Patent Application
20220389677
The disclosed innovation pertains in general to a multi-step waterproofing system and method, and in particular may pertain to a system and method that provides for an improved sub-ground level foundation waterproofing system that incorporates exterior and interior elements that in combination provide a sustained dry conditioned interior space.
Traditional methods of waterproofing sub-ground level foundations are prone to failure over time and under conditions of normal or abnormal variations of weather, season after season. Conventional methodology may see limited success, and when such methodology fails, costly damage may occur. It is generally known that most building and structure foundations are constructed with original systems and mechanisms for the purpose of providing some predetermined level of control of water entry into the foundation, the foundation materials and the like, as well as to prevent water from entering the structure itself. While necessarily meeting code requirements at the time of construction, merely meeting code may not provide robustness over time, or be able to handle potential weaknesses in individual elements or materials that may be chosen in a piecemeal fashion. Thus, innovation and improvements of a coordinated system of exterior and interior features and methods of application may be desired.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
Methods of installing and implementing system elements that may provide a system that controls hydrostatic pressure, minimizes water intrusion and controls interior air quality may include installing a ventilation system, a pressure relief and back-up system, a foundation/footer joint line hydrostatic pressure relief system, and implementing exterior preparation.
The installing of a ventilation system may include gathering inputs; and installing (at a lowest possible point) based at least in part on the gathered inputs. The installing of a pressure relief and back-up system may include gathering inputs, removing designated amount of foundation slab, perforating selected items; final setting liner seating and connecting a pressure relief sump pump, installing the pressure relief and back-up system, and replace/refill base; each based at least in part on the gathered inputs. The installing of a foundation/footer joint line hydrostatic pressure relief system may include gathering inputs, installing a plurality of pressure relief extensions, and installing foundation/footer joint line hydrostatic pressure relief. The implementing exterior preparation may include gathering inputs, inspecting exterior, correcting defects, and installing a Modern Drainage System (MDS), each based at least in part on the gathered inputs.
A system of controlling hydrostatic pressure, minimizing water intrusion and controlling interior air quality, may include a ventilation system, a pressure relief and back-up system, a foundation/footer joint line hydrostatic pressure relief system, and an exterior preparation. Such a system may also include a proprietary data store and a public data store; and installation and implementation may be based at least in part on legal and limit restriction rules in the public data store and input design parameters that may be in the proprietary date store, the public data store, or both the proprietary data store and the public data store.
In other words, in accordance with the present innovation, the system addresses the atmospheric conditions within the lower foundation space. It should be understood and appreciated that improved ventilation provides improved relative atmospheric conditions, such as fresher air and/or drier air into the space created by a below grade structure. It should additionally be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that fresher air and/or drier air decreases overall humidity and resulting moisture which in turn aids in mold/mildew control. It should still further be appreciated and understood that the system in accordance with the present innovation addresses hydrostatic pressure from ground water around and under the foundation. As should be understood by those skilled in the art, without proper hydrostatic relief, seepage of water at the cove where the footing, wall, and floor slab meet may occur and/or via cracks that may form in the slab.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of various ways in which the subject matter may be practiced, all of which are intended to be within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements in several cases. In other cases, for clarity of describing process steps, like reference numerals may not refer to like elements, and it is to be appreciated that it will be apparent from the context of the discussion wherein the points of similarity apply. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. While specific characteristics are described herein, it is to be understood that the features, functions and benefits of the innovation can employ characteristics that vary from those described herein. These alternatives are to be included within the scope of the innovation and claims appended hereto.
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In accordance with the present innovation, the paneling system may be installed along the natural seam where the foundation footer, wall, and slab meet prior to, during, or after replacing, slab or flooring materials or both and may comprise any material conventional in the art including but not limited to plastic. It is to be appreciated that the paneling provides sufficient and continuous space between the juncture of the foundation features for proper flow of moisture into the pressure relief system. With such paneling, flow of moisture alleviates hydrostatic pressure build-up, and flow may be unimpeded with evacuation via an interior pressure relief system as disclosed herein. The continuity of the paneling material horizontally along the footer, wall, and slab seam, along with vertical continuity from the foundation wall across the top of the footing outward under the foundation slab or flooring provides a secure, adequate, and improved space to direct moisture to the pressure relief system. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that vertical continuity refers to a space sufficient to allow for the unimpeded flow which must be maintained across the footing towards the outer edge of the footing and along the interior trench of the interior system. Discussions of aspects that touch upon this follow in regards to
An advantage over other constructs is the reduction in seams and joins of various components. Conventional ducting may have many connector components, creating multiple seams. Applying conventional ducting to cover an entire the entire seam or joint where the foundation wall, footing, and slab of flooring meet may require multiple separate materials thereby creating more seams. More seams create more potential moisture contact with other materials of the overall system, such as new concrete, thereby resulting in moisture transfer or undesirable moisture seepage. Advantages of the present system include mitigation of this condition. Therefore, in accordance with the present innovation, a seamless or near-seamless system may be achieved.
