Drainage Remediation
Drainage Remediation Explained
Here at FiveStar Foundation & Construction we are true experts of Drainage Remediation. Drainage remediation is conducted to manage the flow of water to avoid the negative impacts that may occur. Poor drainage can cause foundation shifting and even foundation rotting, depending on foundation type. It can also promote your yard to suffer from runoff erosion. If you're noticing signs that your property is suffering from excessive surface water such as a soggy lawn and/or pooling water, or your driveway seems to be washing away, you may be in need of drainage remediation. Our team of professionals will help determine the best method of drainage remediation needed to keep your yard in shape and most importantly keep water away from your foundation and maintain its stability.
Our experienced crew will assess the problematic areas and pinpoint the necessary drain type and route, or pathway, for the drainage system to properly perform. There are different types of drainage systems available to solve each specific water obstacle. Let us explain the details of each drainage remediation method.
French Drains
French Drains are typically installed with the sole purpose of diverting ground water or pooling water away from the foundation of a home or building. To install the French Drain, FiveStar Foundation & Construction will begin by digging a trench, forming the proper pathway of the drain. The trench will be dug down starting at approximately 16inches in depth while maintaining a 1% fall in the trench to achieve a 1-inch slope for every 10ft. A proper slope allows the water to flow. A 4-inch perforated PVC pipe will be placed at the bottom of the trench. A permeable landscape fabric, or protective sleeve, will be installed over the pipe. After the pipe is set in place, the trench will then be filled with river rock or gravel. The river rock or gravel allows for the water to flow freely into the pipe, and additionally adds an eye-appealing touch to your landscape. As water begins to flow, the French drain will divert the water to the designated area of release before it has a chance to reach the foundation.
Call today for a free French drain estimate:
CENTRAL TEXAS | (830)217-9969
HOUSTON | (713)377-6141
Surface Drains
Surface Drains are mainly known for diverting pooling or excess water in areas such as yards and parking lots. The installation of a surface drain begins much like installation of a French drain. A trench will be dug in the problem area while maintaining a 1% slope. The trench will lead to the designated release area. Now, the next step is what separates the two drainage systems making them different from one another; catch basins, or collection boxes, will be placed throughout the problem area, followed by the yard being regraded to divert water to the catch basins. Each catch basin will be connected by solid 4-inch PVC pipes to allow water to travel. The excavated dirt is replaced over the pipes. At this point, if the area in which the drain has been installed requires it, concrete can be applied. As water begins to flow it will be collected by the catch basins and diverted through the pipes to be released in the designated area. Surface drains are commonly used in yards or landscapes, but also great for diverting water off of concrete areas such as parking lots, driveways, and patios.
Channel Drains
Channel Drains, also known as Patio Drains or Trench Drains, are classified as a type of surface drain. Channel drains are commonly used around pool decks or areas consisting of unfinished concrete such as patios and driveways. The purpose of the channel drain is to gather the water and divert it away from these areas and to the designated release area. These drains are typically installed by cutting through the concrete to excavate parallel canals through the affected area. These canals create a channel for runoff water. A grate can be installed over these channels to allow foot or vehicle traffic to crossover. Once the channel drain has been installed the concrete can be resurfaced to permanently set the drain in place.
An additional option is to install an NDS channel drain, which is more common in new construction. An NDS channel drain is a pre-made channel that is made with polypropylene. The NDS channel drain contains a fitted grate that will cover the channel. The NDS channel drains are set inside of the parallel canals that have been excavated and will be concreted in place.
Sump Pumps
Sump Pumps are a special type of pump used in areas that are below grade or ground level to keep the area dry and safe from flooding. Basements and crawlspaces are examples of areas in which sump pumps are often needed. A sump pump is installed by excavating a sump pit, which is a designated area beneath the structure that will collect the water. Once the water level reaches a certain level in the sump pit, the sump pump will automatically turn on, pulling the water out of the sump pit to divert it away from the structure’s foundation, or away from the flooded areas. A typical sump pump is usually hardwired into the home. Sump pumps that are used often will require a backup battery to ensure it will turn on in the case of a power outage. If a sump pump fails to turn on, the water will not be diverted, and flooding will likely occur.
