Basement wall waterproofing - can someone explain this to me?

4 years ago

Hi! I live in a 43 year old small townhouse. I know very little about home repair, but I’m trying to learn! The drywall on my front basement wall was getting moldy, so I removed it to discover that the cinderblock wall behind it was damp (at times) and the wooden slats (are they called studs?) were rotting. I had 3 different companies come out to give advice - two wanted me to buy internal “French drain-type” systems and one suggested all I should do is “beef up” the soil in front of the house. I added soil to create a gradient away from the house which seemed to help a bit, but here’s my question: would an internal French drain system work if the water never actually gets near the floor? The wetness seeps through the cinderblock about half-way up the wall but it’s never enough to actually drip down the wall to make a puddle or anything close to that. My neighbor had a similar problem and he just “patched“ the wall with something (?) and replaced the drywall with a vent in it so moisture wouldn‘t build up behind it. Could anyone tell me if a French drain works if the water doesn’t ever hit the floor? Thank you for any insight you can give me!

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Comments (5)

User
4 years ago
A basement interior French drain will reduce the water pressure against your walls.

Do you have water pressure (hydrostatic) against your walls.

Did you receive a written estimate?

Have you vetted your prospective contractors?
Nan H
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Thank you, Jim - yes, the funny thing is, there already is a French drain there and I’ve never seen even a drop of moisture in it. The moisture seems to stay above it in the cinderblocks and doesn’t seem to make its way down to the bottom cinderblock in any obvious way. I know the laws of gravity and hydrostatic pressure probably say otherwise, but I was trying to understand how a French drain helps when there doesn’t seem to ever be enough to actually “drain” away. ‍ Yes, I received estimates from well known companies for rather elaborate systems that would run along the entire basement out to my back yard - just wondering what would actually “run” out there? Water vapor?
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User
4 years ago
There are measuring devices, that measure pressure.

Re vetting, has the French drain contractors supplied a previous customer list. Always, the previous customer is a satisfied customer, but do the math, I.e., 3 satisfied customers in 10 years.

Your neighbor may have taken the bandaid/denial approach.

There are many magazine ads for solving issues such as yours. But, not every wet basement is caused/solved with the marketed remedy.

Maybe running a fan will work.
Nan H thanked User
DavidR
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Others may have different experiences, but I haven't had great results from internal drains, and I wouldn't try to use them for a finished cellar.

Often all it takes to reduce or eliminate cellar dampness is making sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear, and that they discharge well away from the foundation. Sloping the ground away from the foundation is also important.

Beyond that, the only sure way to waterproof a cellar is to dig around it externally, apply sealer and a waterproof membrane, and add or repair footer drains that drain into a sump. It will be expensive.
Nan H thanked DavidR
pds290
4 years ago
Several years ago I had a similar dilemma. I wound up digging out around my foundation, sealing it and putting in better drainage on the outside. It was expensive but I think worth it in the end. The water is contained on the outside of the house instead of dealing with it once it’s inside the house. I’ve had a nice dry basement ever since.
Nan H thanked pds290

Basement wall waterproofing - can someone explain this to me?

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Basement wall waterproofing - can someone explain this to me?

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Nan H
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