- Q.What is the best place to
run perimeter drains — along the top of the
footing, to help keep water out of the cold joint
between the foundation wall and footing, or at the base
of the footing?
A.Perimeter drains should be
placed at the base of the footing. If the wall is
coated with some form of waterproofing and drainage
is provided by a gravel backfill or a drainage
membrane, there should be no water at the joint
between the wall and the footing. The low placement
should also drain any ground water in the fill
under the slab.