[JustScrewIt]

What are some basic ways builders ensure that groundwater doesn't seep into the foundation from outside and wick up into the surface of the subfloor inside?

 

[SeniorSitizen]

I hope you are not serious, but in case you are you can google a hoard of worthless products that will satisfy those that believe this seeping / wicking happens.

 

[AllanJ]

Installing a perimeter drain system with sump pump.

 

[JustScrewIt]

I hope you are not serious, but in case you are you can google a hoard of worthless products that will satisfy those that believe this seeping / wicking happens.

Thanks but I'll pass since I was looking for preventative measures, not products that may or may not fix a problem after the fact.

From the looks of it, I'll assume that you don't believe water wicks into the foundation from the surrounding soil through capillary action. Or if it does, it's not a problem. Is that what you're saying?

Admittedly, I don't know much about concrete, but I'm under the impression that hardened concrete is porous. I also have heard that a moisture barrier is used (sometimes) between the soil and the foundation wall. If it is, what would be the reason for it?

 

[Yodaman]

Some light reading on the subject by reputable sources,

http://inspectapedia.com/Wet_Basements/Basement_Waterproofing_Sealer.php

http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/qa/waterproofing-a-basement-from-inside.aspx

 

[Palladini]

Depending on the age of your house and location, the code may have said, if it is a newer build, that that plastic sheet and pipe ran around the outside when it was built. It, the pipe may go to a Sump Pump in the basement. If you have an older home, you could rip up the floor inside the house, about 18 inches from all outside walls, so they can put the pipe on the inside of the house, then run that to a Sump Pump in one of the corners of the house. There are many ways to waterproof a house, watch a few of Mike Holmes Shows he has made in the last decade or so and you will see the various ways they repair leaks.

As I type this I have 2 Sump Pump going at about 10 second intervals and I still have water coming up through the floor!

The Grand River is about a block and 3/4 away from my house, it was a former swamp area it and every house on this street was built on, and since we had all the warm weather, then a 5 inch snowfall and know it is slowly melting, we have the situation I am in.

 

[joecaption]

Once the foundation is done it needs to be water proofed.
Outside perimeter drain draining to day light.
Vapor barrier and foam insulation laid before slab is pored.

 

[Bud9051]

Hi JS, you are correct, concrete is just like a sponge. Capillary action can lift water 100' on concrete. The solution is to prevent the water from reaching the exterior surfaces, sides and bottoms of walls and continuously under the basement slab.

Here is some reading:
http://buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-103-understanding-basements

Bud