It is to be appreciated that such a system may be designed to maintain a suitable gap for potential hydrostatic pressure relief along the foundation and footer joint for the life of the structure. It is to be appreciated that for simplicity sake, a foundation/footer joint line hydrostatic pressure relief system may be referred to as a COVESHIELD® system, although it is to be understood that such is but an embodiment. A foundation/footer joint line hydrostatic pressure relief system, such as a COVESHIELD® system, will be discussed in greater detail in relation to multiple figures hereinafter. Another installation step that may be undertaken in cooperation in an embodiment of the innovation is an implementation of exterior preparation 108. It is to be appreciated that in cooperation of these installations, complete or near complete foundation waterproofing and moisture control may be provided for most all structures with subsoil foundations.
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Step 310 provides for removal of a foundation slab or base in relation to a system element. In an embodiment, removal of the foundation slab or base may be at least three inches greater than a diameter of a container liner or container opening. Excavation of the removal area may be to a depth of at least three inches greater than a final set depth of the liner or container. At step 312 a liner or container of the system is to be perforated. For example, in an embodiment, the liner or container may be perforated with holes in a range of a minimum one-quarter inch to a maximum of one half inch, with perforations along the sides of the container and several in the bottom to allow natural ground water entry.
At step 314, the liner may be final set. It is to be appreciated that as a part of this step, in embodiments, the liner may be surrounded with a minimum three-inch thick space of a clean fill product. In a preferred embodiment, the clean fill product would be at least one size larger than the perforations of the liner (one size larger indicating that the fill product would not readily enter the perforations). Final set may be at or above the level of the slab or base of the foundation structure or as local codes dictate (as may be indicated by legal and limit restriction rules 214, input design parameters 216 or both).
At step 316, seating and connecting of a pressure relief sump pump is undertaken. The pressure relief sump pump may be seated directly on the base of the liner or container and plumbed or connected to a pipe that connects to a locally approved discharge point. In a preferred embodiment, a minimum one and a half inch diameter pipe may be used and a “run to daylight” may be taken in a shortest possible distance, which provides for increased reliability. It is to be appreciated that a slope or pitch of the pump discharge line is preferred to maintain a one-quarter inch per foot drop following an exit point of the line from the foundation or structure for the preferred minimum one and a half inch diameter pipe.
At step 318, a back-up system, such as for example a Smart Power® system may be installed. It is to be appreciated that the battery back-up pump and alarm system may be installed alongside the pressure relief sump pump (the primary pump) at the base of the container. An embodiment of a back-up system will be discussed hereinafter in relation to
At step 320, a flooring base or slab may be replaced around the container or liner once filled. In a preferred embodiment, filling would be to within a range of an approved depth below slab/base to a minimum one and one half inch below top of base.
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At step 512, a clean fill product of at least one size larger than the perforations of the pipe to be used may be installed in the bottom of the created trench. In a preferred embodiment, the fill may have a minimum thickness of one and a half to two inches, as this may provide protection to perforations of the pipe, allowing moisture or water entry into the pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the clean fill product would be at least one size larger than the perforations of the liner (one size larger indicating that the fill product would not readily enter the perforations). It is to be appreciated that the pipe and the term “drain tile” may be used interchangeably, and that more than one installation step of the innovation may use one or more different sized pipes. In an embodiment, pipe sizing may be determined based at least on legal and limit restriction rules 214 (for example, local building codes) and input design parameters 216 (site conditions such as water volume or sedimentary date related to soil types), or both. These rules and parameters may be placed or retrieved in a proprietary date store 218, a public data store 220, or both the proprietary data store and the public data store.
