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  1. #1
    Peter louis's Avatar
    Peter louis Guest

    Default anything wrong with drainage?

    it is a dry crawl space. but the drive way, side walk are terrible as photos. Also, owner found a crack on foundation wall. I am new. Can any one help? thank a lot.

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Maryland
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    1,096

    Default Re: anything wrong with drainage?

    Does the concrete next to the house slope away to provide proper drainage? If not, it's wrong.

    The crack in the wall does not look like much of a big deal from what I can see.

    I might say'

    "There has been some settlement and movement of concrete walks around the foundation. This was probably caused by poor compaction of the underlying soil as well as drainage problems. Additional movement of the concrete could cause trip hazards for persons. Poor drainage can lead to foundation and structural problems. Have a contractor fix the cracking and settling walks and have them ensure proper drainage around the foundation".


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Chicago IL
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    Default Re: anything wrong with drainage?

    I agree with John's post on the overall pictures. BTW, you really need to load better pics. The cracks and gaps appear age typical.
    Pic #1 though is an issue. Is that white pipe a PVC downspout? If it is then, I will "assume" and would report to the client that there is probably a downspout/drain tile connection break. Since you are in Canada I will guess that accumulated water froze and expanded at that connection and caused the big crack coming out from the DS. One of the important factors to inform the client about is that 'if this is the condition', this could lead to water intrusion into the basement and the sidewalk will get worse.
    The last pic is of the crawlspace it seems. But what are you trying to show. Is that drywall covering up the sill plate area so no one will see water seepage?

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  4. #4
    Peter louis's Avatar
    Peter louis Guest

    Default Re: anything wrong with drainage?

    Hi, Thank you John & Markus

    Sorry, I do not have better picture. The house was 1985. the crack was just found by the owner on foundation wall. The white pipe is electricity service lateral. Yes the crawlspace is very dry. The last picture shows the insulation panel mounted on the crawlspace wall. All the neighbors got watering crawlspace & mud jacked drive way. The grade slope is fine. What I guess is the drain tile is still working but weak, which cause the soil erosion or foundation movement in some spots but water has intrude the crawl space yet. Also as John sail the compact. I suggest owner to consult the grade & drain contractor.

    By the way, what is DS ( drain system)


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
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    Chicago IL
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    Default Re: anything wrong with drainage?

    Sorry for the slang, DS = downspout. Just habit that I use when I make notes. W=windows, W&C=walls and ceilings, BA=basement, etc. Cuts down on actual writing when I'm taking notes on an insp

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  6. #6

    Default Re: anything wrong with drainage?

    Slabs against the house typically settle towards the house due to the lack of soil compaction along the foundation wall(fill). As the soil settles, the concrete follows.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: anything wrong with drainage?

    Quote Originally Posted by Brandon Whitmore View Post
    Slabs against the house typically settle towards the house due to the lack of soil compaction along the foundation wall(fill). As the soil settles, the concrete follows.
    Brandon,

    You mean you know of areas where they do not properly compact the back fill as required? Come on now, really?

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    New York
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    869

    Default Re: anything wrong with drainage?

    Now, I am not there, but by the look of the pictures I would say that there is water collecting on the walkways and draining towards the foundation.

    Since the grass looks higher than the concrete you have a swimming pool. Where else can the water go except towards the foundation? Yes, when backfilling nobody compacts, but they also rarely pour concrete immediatly afterwards. Usually there is at least some time for the fill to compact... somewhat. I'm sure that water had a role in the erosion of that area.

    If the crawlspace is dry, perhaps the water is running below the slab. Were ther any cracks in the slab? Perhaps there is some type of curtain drainage.Is the picture with your hand in it a perimeter drain? Was that dry?

    The water is going somewhere and I don't think it is draining away from the house.

    For your own head, if the site is not too far away, pass there during a heavy rain and see what it is doing.

    Steven Turetsky, UID #16000002314
    homeinspectionsnewyork.com
    eifsinspectionsnewyork.com

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