If you are restoring a historic home with a basement foundation, there are going to be some challenges when it comes to dealing with problems. First, you are going to need to have the structure inspected and come up with engineered solutions to improve the stone foundation. In addition to the structural improvements, work is also going to need to be done to the drainage and waterproofing systems. The following exterior waterproofing and drainage upgrade guide will help you with the restorations that need to be done to historic stone basement foundations:

Inspecting The Existing Foundation Drainage and Waterproofing If There Is Any

Old stone basements are often designed with drainage systems around the exterior of the structure. These drainage systems allow water to flow away from the basement to keep it dry. If they do have a waterproofing system, it is probably an old asphalt-based sealant or some other impermeable coating that has probably worn overtime.

Excavation Of The Areas Where Waterproofing and New Drain Tiles Need To Be Installed

The work that needs to be done to your stone basement foundation includes excavation. The excavation work will be needed to do the waterproofing and drainage systems correctly. It may be better to do this work in phases to complete one area and move to the next. This will help that excavations do not cause problems with the structural integrity of the building.

Laying The Aggregate Base Materials For The Drain Tiles That Need To Be Installed Around The Foundation

Once the excavations have been done in one area, you are going to need to install a gravel aggregate material. This gravel material is where the drain tile pipes will be laid, and it allows the excess groundwater to drain below the foundation without causing damage to exterior waterproofing or the structure.

Exterior Waterproofing Of The Stonework and Filling The Excavated Areas To Begin Other Restoration Work

The last step in the process will be to do the exterior waterproofing. These systems need to be modern systems that help reduce static water pressure, but you may want to preserve the appearance of historic stonework above the soil. Therefore, some of the exterior waterproofing can be done with a clear seal coating that preserves the historic building design and leaves stonework visible.

These are some of the things that will need to be done for the historic foundations to improve waterproofing and drainage. If you are restoring a historic basement foundation, contact an exterior waterproofing service for help with these waterproofing and drainage solutions for your home. 

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