Home Improvement, Remodeling and Repair @ Builders Websource. Home design software, advice, tools, videos, tech notes, links and more!

Search: 

Home Page | Books | BuildersTALK | Building a Dream | Green Building | Links | Software | Tech Notes | Tools | Contact

Messages and Online Forum Q&A

If you find the answer to this question useful, kindly CLICK TO PAY here.



Knowledge


BuildersTALK
Building|Dream
Green Building
How-To Books
Links (Web)
Newsletter
Tech Notes
Videos

Software


BeamChek
Bidding
CAD | AutoCAD
Estimating
EZHomeBuild
Home Design
Landscaping
Lighting Design
PrioSoft
Resi-Cost
Structural

Specialty Tools


CrackMON
Tools
WatrLevel

Support & Info


About Us
Advertise
Contact Us
FAQ
Publish
Services
Support

 

Re: mud sill inside & paving outside create flooded units

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Drainage/Waterproofing
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 16 Nov 2002
Time: 11:48 AM

Comments

It sounds like you have a serious mess on your hands. First, any exterior paving or natural ground should be several inches below the mudsill where possible. Typically a minimum of six inches is recommended. In no case should any exterior surface directly adjacent to your home be above the top of the foundation, or you're just asking for trouble. Furthermore, when concrete or paving is installed directly adjacent to a stucco wall, and the stucco is buried behind and below the paving, this sets up a perfect conduit for subterranean termites to enter the structure without warning. We concur with your assessment that the lot should be regraded if possible to account for the thickness of the paving. Furthermore, installing a drainage system is always a good idea if done properly. Please see our online technote on this subject.

With regard to drying out the existing structure, this requires high-power blowers and heaters running continuously for several days, or until the moisture level has returned to normal levels. Anytime a home is flooded, moisture can collect behind the walls, causing mildew and dry rot. Often, holes must be drilled into the walls to allow the moisture to escape. Insulation may need replacing. Carpeting and other materials should be removed and the floor thoroughly dried. This is an expensive and time-consuming process. Sometimes a bleach-wash is applied to help kill and remove any mildew that's starting to form. Keep the windows open if possible and allow the moisture to escape the premises. You must fix the source of the trouble first, otherwise you'll be right back to repairing the flood damage next time it rains. Good luck!

Builders Websource

 

Article Tools

BuildersTALK


Ask an Expert
Recent Questions
Click to Pay

Archives


2006-2007
Oct-Dec 2002
Jul-Sep 2002
Jan-Jun 2002
Jul-Dec 2001
Jan-Jun 2001
1999-2000

 

 


ASTM International