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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    BC Canada
    Posts
    368

    Default membrane under window well gravel

    tiny water stain noticed on the carpet under window well. The client blamed this memberane holding water & drain let stick out. Yes, normally we do not see the membrane in window well but I think it is better & won't hurt. The grade is ok. What do you think? What is the better solution except crack repair. A transparent cover? Thanks.

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: membrane under window well gravel

    The membrane is not tight to the concrete below the window, and the drain pipe passes through it and pokes up above the gravel. The membrane is useless and the drain is useless. I think she's right.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    BC Canada
    Posts
    368

    Default Re: membrane under window well gravel

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    The membrane is not tight to the concrete below the window, and the drain pipe passes through it and pokes up above the gravel. The membrane is useless and the drain is useless. I think she's right.

    Thank you John, I do not think this membrane is foundation damp proofing/drainage. This looks like just for window well. Is this better than just gravel? Before the perforated big-O filled with gravel was used as drain. No memberane needed. Now PVC pipe, Is membrane necessary?


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    274

    Default Re: membrane under window well gravel

    If the drain piping is perforated then I don’t think the drain is useless as water will still enter the pipe.

    Not too sure about that membrane, but could see water getting behind it, especially if rain hits that side of the home. I envision rain hitting the home and running down the siding into the J-channel below the window and then drain out of the J-channel at the corners behind the membrane. You could try installing a piece of flashing behind the siding to kick the water out in front of the membrane. Always start with the obvious and work from there to find the problem.

    A cover will help, but will also block ventilation when they open the window for fresh air.



  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: membrane under window well gravel

    Get rid of the gravel and the groundcloth, dig down and cut a couple of inches off the drain pipe. Then lay down poly and a skim coat of concrete sloped to the drain and sloped away from the basement wall.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: membrane under window well gravel

    In my opinion I would try an acrylic window well cover. What I see in the photo is typical installation for window well drain here in Ontario. The drain should go down to the weepers.

    Alternatively the owner could put a garden hose in the well and let the water run and see if there is actually a leak due to cracked foundation. If it is a crack the least invasive repair would be polyurethane injection.


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