Call today for a free drainage estimate:
CENTRAL TEXAS | (830)217-9969
HOUSTON | (713)377-6141
Waterproofing & Water Management
Waterproofing
Waterproofing prevents the structure from being penetrated by water and moisture, avoiding the negative impacts it may cause. Waterproofing is conducted from the exterior of the structure. The purpose of waterproofing is to stop water before it enters the structure.
Waterproofing begins by excavating a trench along the foundation and/or basement wall. FiveStar Foundation & Construction will then clean the wall and fill any cracks using the proper sealant. This part is critically important as you must know what type of sealant to use. Using the wrong sealant can do more harm than good as some sealants will pull the lime out of the concrete wall causing it to weaken and become unable to stop water. An exterior moisture barrier and special type of dimple board will then be installed along the exterior wall to ensure that water doesn't seep through the foundation wall or basement wall. After treatment of the wall is complete, a French drain will be installed by placing dual 4-inch perforated PVC pipes with a protective sleeve at the bottom of the trench. The dual pipe will lead to a sump pit which will contain a sump pump. The dual pipe will be topped with gravel. The purpose of the gravel is to ensure that water can pass freely without hesitation and is sufficiently diverted away from the foundation. Once the water is diverted by the French drain and reaches a certain level in the sump pit, the sump pump will kick on, transferring the water to an aboveground release area
Water Management
Basement Water Management is a waterproofing method that is used once water has already found its way inside. This specific method is conducted from the inside of the structure. The type of foundation you have will determine which specific interior water management method will be necessary. The concept of water management remains equivalent whether or not you have a monolithic slab, however, monolithic slab is not to be broken.
A monolithic slab foundation will require a baseboard drain system. Frist, the wall of the basement is cleared of all debris and any cracks will be sealed and repaired with the proper sealant- as we learned above it is imperative to avoid lime being pulled from the concrete, using the wrong sealant can cause the wall to weaken, becoming unable to stop water. Once the wall has been properly sealed, a vapor barrier is installed with a wall shield to keep all water and moisture inside of the waterproof panels. The wall panels and baseboard drain will then be secured together. The baseboard drains are directed to a sump pit, this is where water will gather. A sump pump is installed which pulls the water from the sump pit and transfers it through PVC pipes to be released in the designated release area.
Basements that are not built with a monolithic slab opposingly require a small concrete breakout along the basement wall on top of the footer. The breakout out will reach 8-inches in depth to allow for an interior water guard drainage system to be installed. The basement will first be cleared along the interior wall in preparation of the breakout. Once the concrete is broken and cleared from the basement, the wall of the basement will be cleaned of all debris. Any cracks will then be sealed and repaired with the proper sealant- remember, this part is very important. Once the wall is properly sealed, a vapor barrier is installed with a wall shield to keep all water and moisture inside of the panels. The wall panels and water guard drain are now secured together. Drains are to be directed to a sump pit under the basement floor, which is where the water will gather. Concrete is poured over the sump pit and finished. A sump pump is installed to transfer the water to the outside of the structure through PVC pipes that release in the designated release area.
No matter the type of slab you have, or which method is conducted, you're still able to finish out your basement- meaning you are still able to install drywall and/or flooring in your basement after the water management process is complete.
Call today for a free waterproofing or water management quote:
CENTRAL TEXAS | (830)217-9969
HOUSTON | (713)377-6141
Crawlspace Encapsulation
What is crawlspace encapsulation?
The crawlspace of a structure plays an important role in how a structure is cared for and inhabited. Crawlspaces are a very convenient way of accessing plumbing lines and electrical lines, and also make it very easy to inspect the foundation. What exactly is a crawlspace? Let FiveStar Foundation & Construction help you understand. A Crawlspace is described as the hollow or empty area beneath a pier and beam foundation. They provide service professionals with easy access beneath the structure. A crawlspace will typically have an access door located on the perimeter skirting that keeps the crawlspace hidden from plain sight. This access door should be a minimum of 18-inches from ground or dirt level, supplying distance between the floor of the crawlspace and the beam of the foundation.
A neglected crawlspace can create many issues for the foundation, structure, and anyone occupying the structure. Moisture can set in and produce growth of mold and mildew, leading to potential health and allergen problems. It may also result in rotting of the beams, joist, or subfloor which will begin to cause structural problems.