At step 514, pipe is installed in the trench and connected. It is to be appreciated that the installed pipe may meet any pertinent local legal codes. In embodiments, the pipe terminates at the pressure relief liner or container that houses the pressure relief sump pump and back-up system, such as for example a Smart Power® system as will be described in relation to
Step 516 applies in some embodiments in which foundation walls may be composed of cement blocks. In an embodiment, once the pipe is installed and properly connected to the liner or container of the Pressure Relief system, holes may be drilled into the lowest possible portion of hollow cavities of cement blocks in a cement block foundations. In a preferred embodiment, drilled holes may range from a minimum three eighths inch diameter to a maximum three quarters inch diameter. In embodiments presented with cement block foundations, this step may provide a benefit of releasing most any built up water and provide relief of hydrostatic pressure that may develop, as well as providing the benefit of airflow into the hollow chambers of cement block foundations. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments may provide that different timing of the drilling of holes in cement blocks may occur.
At step 518, clean and fill of the formed trench may be undertaken to complete the installation of the pressure relief extensions. Any loose material or debris may be cleared from a top surface of the foundation footer, or in embodiments in which existing foundations are without a footer or embodiments in which foundations have footers that are much deeper than the existing foundation base or slab (and thus not reached in prior steps), the original undisturbed material that may be left as a false footing may be leveled off at a depth at or below the top surface of the original foundation slab or base. In preferred embodiments, this leveling off may not exceed the bottom of the foundation walls. It is to be understood that a bottom of a foundation wall will be the termination on a concrete footing or soil in some buildings. This end point is generally below an interior slab of flooring that may constitute a lowest space. In buildings that terminate on soil, the soil is understood to be treated in a structural manner, and will not be removed below the wall with a determined proximity in order to not risk impacting structural integrity (as may be reflected in legal and limit restriction rules 214). In embodiments, after leveling, a clean fill product may then be installed along and over the pipe or drain tile to the same level of the original foundation. It is also to be appreciated that discussions of later figures (for example,
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It is to be appreciated further that the COVESHIELD® product is designed to maintain a suitable gap for potential hydrostatic pressure relief along the foundation and footer joint. In other words, “suitable gap” indicates that the device provides a sized channel for allowing unimpeded flow of moisture through the foundation/footer joint line hydrostatic pressure relief system. It is be appreciated that design and installation may be based at least in part on input design parameters 216. An embodiment illustrating a COVESHIELD® system will be discussed in greater detail in relation to
In some embodiments (not shown), remaining fill and re-slabbing of affected areas may use a product that provides for maintaining load-bearing parameters of flooring, such as but not limited to waterproofing compositions known commercially as Evercrete® may be used for concrete slab replacement to allow for thinner applications while maintaining load-bearing parameters. It is to be appreciated that fill and re-slabbing may be conducted based at least in part of legal and limit restriction rules 214.
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In embodiments in which an excavation to follow a crack or defect to its termination is conducted, after the repair steps discussed above, a clean fill product, with appropriate supporting properties to prevent future settlement from weight load, may be applied to the cavity created by excavation to return the trench depth to an initial depth of the inspection trench. In embodiments regardless of any excavation to follow cracks or defects and subsequent partial fill, the initial inspection trench is then pitched or slopped towards a drainage destination such as but not limited to, natural low points, storm drainage or drywells. It is to be appreciated that design parameter inputs 216 may dictate design aspects of the trench features. In a preferred embodiment, design characteristics of the inspection trench may include a minimum pitch or slope of one percent or one eighth of an inch per foot.
Step 612 may then be taken, it is to be appreciated that a purpose of an MDS is to mitigate excess moisture or water from following any natural seam between soil and foundation walls thus providing a benefit of reducing water exposure or volume on an exterior structure. Turning briefly to
In embodiments, at seal step 712 A four mil or greater plastic product such as but not limited to that commercially known as visqueen type product with predetermined widths and lengths may be adhered to the coating applied at 710. In a preferred embodiment, a minimum width of four feet and continuous length may be used. The plastic product, such as that commercially known as visqueen type product, may be firmly smoothed onto the mastic or sealant from a leading edge of the width (for example, four foot width) allowing the remainder of the predetermined width to line the bottom of the trench and extend up the opposing soil side of the trench. It is to be appreciated that in a preferred embodiment, this extension would be to a minimum of eight inches above the bottom of the trench. It is to be appreciated that the seal step 712 is to be applied relatively constant from a beginning of the trench around the exterior structure to a destination of a connection point of a disposal/discharge point (not shown).
At fill step 714, a layer of clean fill product with a minimum of one size larger than the perforations of the planned drain tile or piping (as will be discussed subsequently) is placed along the bottom of the trench above the applied plastic product, such as visqueen type product liner. One size larger indicates that the fill product would not readily enter the perforations. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of this fill layer would be at least one and a half inches to two inches.
