Cinderblock Foundation Wall Seepage

Newer homes are built with a poured concrete foundation wall compared to older homes built with cinderblocks. Cinderblock foundations present different seepage problems than a poured foundation wall. 

Internal drain tile system with 90 mil antimicrobial foundation wall liner:

Internal drainage systems are always the superior option to alleviate cinderblock wall seepage for many reasons. The biggest reason is that internal drainage systems carry a lifetime transferable warranty. Preventing cinderblock wall seepage from inside is best because it is protected from the harsh exterior elements. Industry standard warranties for exterior repairs such as a membrane, carry a limited 10-15 year warranty because of its exposure to the harsh weather of the Midwest seasons.

WHAT CAUSES CINDERBLOCK WALL SEEPAGE?

Cinderblock foundations are more prone to water seepage than a poured concrete foundation. The reason is because cinderblocks have two hollow cells inside, sealed together by mortar joints. Over time mortar joints tend to break down which allows water to enter the hollow cells of the cinder blocks. Once water enters the cinderblocks it begins filling up the hollow block cells. This water will build up until it finds its way through the internal mortar joints. At this point you will notice seepage coming through the joints running down onto the floor of your basement. This can be problematic for many reasons:

-Water seepage causes damage to belongings

-Contributes to mold growth

-In many cases leaves a basement unusable.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

As mentioned in our Hydrostatic pressure / floor seepage post there are a few basics that you, the homeowner can try. First, You should always make sure your gutters are clean. Next ensure your downspouts are extended a minimum of 6 feet from the foundation wall. These two practices ensure that you are keeping unnecessary water away from your foundation wall. 

Another focus for homeowners is the soil grading of their lot. Positive soil grading is important as a slope keeps water away from your foundation. If you have negative soil grading you should consider installing a French drain. This shallow trench system is pitched to redirect water away from your home.

Allowing Excessive water build up inside and outside the cinder block foundation wall also can cause foundation structural damage.

WHAT WE CAN DO:

 If the above do not solve your cinder block foundation wall seepage you will need to get a drain tile system installed. The drain tile coupled with a 90 mil antimicrobial wall liner is a foolproof option. This interior drainage system captures wall & ground water then routes it to an 18×22 sump pit basin. Inside the fiberglass basin we install  a ½ horsepower cast iron sump pump to eject the water outside your home.

– CINDERBLOCK FOUNDATION WALL DRAIN TILE w/ 90 mil WALL LINER INSTALLATION:

1. Breakout concrete along exterior walls approximately 8-10 inches from the foundation wall.
2. Next a 9 inch deep trench is created by digging out the existing clay and dirt.
3. After trenching, a pit will be dug out to place an 18×22 sump pit basin containing a ½ hp sump pump. The pump is connected to a 1 ½ inch pvc discharge line extending outside your home  to eject any ground water that enters the basin.
4. After the trench is sloped towards the sump pit basin a 4 inch perforated drain tile protected by a filter sock is installed in the trench and directed into the sides of the sump pit basin.
5. The Drain tile is then surrounded by pea gravel to keep any debris from entering the drain tile possibly causing a clog.
6. Drill “weep holes” into the cells of the bottom cinderblock allowing water inside the wall to escape through. 
7. Install dimpled drainage board at a 90 degree angle ontop of the gravel to direct the wall seepage into the drain tile system. 
8. Next, a new 3.5 – 4 inch concrete slab is poured on top of the trench and smoothed out with a hand troweled finish
9. Once the concrete has cured a 90 mil antimicrobial wall liner will be fastened to the cinderblock foundation wall and tucked behind the dimpled drainage board. This liner traps then deflects any water coming through the wall down into the drain tile system. 

Besides ensuring you will not have any more water seepage in your basement a 90 mil antimicrobial wall liner can reduce musty smells from the cinderblock, improve the aesthetic of an unfinished basement and also allows the homeowner to finish the basement with confidence. This Cinderblock foundation drain tile system also carries a lifetime, unlimited transferable warranty that you can offer proudly to the next homeowner. If you have basement seepage issues Accu-Dry offers free in home estimates. You can reach our office at 630-663-4598.