Need 2nd opinion on waterproofing and drainage. Slab will be at least 6” above grade.
We poured a 4' ICF stem wall foundation for slab on grade house in SW MI. Soil is sandy but water table is also high. I intentionally set footings slightly higher than current water table but not sure how high the water table might be in the spring. Contractor suggested not to waterproof since there is no basement and save money. He only recommended to do it if there are termites. Old house termite test showed none so I am inclinedto believe there are/will be none. Old house foundation sat at lower elevation and bad/non-existent grading. This foundation is higher, has 6A stone bed under footings, will bring a lot of clean fill (or sand) which will provide for somehow same or higher elevation than my neighbors' lot elevation which I suspect was the problem of the old house foundation having water draining towards the house.
I have a road ditch for water management where I can route a drain tile around the house to daylight. Should I put drain tile? If yes, at what hight should it be placed with reference to the 4' stem wall.
Lastly, stone or existing soil (sand) to backfill against ICF? As much as I prefer stone, is damaging the ICF styrofoam with stone against it a valid concern?
Thanks in advance
We poured a 4' ICF stem wall foundation for slab on grade house in SW MI. Soil is sandy but water table is also high. I intentionally set footings slightly higher than current water table but not sure how high the water table might be in the spring. Contractor suggested not to waterproof since there is no basement and save money. He only recommended to do it if there are termites. Old house termite test showed none so I am inclinedto believe there are/will be none. Old house foundation sat at lower elevation and bad/non-existent grading. This foundation is higher, has 6A stone bed under footings, will bring a lot of clean fill (or sand) which will provide for somehow same or higher elevation than my neighbors' lot elevation which I suspect was the problem of the old house foundation having water draining towards the house.
I have a road ditch for water management where I can route a drain tile around the house to daylight. Should I put drain tile? If yes, at what hight should it be placed with reference to the 4' stem wall.
Lastly, stone or existing soil (sand) to backfill against ICF? As much as I prefer stone, is damaging the ICF styrofoam with stone against it a valid concern?
Thanks in advance