Removing Concrete Slab To Build Wood Deck But Worried About Water Entering Basement?
Posted on
October 30th, 2009
by Jerry
So I have a concrete slab attached to the back of my house that is in extremely bad shape (cracked, lifted). I want to add deck off the back of my house but to do so I have to remove the concrete first. What are my options after removing the concrete to keep water out of my basement since the concrete is currently keeping the water from soaking into the ground and getting in the basement. Also, what is the best process at removing the concrete and also disposing of it.
Just to add a note, and both 1 & 2 offer valid suggestions.
How and/or where is the water seeping? Was the slab ever actually “attached”? Was the basement ever “Tarred” before being back filled? How old is the structure? What’s the condition of the basement walls, especially adjacent to the slab?
If the structure itself isn’t at issue, then I suspect it’s more overflow leakage than seepage, and over time many basements/slabs crack allowing some moisture intrusion.
I’d want to know where the Leaking/ seepage is, and why, first. The slab issues sound like a poor install, or voids under, high water table, age, serious previous abuse, soil conditions, etc.
Removal is a labor intensive task without a Back Hoe, disposal may mean connecting with a company that hauls to a land fill?
Steven Wolf
Just my 2 “sense”
Certainly grading the plot might help, but I suspect I’d want to know WHY the water intrusion first.
Since your existing concrete is cracked and lifted, putting down a heavy plastic sheet probably would be a good or better than the existing concrete.
If possible you might want to slope the soil aways from the house to aid the drainage.
You might also cosider a shallow french drain to help with any water that gets near the foundation.