Interior Drain Tile System
Here’s how we install a drain tile system:
1. Protect adjacent spaces: First, we protect your adjacent living or office space by sealing off the work area with plastic.
2. Remove flooring: Then, we remove approximately 12-14 inches of the perimeter of the basement floor where drain tile is to be installed. Holes are drilled in the bottom course of block foundation wall to allow water trapped in the block wall to drain out.
3. Create drainage and install drain tile: Next, we install a drainage fabric liner underneath where the drain tile will be installed. This is an important step to prevent your drain tile from getting plugged up. Perforated drain tile is carefully installed over the drainage fabric liner. It is covered by washed rock and an additional layer of drainage fabric to prevent silting. The drain tile is then connected to a sump basket and discharged through an exterior foundation wall.
4. Channel cove floor edging: We install floor edging to properly direct the flow of water into the drain tile system. This sits on top of the drain tile and is sealed to the poly vapor barrier attached to the wall.
5. Poly vapor barrier: Poly vapor barrier is installed on the interior foundation walls and integrated into the drain tile system. This is a high density plastic, which you cannot tear. This will prevent moisture (which will continue to migrate through foundation walls) from being absorbed by insulation and framing materials, and also reduces the humidity level in your basement. This step is vital if you are planning to finish your basement.
Exterior Drain Tile System
How we install your exterior drain tile:
1. Excavation: First, we excavate down to the footings. We clean, inspect, and repair the foundation walls prior to
waterproofing.
2. Sheeting and fabric: We apply a dimpled drainage sheeting to the foundation walls, and extend it down into the drain tile system. A drainage fabric liner is placed beneath the perforated drain tile.
3. Insulation: Insulation is applied over the dimpled drainage sheeting.
4. Drain tile: The drain tile is installed with a “burrito-wrap” system and covered with washed rock and wrapped with drainage fabric. This is essential to prevent silting, which will eventually clog the drain tile.
5. Site restoration: We will restore your home or business to pre-construction status, including replacing landscaping,
decks, sidewalks, and grass. There is no need to hire additional contractors, we will coordinate these efforts and provide periodic updates on the overall project status.
Egress Window Well Installation
We’ve been in the window well business for years, so we know the careful steps to follow to properly install new egress windows.
Step 1 – Excavation
We excavate down to the footing to ensure proper drainage*. Many contractors will tell you this is not necessary and that you can save a lot of money by not having it dug so deep.
Unfortunately, the money you save — and more — will most likely be spent on repairs down the road. Without proper drainage, water will eventually seep into your basement. This is especially devastating if you have a finished basement.
*If you have very sandy soil, excavation to the footing may not be necessary to ensure proper drainage. In this case, our estimate will clearly state this and will be priced accordingly. Most importantly, we will still give you the same great warranty.
Step 2 – Drain Tile
For best results, we recommend a drain tile be installed at the bottom of the egress window well. This allows water to drain directly into the drain tile system. If an exterior drain tile system does not exist, we can dig beneath the footing and connect into an interior drain tile system. This extra step will extend our warranty from 10 years to 20 years.
Step 3- Drainage Fabric Liner
Drainage fabric liner is installed in the excavated area, followed by washed rock, typically within 8 inches of the bottom of the new window.
After the rock is leveled, we install an additional layer of drainage fabric and cover this with another 4 inches of rock. The drainage fabric liner is extended up the sides of the window well, including between the excavated soils and the egress window well. This prevents soils and sediment from interfering with proper drainage.
Step 4 – Exterior Drainage Sheeting Or Fabric
Timber window wells are lined on the outside with dimpled drainage sheeting. This is a
waterproofing material that allows water to drain down the side of the window well, providing a protective barrier, keeping water and soils from damaging the window well.
Brick, stone or cement window wells are also protected with drainage fabric liner and washed rock surrounding the outer window well.
Step 5 – Backfill
The excavated soils are back-filled and compacted. We remove and dispose of all excess dirt and debris and can restore your landscaping to pre-construction status, per the estimate specifications.
