So I had a structural engineer in today for an hour that deals in old houses recommended to me by The Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities. My main concern was that I wanted to be “reassured” as to how and stop the rubble rock foundation from pushing in. His recommendation was exactly what I was going to do with one small difference.
My plan and his reco is to dig around the exterior foundation and push mortar into all the openings between the rocks. Then install perforated pipe pitched down into a drywell. Backfill the trench with gravel and use screening fabric between the gravel and soil.
He said NOT to tar the rubble rock foundation wall because if I ever need to go back in there I’d have a bad time trying to recement in places that may be necessary. I said I might then use either poly or some rolls of rubber roofing I have, siliconed top and bottom to the wall before back filling just to be safe.
Any thoughts here?
Namaste
Andy
It’s not who’s right, it’s who’s left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Replies
sounds good.. the drainage especially... lot of work though .
are you really going to excavate to the bottom of the wall ? if so.. do it in sections.. or do a test section to determine how stable the stone foundation is..
it was laid up dry.. and those guys were pretty savy about getting a dry basement with natural means.. so over the centuries something has probably changed the drainage patterns around the house..
the parging is going to be iffy because all of the joints are already filled with dirt, clay & mud.. so the curtain drain is what is really going to be the first and primary line of defense
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike
The rubble rock foundation is bulging INTO THE BASEMENT so I dont think theres an issue digging around the entire perimeter outside. Sure will take it slow though and watch my walls as I go. The excavation I'm going to do should be about 4-5' down digging.
Mike.Whats a curtain drain? I kinda think I know what you mean but the mor info I have the better.
I think what I'm gonna do is take my bullet heater into the trench after I dig it and dry the wall then brush and scrape out all the dirt before I mortar it. I was told to keep the stones damp which I agree before I cement. I'm just gonna seriously clean the stones before I start parging.
Any other suggestions?......Gonna start next week and taking photos.
You think FHB might wanna see an article on this?
Thanks man
NAmaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Andy, another thought... I think JLC had an article a while back about pouring concrete against a foundation to stabilize it... the guy basically dug a trench around the foundation, used sheets of OSB wedged into the trench as a form, and poured a couple inches of concrete against the foundation to re-inforce it, then backfilled with gravel and fabric and a perf pipe. Might be easier than jumping into that trench with a scrub brush and a pointing trowel.
If you don't have a copy of the article I could probably scan it and e-mail it to you.
nick....I'd Id appreciate that,,,,,sounds interesting for sure
aIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Sounds like a situation where EnkaDrain might be a little added insurance. I don't imagine it would be easy using any kind of membrane, but the EnkaDrain might be a little easier to install prior to your gravel.
Nick
Whats Enkadrain
aIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
http://www.geosynthetics.colbond.com/enkadrain/enkadrain.html
http://www.colbond-usa.com/edrain.htm
I don't claim great familiarity with this stuff, but it seems like it would be easier to apply over a muddy, irregular foundation than any kind of membrane. I don't think it takes much to keep it in position, and it looks like it doesn't really require a seamless installation like a membrane does. It's pretty much like a thicker version of Cedar-Breather with a filter fabric over it to keep the dirt out.
Nick......THANKSSSSSSSSS.....I'll post back here and let you know how it works out in installation.....
Be well
Namaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
curtain drain is just any drain surrounding the site.. in your case it would be the gravel trench with the filter fabric leading the water away from the foundation...
the enkadrain could bring the water into your footing (curtain ) drain.. then ideally , a pipe to daylight so you don't have to rely on pumpsMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike
From my understanding...the engineer I had here today recomended the fabric on the OUTSIDE of the gravel so as not to have the soil penitrate it. From your post I started thinking thatthe fabric may work well on BOTH sides of the gravel......house side and soil side.....whattya think?
PS.Definatly goig to use the enka drain fabric. Certainly cant hurt. My engineer said that even with NO fabic it should be sufficient. Spose I'll check $$$$
aIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
the enkadrain has it's own fabric... the filter fabric will be just as your engineer stated.. to keep the fines from clogging your drain...
you might try a power washer to was the mud out of the stone foundation.. and you might think about your mortar... wether to use a typical mortar or a cement mortar...
try a 10 ft section to work out your procedure... but watch your grades so you cn make sure that everything is going to drainMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Andy,
Sounds like you have a major project ahead.
Using a hose to flush out all the dirt and debris between the rock joints would most definitely prove effective. Once allowed to dry it would provide a clean surface for the mortar. Is that feasible? I don't know, but it is a thought.
I believe if you want to ensure complete water proofing of the foundation, there is a product called "RubberWall". It is a rubber polymer membrane that is sprayed onto the surface. It may be better suited for your situation because it will follow the contour of all the irregular surfaces of the wall and completely seal it with a thick membrane. Maybe you are familiar with it.
Here is the link to the product:http://www.nerubberwall.com/final/index.html
Good luck "Don't take life too seriously, you are not getting out of it alive"