Building Homes or Extensions/Foundation-Water Seepage

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Expert: - 11/15/2009


Question
I just recently renovated my home. The joint where the new foundation wall meets the old, I am getting water.  There was no water stop installed.  How do I fix this problem?

Answer
Hi arlene, the best place for water intrusion protection is outside.  If you can dig up the area in question you can clean out the joint and caulk it with a good urethane caulk, then you can mastic over the entire area with a good roofing or foundation mastic.  That should do it.  You didn't mention a footing drain.  If you don't have a footing drain installed at the exterior it will allow water to build up.  Water, as it builds up, will seek the easiest route.  If there is a crack or other separation in the foundation it will find it.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

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Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

Experience

Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

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