Journal of Light Construction: Waterproofing

Soundings: Sealed Crawlspaces in Flood Zones

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 04:00:18 EST

Sealed Crawlspaces in Flood Zones

Waterproofing Basement Walls

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:22:39 EST

We survey the major types of foundation waterproofing, from spray-on to peel-and-stick membranes.

Retrofitting Basements

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:22:08 EST

Building restrictions in California are prompting homeowners who want more space to add on underneath the house. A concrete contractor tells how it's done.

Repairing a Stone Foundation

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:21:43 EST

A Colorado builder explains how he poured a new foundation well around the existing one to provide support and a smooth surface for waterproofing.

A Stone Veneer Foundation

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:19:38 EST

A durable job depends on using the right mortar, anchoring the stone to the concrete, and providing weep holes for water that penetrates the veneer.

My First ICF Foundation

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:14:46 EST

Foam forms hold the promise of an easily built, energy-efficient foundation — but there is a learning curve. A builder shares his first experience.

Practical Foundation Waterproofing

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:11:23 EST

Combined with a working drain, this new type of plastic membrane keeps groundwater out of the foundation while allowing moisture in the concrete to evaporate to the outside. Here’s how it’s installed.

Waterproofing ICF Foundations

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:08:54 EST

Even foundations built with insulating concrete forms need to be made water-resistant. A builder shows how he applies a self-adhering membrane to guarantee a dry basement.

Rigid Foam Update

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:40:41 EST

There are three types of rigid foam insulation — expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate. Each has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Whether your application is above or below grade, inside or out, this guide will help you choose the right product.

Spray-Applied Foundation Waterproofing

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:40:26 EST

One way to ensure a dry basement is to coat the foundation with a waterproof membrane. We look at the available options and explain how to prepare for and apply them properly.

Foundation Drainage

Wed, 23 May 2012 05:23:13 EST

A concrete contractor and consultant explains how proper finish grading and footing drain details keep surface runoff and underground water away from the foundation.

Q&A: Basement Vapor Barrier

Wed, 23 May 2012 04:24:54 EST

Q: Where does the vapor barrier go when finishing a basement? Since we use a vapor barrier on the inside of exterior above-grade walls to keep moisture in, it’s my contention that a plastic vapor barrier should be used against the wall to keep out the moisture in the earth. Many disagree and say the basement is no different than the upstairs. My feeling is that the earth’s moisture will penetrate the concrete and will condense on, or at least be trapped by, the outside of the interior vapor barrier, thereby lowering the insulation’s R-value and possibly producing mildew in the wall cavity.

Curing Crawlspace Moisture Problems

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:38:12 EST

In hot, humid climates, more ventilation is not always the answer to excessive crawlspace moisture. This remodeler uses a variety of approaches, depending on the situation.

Pressure-Treated Foundation Repair

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:38:08 EST

With cold weather setting in, this upstate New York remodeler decided to use a pressure-treated wood foundation to replace a crumbling cement-block wall in a hillside garage.

Controlling Termites

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:37:33 EST

Getting rid of excess moisture around the foundation is key to controlling this pesky insect, but it may not always be enough. Shields and chemical treatments are still important backup measures, according to this nationally recognized entomologist and termite expert.

Durable Details for Vinyl Siding

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:37:36 EST

Cracking, splitting, and rippling of vinyl siding can usually be traced to poor installation — specifically, not allowing for the material’s inevitable expansion and contraction with changes in temperature. A siding expert tells how to put it up right.

Avoiding Foundation Failures

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:36:05 EST

After researching more than $50 million in claims, a site investigator has compiled this list of the most costly foundation problems, along with the techniques used to prevent them.

Eight-Penny News

Mon, 4 Jun 2012 05:03:27 EST

Pier foundation failure, EIFS hides moisture problems, electrical code changes, termites versus foam

Building With Style: Getting Rid of Surface Water

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:35:18 EST

Getting rid of surface water

Building With Styles: Site Drainage Strategies

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:35:13 EST

Draining the site