Water Management | Building America Solution Center

Capillary Break at Crawlspace Floor - Polyethylene Sheeting under Concrete Slab

Guide describing how to install a capillary break to help manage moisture in foundations.

Capillary Break at Crawlspace Floors - Polyethylene Lapped Up Walls and Piers or Secured in the Ground

Guide describing how to create a capillary break at all crawlspace floors using polyethylene sheeting to manage moisture in crawlspaces.

Capillary Break Beneath Slab - Polyethylene Sheeting or Rigid Insulation

Guide describing how to install a capillary break under a slab foundation using either polyethylene sheeting or rigid insulation installed over aggregate or over sand and geotextile matting.

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing

This guide describes installation procedures for continuous rigid insulation to help provide thermal protection and reduce thermal bridging; depending on the product it may also serve as structural sheathing, or the moisture control layer.

Damp-Proof Exterior Surface of Below-Grade Walls

Guide describing how to apply water management strategies to below grade walls.

Drain or Sump Pump Installed in Basements or Crawlspaces

Guide describing installation of sump pumps in the basement or crawlspace of a home.

Final Grade Slopes Away from Foundation

Guide describing how to properly grade a site so water will flow away from the foundation.

Flood-Resistant Pier, Pile, Post, and Column Foundations

Guide describing how to construct flood-resistant homes using pier, pile, post, or column foundations.

Flood-Resistant Raised-Slab Foundations

Guide describing ways to construct a raised-slab foundation to increase a home's resistance to floods.

Footing Drain Pipe

Guide describing how to help drain water away from the perimeter footing.

Insulation for Existing Crawl Space Floors

Guide describing how to upgrade a crawlspace floor in an existing home by adding insulation.

Managing Indoor Humidity and Ventilation in Cold Weather

Guide describing steps to take to minimize indoor humidity in preparation for cold winter weather.

Patio Slabs, Porch Slabs, Walkways, and Driveways Slope Away from House

Guide describing how to correctly slope solid surfaces outside a home so rainwater flows away from the home.

Pest-Resistant Ground Cover at Foundation Perimeter

Guide describing methods for installing pest-resistant ground cover around foundations to resist borrowing rodents and other pests.

Reduce Pest Intrusion

Guide describing ways builders can block off entry points and otherwise make homes inhospitable to all manner of pests.

Site Drainage Practices to Minimize Localized Flooding

Guide describing steps that builders can take to reduce the likelihood of standing water and localized flooding around the foundation of a home during rainy conditions, with links to several full guides providing detailed instructions for improving water management in new and existing homes.

Foundations & Floors -
Water Management

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