At 716, a perforated pipe (also known as drain tile) may be placed in the channel created by the plastic product, such as that commercially known as visqueen type or plastic material liner and fill from 714 in a continuous manner. It is to be appreciated that the pipe is to be properly connected to the discharge point. This channel termination connection may be done in such a way as to ensure that any moisture or water caught or entering the plastic (i.e., visqueen) or similar liner will follow the path created to the desired discharge location.
At second fill step 718, additional clean fill product of at least one size larger than the perforations of the drain tile or pipe used at step 716 may be filled in around and over the drain tile or pipe. At cover step 720, a filter plastic or similar material may be placed on the clean fill product to prevent mixture of replacement soil with the fill product prior to further processing. It is to be appreciates that these filter plastic or similar materials may be a comprised of a different plastic or other material than the material used at step 712.
In embodiments at step 722, the material forming the width of the channel liner on the outside edge of the trench may be rolled over the edge of the filter product and secured with soil. In a preferred embodiment, the fold over would be no more than two inches. It is to be appreciated that this fold over creates a “J” channel that encourages soil moisture and water near the structure to be controlled and to enter the system and follow to intended discharge point.
At finish grade step 724, soil, including in some embodiments, any removed soil may be placed over the installed system and graded away from the foundation structure. Grade is left at an appropriate height to allow for natural settlement over time and still maintain positive grade away from the structure. It is to be appreciated that design characteristics of the grading may be affected by legal and limit restriction rules 214, input design parameters 216, or both.
In some embodiments (not shown), alternative solutions or steps may be implemented. For example, embodiments may be affected by legal and limit restriction rules 214, input design parameters 216, or both, such that a lack of reliable discharge point may exist, or local codes may alter one or more steps of the MDS processing steps. It is to be appreciated that in preferred embodiments including those not shown that may be affected by legal and limit restriction rules 214, input design parameters 216, or both, as noted; an inspection trench may extend to a minimum depth of three feet. Cracks and defects would be treated in the same fashion as described above. Once cracks or defects are addressed, application of the mastic/sealant may be performed along with the adhesion of the four mil plastic product, such as that commercially known as visqueen, or similar product liner as discussed above and understood in the art. Liner use as discussed in the install MDS step 612 may be altered to be constructed at the bottom of the trench to form an “L” shape, rather than forming a “J” channel.
While maintaining a slight pitch or slope away from the foundation wall surface. In some embodiments, no clean fill product or pipe may be used, being omitted from the disclosed MDS steps and all removed soils may be returned to the trench with a positive grade away from the foundation and to a height that will allow for proper pitch height post natural settlement.
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It is to be appreciated that the multi-step waterproofing approach provides complete or near complete foundation waterproofing and moisture control as well as interior air control through a specific combination of systems, materials and products. The application 108 of an exterior sub-soil drainage system 808 designed to divert water and moisture away from the base of a foundation may be combined with a plurality of interior systems (802, 804, 806) that includes interior drainage systems designed to relieve hydrostatic pressure under the slab or interior surface of the structure, such as, for example, ventilation system such as E-Z Breathe® system 802, pressure relief with back-up system (such as for example Smart Power®), 804 and foundation/footer joint line hydrostatic pressure relief system (such as for example COVESHIELD® system) 806. The ventilation system such as E-Z Breathe® system 802 may provide humidity and moisture control to the interior space of the structure while a pressure relief system with back-up system 804 and foundation/footer joint line hydrostatic pressure relief system 806 may prevent water entry to the interior space or area. System 804 provides back up power and alarms for added protection in certain situations for complete or near complete protection.
It is to be appreciated that most building and structure foundations are constructed with original means to control water entry into the foundation materials as well as prevent water from entering the structure. Over time or through inadequate systems these original components may fail or are simply not be adequate to control water/moisture levels in the foundation materials or interior space. The disclosed innovation is applicable to most residential and commercial foundations providing a comprehensive solution to foundation water and moisture issues. Foundations treated with the complete system offers property owners a protected sub-surface foundation as well as a more healthy and usable space on the interior due to the benefits of water and moisture mitigation.
The system 802 as discussed featuring a ventilation system, such as for example, an E Z Breathe® device, provides a system that expels the dampest, coldest most contaminated air from the target interior space. It is to be appreciates that this expelling does not lose appreciable heat, and may provide for more efficient heating of clean dry air in the area of a structure that many designs have close to structure heaters and other standard air control equipment. In embodiments, as the system 802 eliminates damp cold air at the lowest level of a structure, the potential for losing heat is low. It is to be appreciated that a damp basement may be more difficult to heat economically than a dry basement. It thus may be more economical to replace damp air in a basement with dry air and then heat it. In a preferred embodiment, the system 802 may have controls (not shown) that provide that once the system has exhausted damp air outside and replaces it with dry air from higher levels of a structure, the system may shut off. This may be achieved, for example with continuously monitoring the humidity levels, with controls for turning itself on as humidity levels increase to a predetermined level.
