Followup on 9 Feb: Are my questions unreasonable or too general? Did I post this in the wrong forum? Is more precise information needed?
Hello to all. My situation involves new construction in SC. The crawl space will be conditioned with air from the house itself. 2x6 framing, solid-filled concrete block foundation, dirt floor (not poured concrete). This is our permanent home, never relocating. Cost is definitely a factor, but inhibiting mold is too. 2" thick natural stone veneer will be applied to the foundation wall above grade. I've read that the block wall should be waterproofed behind the stone.
May I please have guidance on: insulating, waterproofing, and drainage.
Insulating - The builder is new to this kind of crawl space and plans to insulate from the inside with 2" rigid foam board, seal it all up with heavy plastic over a sand floor and up the walls. As I look into waterproofing, I'm seeing recommendations to insulate from the exterior. Not sure which is best.
Waterproofing & drainage- We're in a clay/sand area, (about 80% clay). I want 100% gravel against the house with a drain system using perforated pvc and grading as described for most foundation walls. What waterproofing is recommended if natural stone veneer is to be applied? Paint-on or spray on? Membrane? Rigid foam? Plastic lining, then mesh for the stone?
I would like the clay-sand backfill to be kept away from the foundation wall by the gravel and landscaping fabric, similar to a retaining wall set-up. Is this practical? Too much?
Also I notice many expansion gaps in the mortar between the blocks. I presume it's still sealed inside the wall but would like to know if I (or masons) need to scrape extra mortar into the very thin gaps. Should I be concerned about this? I appreciate your time.
Hello to all. My situation involves new construction in SC. The crawl space will be conditioned with air from the house itself. 2x6 framing, solid-filled concrete block foundation, dirt floor (not poured concrete). This is our permanent home, never relocating. Cost is definitely a factor, but inhibiting mold is too. 2" thick natural stone veneer will be applied to the foundation wall above grade. I've read that the block wall should be waterproofed behind the stone.
May I please have guidance on: insulating, waterproofing, and drainage.
Insulating - The builder is new to this kind of crawl space and plans to insulate from the inside with 2" rigid foam board, seal it all up with heavy plastic over a sand floor and up the walls. As I look into waterproofing, I'm seeing recommendations to insulate from the exterior. Not sure which is best.
Waterproofing & drainage- We're in a clay/sand area, (about 80% clay). I want 100% gravel against the house with a drain system using perforated pvc and grading as described for most foundation walls. What waterproofing is recommended if natural stone veneer is to be applied? Paint-on or spray on? Membrane? Rigid foam? Plastic lining, then mesh for the stone?
I would like the clay-sand backfill to be kept away from the foundation wall by the gravel and landscaping fabric, similar to a retaining wall set-up. Is this practical? Too much?
Also I notice many expansion gaps in the mortar between the blocks. I presume it's still sealed inside the wall but would like to know if I (or masons) need to scrape extra mortar into the very thin gaps. Should I be concerned about this? I appreciate your time.