Re: Brick paving over basement area

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Re: Brick paving over basement area

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Foundations and Basements
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 24 Jan 2001
Time: 09:33 PM

Comments

In trying to visualize your problem, I'm not sure that "gluing together" the plastic sheeting will entirely solve your problem. If I understand correctly, you are experiencing water infiltration into the basement area which is underneath or adjacent to a brick walkway. Without seeing the conditions, it's hard to know the proper remedy. For example, how is water diverted away from the basement? Is there any drainage system to collect runoff and let it flow, such as by gravity or a sump pump, to a discharge area? Proper waterproofing is a very tricky business, with attention to detail of critical importance. Just laying down some plastic sheeting is not enough to ensure a watertight seal.

With respect to a glue, you need to know what kind of material you have. There are a range of water-resistant sealants that might help, but I am more concerned that the overall design approach is flawed.

Unfortunately, you can't find the original contractor...and this may be a further sign that he wasn't qualified in the first place to waterproof your basement.

If there is any way you could fax us a drawing at 650-299-0668 (US country code is 1), we might be able to offer some additional suggestions. Or, if you have a digital camera, email us some photos at info@builderswebsource.com and we'd be happy to do our best to point you in the right direction.

I'm sorry you have to go through this, but waterproofing is a specialty that many contractors don't understand. Read also our Tech Note on residential drainage as this may give you some insight into this topic. You can find an index of online Tech Notes at:

http://www.builderswebsource.com/techbriefs/application_briefs.htm

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