In a preferred embodiment, the system may have a humidistat set between 30-50%. When the desired humidity level has been achieved, the system 802 will automatically turn off, and then on again as the humidity level increases. It is to be appreciated that during winter or colder periods when a furnace may be often running, the system may shut off due to the humidistat reaching the desired humidity level. In an embodiment that features a desired continual running, for example during such colder periods, the humidistat may be set to its lowest setting and a fan may be set to low. Thus, the system may run on low continuously, providing ventilation for the space without exhausting heated air.
In a preferred embodiment (not shown), a location of system 802 is disclosed. Installation 102 may be performed in a basement or lowest, wettest, coldest level of a structure. An outside wall to accommodate a 6″ exit hole to the exterior of the structure where no electrical wires or pipes are present is to be located. The system need not be placed directly below a main support beam so as not to weaken the foundation integrity. It is to be appreciated that in this preferred embodiment, a minimum distance to any combustion appliance (furnace, hot water heater, gas dryer, and the like may be eight to ten feet. It is also to be appreciated that maximizing the distance between the system and a source of replacement air (in many cases this might be a stairwell or opening to the upper level) is desired to be at a maximum for a given structure, while ensuring that a free flowing air path exists. Also, in this preferred embodiment, a distance between the back of the system 802 and an exterior wall should not be more than twelve feet. It is recommended that all rigid six inch piping and metal elbows may be used.
An embodiment that provides for free flow of replacement air may be constructed with one or more 80 sq. in. communication holes between a target level and another level. For example, an eighty square inch hole may be created by installing one eight inch by ten inch floor grill, or a bottom of a basement/lower level door may be cut one and a half inches, or a louvered door may be installed, or existing door(s) may simply be left open.
System 804 may be comprised of a sump well liner or container, for example in a preferred embodiment with a minimum base diameter of eighteen inches, a pressure relief sump pump that discharges through a pipe, for example in a preferred embodiment a pipe with a minimum one and one half inch diameter and a lid capable of preventing foreign material or objects from entering the container.
System 804, in a preferred embodiment, may run intermittently for three to eight days on a single charge, may automatically switch to battery when dedicated electric power goes down, may operate as a second pump during times of heavy water intake, may recharge automatically once power returns, may checks battery & power conditions at all times. Since the preferred embodiment runs on both AC and battery power, the system pumps and charges at the same time. The completely separate pumping system of 804 may provide greater volume protection as well as protection against power outage or primary pump failure. In the preferred embodiment, the system 804 may be installed independently of the primary Pressure Relief pump.
A foundation/footer joint line hydrostatic pressure relief system, for example, a COVESHIELD® system, 806 may provide a barrier that prevents contact between the interior floor slab or base and the lower portion of the foundation wall and footing. The barrier serves to provide a conduit or channel which allows finishing the area above and around the element, while maintaining an unimpeded path to remove water or moisture in the zone of the system. By so providing this ability, hydrostatic pressure may be controlled. In the embodiment illustrated, a COVESHIELD® system 806 provides a flexible angled waterproof material with a ridged or corrugated surface on the backside that has contact with the foundation wall and footing to allow for potential water flow into the pressure relief system 804. It is to be appreciated that by “flexible enough,” input design parameters 216 may be satisfied. Texture of corrugation may provide for channeling or controlled flow such that unimpeded flow of moisture by gravity along a path of removal is obtained (for example, corrugation may be seen in
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Illustration 1400 also provides an example view of an embodiment as discussed in relation to an implement exterior preparation 108 as discussed herein in relation to
Discharge line 1554 and discharge line 1556 are portrayed as shown merely for clarity sake. Implementations of the embodiment may differ in relation to proximity to and exit through foundation 1532. For example, discharge lines 1554 and 1556 may have a similar proximate location to foundation 1532, and may penetrate through foundation 1532 at a similar height relative to outside grade level 1526.
Illustration 1500 also provides an example view of an embodiment as discussed in relation to an implement exterior preparation 108 as discussed herein in relation to
The aforementioned description and figures set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages, or novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.
What has been described above includes examples of the innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the subject innovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the innovation are possible. Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
