Design Guide for Dry Basements in New Homes

摘要

This manual presents methods by which homebuilders can prevent leaks or moisture in basements without substantially increasing construction costs. The manual assumes a fundamental knowledge of residential construction. Aspects of surface water and groundwater and their impacts on home basements are explained, and the evaluation of a site and observations and steps to take during excavation are discussed. Concrete construction practices which minimize the occurrence of cracks in basement walls, floors, and joints are described. Construction techniques are described for footings; walls made of poured concrete, masonry block, and preserved wood; and floor slabs. General principles of waterproofing and dampproofing are outlined, with emphasis on the need to prevent both leakage and capillarity. The guide describes applied moistureproofing systems such as masonry cement - sand parging, bituminous coatings, bituminous membranes, elastomeric sheet systems, and fiberglass bonding. The installation of drainage systems using drain tile or perforated tubing is delineated. Guidelines are also given for backfilling and for providing surface drainage. Illustrations, an appendix listing waterproofing compound manufacturers, and a bibliography listing 16 references are provided.