Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Foundation waterproofing

CapnJohn | Posted in Construction Techniques on

This is a California question.  My Brother just bought a house in Butte County California on a south-facing slope.  It has a vented crawl space with a soil floor and CMU foundation but no waterproofing.  This seems all wrong to me, but California is famous for some wacky things.  I believe the foundation should be waterproofed and a vapour barrier applied to the floor, if for no other reason than water will find cracks, freeze, and make bigger cracks.

What do the professionals say?  Please respond from your hands-on knowledge of building practices and local Code, and if no waterproofing is necessary, please explain why.

Thank you in advance.

Capn John

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 657: Affordable New Builds, Backfilling Foundations, and Peeling Paint

Listeners ask about affordable home builds, installing a patio on foundation backfill, and dealing with peeling paint on masonry.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Homebuilding

© 2024 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.