HOW TO INSTALL A DRY WELL

Dry Wells for Drainage

A dry well is installed to help give runoff water an escape route so it doesn’t
collect around the house foundation. 

DRAINAGE SOLUTION: HOWTO INSTALL A DRY WELL

A dry well is a simple way to channel excess water out of low-lying or
water-laden areas, such as the ground beneath a gutter downspout. A dry
well system (see previous page) typically consists of a buried drain tile
running from a catch basin positioned at the problem spot to a collection
container some distance away.

DRAINAGE SOLUTION: HOW TO RE-GRADE

Establish the drainage slope. The yard around your house should slant away from
the house at a minimum slope of 3/4" per ft. for at least 10 ft. Till the soil or add new
soil around the house perimeter. Drive a wood stake next to the house and another 10
ft. out. Tie a level mason’s string between the stakes, and then move the string down
at least 2 1/2" at the end away from the house, establishing your minimum slope.

PREVENTING MOISTURE IN BASEMENTS

Waterproof Paint

Masonry paints and sealers, especially those that are described as
waterproof, are rather controversial products. Some manufacturers
claim that applying a coat of their waterproof paint will create a seal
that can hold back moisture, even under light hydrostatic pressure.
Others suggest only that their product, when applied to a basement
wall, will create a skin that inhibits water penetration from the interior
side.
Masonry paints do hold up better on concrete surfaces than other
types, largely because they are higher in alkali and therefore less
reactive with cement-based materials. But they also can trap moisture
in the concrete, which will cause the paint to fail prematurely and can
cause the concrete to degrade, especially if the water freezes. Read the
product label carefully before applying waterproof paint to your
basement walls, and make sure to follow the preparation protocols
carefully. If you have a foundation wall with an active water-seepage
problem, address the problem with the other methods shown in this
section, including grading and gutters. A coat of waterproof paint is not

going to make your basement drier.

HOW TO SKIM-COAT A FOUNDATION WALL

Resurface heavily cracked masonry walls with a water-resistant masonry coating
such as surface bonding cement. Clean and dampen the walls according to the coating
manufacturer’s instructions, then fill large cracks and holes with the coating. Finally,
plaster a 1/4" layer of the coating on the walls using a square-end trowel. Specially
formulated heavy-duty masonry coatings are available for very damp conditions.

HOW TO SEAL CRACKS IN A FOUNDATION WALL

To repair a stable crack, chisel cut a keyhole cut that’s wider at the base then at the
surface, and no more than 1/2" deep. Clean out the crack with a wire brush.

BASEMENTS: WET WALLS

Basement moisture can destroy your efforts to create functional living
space. Over time, even small amounts of moisture can rot framing, turn
wallboard to mush, and promote the growth of mold and mildew. Before
proceeding with your basement project, you must deal with any moisture
issues. The good news is that moisture problems can be resolved, often
very easily.
Basement moisture appears in two forms: condensation and seepage.
Condensation comes from airborne water vapor that turns to water when it
contacts cold surfaces. Vapor sources include humid outdoor air, poorly
ventilated appliances, damp walls, and water released from concrete.

HOW TO INSULATE AN INTERIOR BASEMENT WALL

INSULATION SOLUTION FOR DRY WALLS: INTERIOR WALL
INSULATION

As a general rule, avoid insulating the interior side of your basement walls.

It is best to leave breathing space for the concrete or block so moisture that

enters through the walls is not trapped. If your exterior basement walls

meet the definition of a dry wall  however, adding some

interior insulation can increase the comfort level in your basement. If you

are building a stud wall for hanging wallcovering materials, you can

insulate between the studs with rigid foam—do not use fiberglass batts and

do not install a vapor barrier. If you are building a stud wall, it’s a good

idea to keep the wall away from the basement wall so there is an air

channel between the two.