Moisture Control - The Jobsite

The installation of hardwood floors is not necessarily a no brainer like many do it yourselfer assume so. You may have made your necessary precautions in acclimating the material to Rain gutter clogged the work site, but other hidden factors may rear their ugly heads afterwards. Probably the most important form of control in the way we build our homes today happens outside the residence.

Rain Gutters & Spouts

As simple as they are, rainspouts can lead to moisture problems. A periodic check for clogged spouts from leaves, disconnected downspouts, are all factors that could allow water to sit around the foundation. A simple splash block placed at all downspout locations, or a down spout extension that delivers water away from the perimeter of the home is another form of moisture prevention.

Drainage

Most modern homes and their developments take drainage into account when they are built. In other words, when it rains, water disperses quickly from the property. It has been pre-planned with proper grading (movement of topsoil) from around or near the foundation. In some cases drain fields have been implemented if there is no better way of diverting water from the home in cases of more level topography.

Lack of diverting ground water away from the foundation creates a wick effect. Any standing water has to go somewhere. If you find your home falls into this category after heavy rains or major snow melt, corrective measures should be taken. Depending on the circumstances it may be as simple as digging a few trenches.

Sprinklers, Irrigation

All forms of lawn and garden maintenance should be checked. One faulty sprinkler head located near the foundation can deliver a considerable amount of water that may lay unnoticed.

Window Wells

For those with basements, window wells can be a contributing factor where water may sit unattended. If there is no drainage from inside the window area itself it may become necessary to install a drain and micro drain field.

Sealed Foundation Walls

If you weren't present from start to finish on the home you live in, you'll never know if the builder used some form of sealant on the outside of the foundation wall, or what kind of sealer. Sealing is effective, however settling of the home can break a seal. The smallest fracture can lead to bigger problems eventually. There are products specifically designed for application on interior foundation walls.

Crawl Spaces

A crawl space is an area below a wood subfloor or the floor joists. These areas account for a large number of problems when associated with hardwood floors. Proper ventilation must be allocated and the area be protected with thick plastic film on what is usually topsoil. Covering is one requirement, keeping moisture from collecting or forming in puddles on top is another. Excessive moisture in this area can also lead to mold growth on surrounding framing members. Poor drainage has been known to seep into crawl spaces as well.

Trench Drains

In extreme situations it may be necessary to implement trench drains around the home. Not individual circular drains, but a ditch having similar functions as a French drain. Our trench drains are actual ditches filled with gravel and or perforated pipes with soil placed above. Used away from the foundation, excess water that would flow towards the foundation and eventually find it's way inside is stopped. It seeps harmlessly into the soil away from the home, providing a proper grade is also implemented. Size and depth will depend on your conditions. Best to consult an expert in this area.

• Moisture Testing Wood Floors - how, tools
• Moisture Barriers For Hardwood Floors
• Moisture Control - environment in and outside home
• Drying Hardwood Flooring
• Humidity and Hardwood Floors