BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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

Image

Right - Retrofit of an existing basement slab by adding dimple plastic mat, rigid foam insulation, and a floating subfloor.

Image

A method for preventing waterproofing issues at the intersection of a concrete pier, concrete retaining wall, and concrete slab.

Image

The existing slab is retrofitted by coating with epoxy paint, then installing rigid foam insulation and a floating subfloor.

Image

An uninsulated (or existing insulated) basement slab is retrofitted to reduce moisture transmission by sealing with epoxy paint.

Image

Impervious surfaces like patio slabs, sidewalks, and driveways that are within 10 feet of the home should slope away from the house.

Image

Polyethylene sheeting covers the aggregate and extends down and under the footing to provide a capillary break between the ground and the slab and monolithic footing

CAD File

Right - The existing basement slab is retrofitted by installing a dimple plastic drainage mat, rigid foam insulation, and a floating subfloor.

Image

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

Image

Right – Polyethylene sheeting is laid over aggregate and over footing to provide a capillary break between the ground and the slab and between the footing and the stem wall

Image

Exterior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate a new foundation wall or an existing foundation wall by adding rigid insulation to the exterior side.

Rigid insulation and water control layers are installed on the exterior of a flat foundation wall; spray foam insulates the rim joist

Image

Wrong – The footing drain pipe should end at least 10 feet from the foundation if above ground or should drain into a drywell or storm sewer.

Image

No Vapor Retarders on Interior Side of Air-Permeable Foundation Insulation

Guide

Vapor retarder plastic should not be installed over fibrous insulation on basement or crawlspace walls; rigid foam or spray foam should be installed directly against the concrete, behind the blanket insulation.

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.

Image

Water Management of Existing Basement Floor

Guide

Guide describing how to retrofit an existing basement floor or slab to reduce moisture issues.

Below-Grade Water Management for Urban Sites

Guide

Guide describing methods to manage groundwater under and around urban multifamily buildings.

Footing Drain Pipe

Guide

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

Measure Guideline: Guidance on Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Reference

Measure Guideline research report providing simple, long term, and durable solutions when using tapes and flashing membranes in conjunction with the exterior face of rigid polymeric foam sheathing to create the drainage plane of a wall system.

Site Drainage Practices to Minimize Localized Flooding

Information Guide

Information 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.