Signs of problematic crawlspace moisture include warping or heaving floors, visible moisture in the crawlspace, musty or smelly odors, condensation on walls or floors, and sightings of mold and mildew. If you are experiencing any of these signs, call FiveStar Foundation & Construction as soon as possible to inspect the crawlspace and get a plan of action underway. We can help you prevent foundation obstruction and avoid potential health issues that may arise for you and your family.
Crawlspace Encapsulation is the best method available for treating and curing these moisture problems. FiveStar Foundation & Construction has successfully conducted many crawlspace encapsulations over the years. To properly conduct crawlspace encapsulation, our experienced technicians will start by completely leveling out the dirt of the crawlspace beneath the entire structure. Next, we will lay down a vapor barrier. A Vapor Barrier is a lining system, typically made with polyethylene plastic or foil like sheeting. It is used to contain moisture levels and treated to halt the growth of mold and mildew. It is laid throughout the entire crawlspace floor, walls, ceiling, and wrapped around the piers using acrylic tape to seal all seams. The vapor barrier creates a wall between the ground and foundation which keeps moisture, foul odors, and mold and mildew out.
In some cases where the crawlspace is extremely vulnerable, a dehumidifier will be essential to effectively control the moisture levels in the crawlspace.
Call today for your free crawlspace evaluation:
CENTRAL TEXAS | (830)217-9969
HOUSTON | (713)377-6141
Retaining Walls
The purpose of a retaining wall
When your home sits on a slope, it's highly likely that you're watching a runoff river flow from your neighbor's yard and piling right at your foundation when it rains. In addition, you're probably experiencing the struggles of soil erosion that come along with water runoff, which can cause water to pool at your foundation resulting in damage. When it comes to the foundation, it's important to sustain even moisture levels. When soil buildup is present, uneven moisture levels develop which means water is being unevenly directed around and under the foundation. Uneven moisture levels will result in the foundation shifting, cracking, and/or heaving.
A Retaining Wall is a highly effective method used to divert water away from your foundation. The main purpose of the retaining wall is to manage the flow of water, keeping runoff and erosion under control. Typically constructed with concrete, brick, or stone; when it comes to retaining walls there are many different possibilities of design which allows the wall to appear pleasing to the eye. Our experts will help establish the perfect design to accentuate your landscape.
The location of the retaining wall will be determined based on two key factors. First, how the water currently flows across the area- where is the water coming from, and in which direction is it flowing? Second, where the water will be diverted to- which pathway will effectively solve the current issue without causing other areas to be compromised?
When installing a retaining wall, FiveStar Foundation & Construction will excavate the area in which the wall will be installed. We will lay and compact base in the excavated area, and a footer will be installed at least 6-inches in depth. This ensures a strong, stable foundation for the retaining wall to be built on. We will then build off of the footer to form the complete structure of the retaining wall.
Keep in mind that retaining walls aren't just installed strictly for controlling water and erosion issues. They can simply be installed to advance the appearance of your landscape and gardens, giving your home an updated look with an inviting touch.
If your home or property is suffering from water runoff, soil erosion, and pooling water, or you simply want to enhance your landscape, it's time for you to let FiveStar Foundation & Construction install an alluring retaining wall.
Call today for your free retaining wall quote:
CENTRAL TEXAS | (830)217-9969
HOUSTON | (713)377-6141
Waterproofing & Water Management Gallery
French Drain with White River Rock - Drainage Remediation
French Drain - Waterproofing
Hidden Sump Pump - Water Management
Stone Retaining Wall with Planter Garden
Trench Excavated for Drainage Remediation
Trench Excavated for Drainage Remediation
Pipe Installed in Trench - Drainage Remediation
Stone Retaining Wall with Flower Garden
Channel Drain - Drainage Remediation
Sump Pump - Waterproofing & Water Management
Basement Water Management
Before and After Water Management
Channel Drain - Drainage Remediation
Moisture and Water in Crawlspace - Crawlspace Encapsulation
Sump Pump - Basement Waterproofing
Vapor Barrier - Crawlspace Encapsulation
Catch Basin for Surface Drain - Drainage Remediation
Vapor Barrier - Crawlspace Encapsulation
Vapor Barrier - Crawlspace Encapsulation
Crawlspace Encapsulation
Concrete Block Retaining Wall
Brick Retaining Wall
Catch Basin of Surface Drain - Drainage Remediation