Cambridge Waterproofing
French Drain System, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Think about driving down a city street with no storm drains. You'd be better off taking the boat than driving! French drains, like storm drains, are used to avoid floods. However, unlike storm drains on city land, a Cambridge French drain system is built within your home.
As an expert Cambridge waterproofing firm, we've spent years installing French drains for customers nationwide. Suppose your basement or crawl area is prone to flooding. In that case, this tried-and-true solution will keep your home dry without causing significant damage to your property.
Is French Drain Essential?
A free estimate with our staff is the best method to discover whether a Cambridge French drain is correct for you. We'll sift through your property and utilize our skills to make a competent, cost-effective recommendation.
If the following scenarios seem similar, you may want to consider installing a French drain as a starting point:
Your basement or crawl area routinely floods.
Your existing basement waterproofing system needs to be more effective.
You detect apparent efflorescence (a flaky mineral salt left when water evaporates).
Musty odors linger in your crawl area or basement.
There is water seepage.
Family members have allergies or become sick more frequently
Cracks emerge in the walls of the basement or crawl area.
With heavy rain, downspouts overflow.
Rusting is occurring in water heaters and other appliances.
Walls have bowed or become warped.
The basement walls have water stains.
The French Drain Installation Method
When your property is well-located and nicely maintained, you may hesitate to begin a significant drainage excavation project that may disrupt lawns, plants, roads, patios, and decks. As a remedy, consider constructing an inside French drain along the foundation perimeter of your Cambridge house. Learn more about the procedure by reading on:
We operate in phases using an established method to preserve valuables and professionally install your system. The steps we'll take to install your French drain system are as follows:
We deploy negative air machines fitted with HEPA filters to decrease dust infiltration on the job site.
Along the perimeter of your basement, jackhammer a broad and deep trench next to the footing.
Drill weep holes in each CMU block and mortar junction to alleviate pressure and drain the walls.
Put 34-inch bluestone gravel in the trench's bottom.
Install a four-inch solid ADS triple wall perforated pipe around the basement's perimeter. The pipe slopes toward the sump pump and sump pit.
Fill the trench with 34-inch bluestone gravel on top of the perforated pipe
Install a poly drainage board on the bottom of the CMU block and over the trench to divert water from the weep holes into the French drain system.
Place a vapor barrier over the crushed stone.
Excavate and install one sump pit (with cover).
Install a new Zoeller sump pump with a three-year manufacturer guarantee. Learn more about our sump pumps, warranties, and battery backup sump pumps.
PVC piping should connect the sump pump to your home's outside drainage system. It directs water away from your foundation.
Install a French drain system with cleanouts.
On top of the bluestone gravel, pour high-strength concrete.
Remove any concrete and debris from the construction site for a clean finish.
Cambridge Waterproofing
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 398-4167
