The following post is relevant to homes with basement in the cold areas. It is quite obvious that when there is a ...

The following post is relevant to homes with basement in the cold areas.

It is quite clear that when there is water in the walls of the foundations, this is a problem. The water will find every crack and hole and they will be able to enter the cellar, which will cause moisture and mold, and turn the cellar into a kind of cave with mildew and mildew.

But there is a more serious threat to the integrity of the house. When we have puddles attached to the walls of the foundations it means that the soil is saturated with water. When the temperature drops below zero, all this water freezes, and what happens to the water that freezes? Their volume grows around 10%, and they apply tremendous pressure against the walls. As a result, the walls fold inwards, deep cracks are formed, and parts of the house may begin to sink. In case of neglect of 10 + years, it is possible to reach a state of wall collapse.

The pooling of water near the foundations is caused by a negative slope of the soil towards the house. This problem is exacerbated if the gutters are clogged or abnormal. The ideal situation is this: the water descends in the gutters, and at the end of each drainage point there should be a solution to remove the water at least a meter from the foundations. It is important that even at the point where the water is drained, the ground will be so that the water can not return back toward the house.

We want the land adjacent to the house (about a meter) never to reach saturation / puddle. As long as it is only damp, in case of freezing the swell will be slight. The same strip of land is anyway under Overhang and does not receive much direct rain. As long as the ground is sloping away from the foundations, there is no reason for puddles to be built next to the house.

In the picture: Inside and outside view