement floor. Any water now leaking through the walls may start seeping up

through the floor. Benefit from foundation waterproofing is somewhat

questionable.

Siting of the house and its landscaping are very important. If the house is on

a small rise or on a hill, you can probably live with a little infrequent water

intrusion into the basement. Clean up with a wet/dry shop vac whenever water

enters, and run a dehumidifier to keep humidity low during the majority of the

time no water is leaking in. This can be very successful even for mold

sensitized people like me. Just don't store any cardboard boxes down there. A

few years ago Walter Jowers, a writer for the Nashville Scene, made the comment:

" Has your basement leaked yet? If not, it will eventually. All foundations crack

and let water in. That's why I'd never put anything more expensive than a

pingpong table there. " Landscapiung and waterproofing certainly minimize these

problems, but can never totally eliminate them. We simply need to learn how to

cope with them.

However, if the house is in a low spot such that water is expected to drain

toward it with every rainfall, or if water leaks in with every light rain, walk

away.

Gil

foundation waterproofing