Most buildings in Quebec have a foundation drain. This is an effective barrier against groundwater leaking into your basement, which can cause significant damage to a property.
Although the exterior French drain has long been the most common foundation drain, there is now an interesting alternative to this system.
Here is more information on interior drainage systems, how they work, their installation and benefits.
How an interior foundation drain works
An interior foundation drain usually looks a lot like an exterior French drain made of a perforated pipe covered with stone to prevent dirt from clogging it. The difference is that it is located under the existing foundation concrete slab rather than on its exterior perimeter. There are different models of interior French drains, but they all work very similarly.
The system collects water from the water table and runoff that may seep into the basement and directs it to a sump pump, which drains it out of the basement. This keeps your foundation dry.
Installing an interior French drain
Interior drainage systems are installed through the basement of the property, so the soil around the entire perimeter of the building does not need to be excavated. Instead, a trench must be cut in the concrete slab along the foundation walls to accommodate the perforated French drain. This trench must have a slope that will lead the water to a pit where a water pump will be installed.
Often, a narrow but high drainage system will be used for the concrete slab opening to be smaller while still draining water and hydrostatic pressure in a very efficient manner.
It can then be closed up to get the basement back to its original appearance.
Interior French drain: well-suited technology for Quebec’s urban areas
Interior drainage systems have been on the American market since the 1990s and are increasingly popular in Quebec. One of the main reasons is that they can meet the needs of many Quebec homeowners.
Interior foundation drains take up less space
Since the installation of an interior French drain is done through your home’s basement, it is not necessary to excavate the entire perimeter of the building. This is a relief for people who live in urban areas and do not have enough space to accommodate the necessary machinery due to nearby buildings.
In addition, installing an interior French drain can eliminate the need to dismantle balconies or terraces that make excavation work impossible.
Interior foundation drains can be installed in any season
Since the ground is frozen and covered in snow in the winter, it is practically impossible to install an exterior French drain. Interior French drains can be installed during any season.
Consult experts before installing an interior drainage system
In conclusion, although interior foundation drains are effective, easier to install and have several benefits, you should seek the advice of foundation specialists before installing this type of system.
Professionals will be able to conduct a foundation inspection and determine if this is really the best solution to protect your foundations and basement from water infiltration.
At Foundation Crack Expert, our specialists can answer all your questions regarding your foundations and their maintenance. If you are not sure about the type of foundation drain you should get, contact us for more information or a free quote!
