I am trying to change the grade in front of my house on a slope to eliminate drainage towards the house, but more importantly to eliminate a deck at the front enterence. To do this, I need to be able to backfill against the front cripple wall (about 4-5 feet max high). I would then be able to have a level enterence, and slope the grade away from the house, etc. What is the best method to accomplish this so I have a good siding that will accomidate the added soil loading, and also subgrade contact? I am considering the following:
1. Replacing the cripple studs with cmu ‘s (will be somewhat hard becuase of space limitations, filling cavitites, rebar, j-bolts, etc) not to mention the part about supporting the house while I move along the wall to replace with blocks.
2. Replace the siding over the cripple wall (currently hardiboard) with durock cement, then parge over that .
3. Pour a new footer in front of current, and make a false wall in front of present siding to backfill against.
4. Replace existing cripple and foundation with insultated conrete forms (forget the acronym) .
Obvioulsy, number 2 would be the easiest and least expensive, just not sure about stud walls being able to support 4-5 feet of backfill loading, etc.
Thanks!
Replies
Greetings h,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
when in doubt add garlic
If you are still thinking of trying to leave your wood foundation get a copy of the All Weather Wood Foundation Guide. You could start looking at your local lumder treating facility.
I would not even consider the Durorock. Its not really very strong at all.
I personally think you are best going with the cmu's.
Jason