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Water Seepage Through Slab

05/12/2009 3:29 PM

Brand new construction slab on ground. Soil is sand and clay. Lot has a bad history of stormwater drain issues. Recently an underground drain system was placed in to remove storm water from two flat roofs (two condo buildings 32 units each). This has exacerbatered the water removal and now the water is backing up towards the building foundation. Recently my slab displayed cracks along the lines of the footings. The footing are not new - originals footing reused when building was reconstrcted after fire. Moisture readings inside the unit are 75% (outside 48%) and water comes up through the cracks in the slab throughout the unit (whole unit!). Other than moving the water away from the foundation why is there still water coming up? How would it get in? There is a high water table on top of the other issues (shore area). water seems to come in during high tides and full moons...

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#1

Re: Water seepage thru slab on ground

05/13/2009 3:53 AM

No worries concrete floats...

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#2

Re: Water seepage thru slab on ground

05/13/2009 7:57 AM

Ouch!

Sounds like you have a bunch of problems.

First, it sounds like the slab wasn't properly waterproofed when it was laid. Up here in the Northeast, it's common practice to lay heavy plastic sheeting before pouring a slab, to avoid this kind of problem.

Second, you have a serious groundwater problem. If the water is coming up through the foundation, that means there is hydrostatic pressure enough to lift the water against gravity. Maybe only a few PSI, but multiply that by the square inches of your slab and you will see why it is cracking. I would guess the flow from the Condo roofs is actually creating a spring under your foundation. During full moon/high tide times, the water table in the whole area is higher, so the water has nowhere to go.

My first point of attack would be the water coming up under the slab. Here in the Northeast a slab on footer is usually a basement, so the usual solution is to cut a sump pit in the slab and pump out the water as it enters the sump, lowering the water table under the slab. BTW don't make the common mistake of pumping the water outside only to have it seep back under again- you waste a lot of energy pumping water in circles that way. It has to have somewhere to go.

The second point of attack is the water getting under your foundation. Up here we would dig an interception drain all around the foundation and either lead it downgrade and away, to a storm sewer, or (worst option) to the sump pit. Whenever possible, let gravity move the water- it's free.

Based on your description, I think you are going to have a hard time keeping up with the water coming into the sump pit.

You could also consider (after doing the above) putting plastic sheeting on top of the slab, then building a floor above it with treated 1x4s supporting exterior or marine grade plywood. You will have to ventilate under the floor, keep humidity low and watch like a hawk for mold. Good luck.

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#3

Re: Water seepage thru slab on ground

05/13/2009 9:51 AM

Sorry, you have no choice...you have to drain under the slab. That means a trench around at least two sides, preferably more, with weeping tiles. Getting rid of the source will not really work since it is likely a water table issue.

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#4

Re: Water Seepage Through Slab

05/13/2009 12:31 PM

Obviously this site is unsuitable to build upon.

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#5

Re: Water Seepage Through Slab

05/13/2009 1:38 PM

I saw the responce about water proof ing. The idea is good but please bear in mind there is a BIG difference in water proofing and damp or moisture proofing, and the terms are backwards. The slab should have had a moisture barrier. When you get that close to a shoreline, garages are ussually put on the bottom floors only. It sounds like a bad place to build. Good Luck.

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#6

Re: Water Seepage Through Slab

05/14/2009 10:28 PM

Consider lifting house off of the slab and constructing a wood or steel framed first floor supported upon piers. Cut portion of slab lift and place vapor barrier under. Park car there.

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