Concrete Foundation Walls - Water Leakage
Problem: Creep and movement of exterior foundation insulation above grade - 2.
Cause: Soil settlement around foundation.
As soils settle, they can pull rigid exterior insulation down the wall if proper installation procedures have not been followed.
Solutions: Minimize soil settlement.
- Ensure rainwater drains away from the building, using proper grading, splash-block rainwater-leaders and a sloped clay cap.
- Ensure proper compaction of backfill / granular fill around the foundation.
Use proper installation techniques.
- Ensure that exterior insulation rests directly on the footing to minimize slippage. When using free-draining insulation materials, ensure that draining water has direct access to the weeping-tile system as shown in Figure 35.
Figure 35 - Exterior foundation insulation for slab on ground construction
- Mechanically fasten the exterior insulation to the foundation wall.