BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Heavy rains destabilized the soil beneath this multi-story home in Puerto Rico.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00

Poor drainage conditions can enable water to pool around the home.

Final Grade

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to properly waterproof foundations.

Building Enclosure: Foundation Overview

Wrong – Driveway is not sloped away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right – Driveway is installed to slope water away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The final grade does not slope away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right – The final grade slopes away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Comprehensive water management features include a capillary break (≥ 6-mil polyethylene sheeting) at all crawlspace floors

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2009 - 12:00

Right – The drain slopes away from the foundation and terminates at the proper distance

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Drain pipe has been cut and foundation penetration has not been properly sealed

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Homebuilders' Guide to Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction, FEMA 232

Author(s)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Organization(s)

FEMA

Publication Date

June, 2006

Report presenting seismic design and construction guidance for one- and two-family houses for homebuilders, knowledgeable homeowners, and other non-engineers.

Good water management practices like sloping grade away from house, and installing gutters, perimeter drain pipe, a capillary break, and free-draining soils or drainage mat protect the foundation from water saturation.

Publication Date

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:00

Final Grade Slopes Away from Foundation

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

Swales, Drains, and Site Grading for Stormwater Control

Guide describing the use of swales, French drains, and site grading to minimize saturation of foundations and ponding of stormwater runoff on sites.

Design and Retrofit for Flood Protection

Information guide describing constructed flood protection measures to minimize damage and increase structural resilience during a flood.

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.

Flooding Overview

Overview guide describing residential floodproofing steps.