Protecting Foundation Walls From Water Damage - Lake Oswego, OR
Challenge
Many years of persistent ground water accumulation along one portion of this below-grade concrete foundation wall, had caused significant damage which impaired the structural integrity and stability of the entire home. Ground water commonly causes damage to foundations, as hydrostatic pressure deteriorates the concrete, creates jagged cracks, and erodes the strength of the soil that support the walls - all compounding together to create instability throughout the home. Additionally, ground water intrusion typically flows through the walls, and into the crawl space, posing further risks to the stability of the home, and the family living within. Crawl spaces that are not professionally waterproofed create an ideal breeding ground for rodents, mold, and bacteria - causing rotting of the homes subfloor, as well as the entire weight-bearing frame that is needed to support the extreme weight of the home. Along with damage to framing and weight-bearing components, damp crawl spaces also negatively effect the health of families, as 40% of interior air comes from below - meaning whatever toxicity is beneath your home, is also inside of it. Fear not, however, as John's has been professionally protecting homes and families from the devastating effects of water damage for over 50 years, and we are just 1 phone call away! This home was struggling with an assult on the home from one side in particular. While the owner was not ready to encapsulate, they were ready to address this side of their home.
Solution
In order to protect this below-grade foundation wall from further water damage, John's expert crews installed a 50' drain system parallel to the inflicted wall. Our drain system has been used successfully for decades, to effectively prevent ground water from reaching foundation walls, and invading crawl spaces. Our crews began by digging a sloped, shallow trench to hold perforated piping, enabling the system to utilize gravity, rather than electricity to carry water downhill. As ground water flows though the soil, it will be caught in the piping, and routed downhill to be expelled far away from the home where it cannot cause damage. Decorative gravel was then laid on top of the system, to help water flow easily into the pipes, as well as to add a nice aesthetic appeal. Thanks to John's tried and true drain system, carefully installed with integrity and professionalism by our waterproofing experts, this homes foundation and crawl space will no longer suffer from repetitive assaults of water intrusion, and this family will now be able to thrive in a dry, clean, and stable home for many years to come!
