Basement Drainage Channels Install Instructions
Installing a Basement Drainage Channels Montandon PA drain channel is vital for safeguarding the structural integrity of your basement foundation system. Basement Drainage Channels (also known as conduit drains) are installed along the walls adjacent to the basement's floor drain. They can consist of precast concrete forms or flexible plastic conduits. To protect against sewer backing (and prevent water ingress), they must be completely enclosed by a waterproof sheet. When waterproofing your basement or cellar with a wet/dry foundation membrane system, you should also install an underground drainage system to handle any water ingress and prevent water from leaking into your basement. Otherwise, you will be faced with possible flooding.
Basement Drainage Channels are relatively easy to install, even if you don't want to hire a professional to do it for you. Most kits include a trench drain installation kit, a channel drain installation kit, a concrete edge molding, a precast concrete form, a watertight liner and three corner pieces. The first step is to prepare your basement walls for the channel drain installation. This involves removing floor joists and all penetrations, including those made by windows, doors and skylights. Your basement foundation contractor can help you choose the best options for your basement floor drain system and make sure that all penetrations are closed with sheet rock.
Once you have cleaned up the area and prepared your foundations, it's time to select the materials for your basement drainage channels. Wood is popular and works well with many different styles of Basement Drainage Channels. Other options include concrete, plastics, metal, granite and thermoplastic. Wood Basement Drainage Channels tends to look better on patios and decks, but can be installed in most any room. Concrete is preferred by many homeowners and professionals for Basement Drainage Channels because it is cost effective and very sturdy.
Installing Basement Drainage Channels shouldn't take more than a day or two. You'll want to make sure that the perimeter of the new Channel is smooth. A concrete edge molding may be installed around the perimeter for a professional look, or you can install a slip-resistant paper at the base of each Channel. Wood Basement Drainage Channels can also be installed around the perimeter, but many homeowners prefer the elegant look of concrete edges around their Basement Drainage Channels.
Many homeowners don't know how to waterproof their basement drainage systems correctly. Most basement drainage channels are installed using a cavity drain membrane, a waterproofing membrane placed between the exterior and interior channel. A heavy duty waterproofing membrane will prevent water from entering the channels and becoming water-soaked. A heavy-duty membrane is more effective at withstanding the force of heavy rains, snowfalls, and even earthquakes. It will also prevent mold and mildew from growing on the insides of the Basement Drainage Channels.
If you have a basement drainage system with an open or ventilated cavity, there is the possibility of water infiltration. To prevent water infiltration and mold/mildew from growing, you should always seal all openings, cracks and porous areas around your Basement Drainage Channels. There are many products on the market that are effective for sealing and protecting your basement drain channels. These products will provide an airtight seal around the perimeter of the Channel, while also allowing you to see through the channel to keep you aware of any water leaking inside your basement.
Another key component of proper waterproofing your basement drainage channels is to check the suction pressure of your sump pump or sump pit every few months. Improperly installed sump pumps and sump pits can result in excess suction pressure, leading to mold and mildew growth. This can not only ruin your home and increase your homeowner's maintenance costs, but it can also pose health risks to you and your family.
By following the above recommendations, you can rest easy knowing that your Basement Drainage Channels will serve you well into the future. Proper waterproofing of your Basement Drainage Channels doesn't have to be expensive and time consuming. With a little bit of elbow grease, you can easily waterproof your basement drainage channels without having to hire a professional contractor. Of course, if you feel more comfortable doing the waterproofing yourself, by all means do so. Just remember that proper waterproofing isn't just about saving money - it's about protecting your family's health as well!
