Omar Khalid
Installing plastic around the foundation of your house can be an effective way to keep your basement dry and prevent water leaks. The process involves digging a trench around the foundation, laying plastic sheeting to create a water barrier, and then covering the plastic with dirt or gravel to create a slope that directs water away from the house. It is important to choose the right type and thickness of plastic sheeting to ensure that it is effective in preventing moisture and vapour from infiltrating your home and causing mould or mildew issues.
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right plastic sheeting
When choosing the right plastic sheeting, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the thickness of the plastic sheeting is important. Commonly available thicknesses include 6 mil and 10 mil. The thickness you choose will depend on the specific requirements of your project, such as the level of waterproofing needed.
Another important consideration is the type of plastic used. Clear plastic sheeting is a popular option, as it is waterproof and dustproof, with almost tear-resistant properties. Alternatively, black plastic sheeting is often used to prevent water from entering basements and can be effective when properly graded with soil and covered with river rock or gravel.
It is also essential to consider the potential drawbacks of using plastic sheeting. Some people believe that plastic can trap moisture in the soil around your foundation, potentially leading to mould and other issues. Plastic can also block air and water circulation, which may have negative consequences for the soil and the foundation of your home, which naturally needs some moisture.
Finally, it is worth noting that some people prefer to use alternative materials, such as tarpaper, housewrap, or landscape fabric, which can provide similar benefits to plastic sheeting while mitigating some of the potential drawbacks. These materials can help direct water away from the foundation and manage drainage effectively.
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Prepare the ground
Before laying plastic around your house's foundation, it is important to prepare the ground properly to ensure the plastic sheet functions effectively as a water barrier. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the ground:
Clear the Area
Start by clearing the area around your house's foundation. Remove any debris, shrubs, or plants that are close to the foundation and trim back any overhanging branches. This will give you enough space to work and prevent any debris from getting in the way during the installation process.
Excavate the Soil
Next, you will need to excavate the soil around the foundation. The depth and width of the excavation will depend on the specific requirements of your project. For example, if you are installing a French drain, you will need to dig a trench that is deep and wide enough to accommodate the drain pipe and gravel. Typically, a depth of about 6 inches directly against the foundation and then sloping out to about 12 inches about 6 feet away from the foundation should be sufficient.
Level the Ground
Once you have excavated the soil, use a shovel or a rake to level the ground. Make sure the surface is smooth and free of any large lumps or bumps. This step is important to ensure the plastic sheet lies flat and even on the ground.
Prepare the Trench (Optional)
If you are installing a drainage system, such as a French drain, you will need to prepare a trench for the drain pipe and gravel. Place a layer of gravel at the bottom of the trench, ensuring it is level and compact. Then, lay the drainage pipe in the trench and cover it with more gravel. Make sure the gravel layer is slightly higher than the ground level to create a slope that will direct water away from the foundation.
Clean the Foundation Wall
Before laying the plastic sheet, it is important to clean the exterior surface of the foundation wall. Use a brush or a pressure washer to remove any dirt, debris, or loose particles from the wall. This will help ensure that the plastic sheet adheres properly to the wall and creates a strong water barrier.
Prepare the Plastic Sheet
Finally, prepare the plastic sheet by measuring and cutting it to the required size. You may need to join multiple sheets together to cover the entire foundation. Use duct tape or another suitable adhesive to join the sheets, creating a strong and watertight seal. Make sure the plastic sheet is laid out flat and ready to be installed once the ground preparation is complete.
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Install the plastic sheeting
Installing plastic sheeting around your house's foundation can help keep your basement dry by creating a barrier against moisture and vapour. Before installing the plastic sheeting, it is important to determine the purpose of the sheeting and choose the right type of plastic sheeting to suit your needs. For instance, polyethylene plastic sheeting is a popular choice for moisture abatement and storage protection.
The installation process for plastic sheeting around your house's foundation typically involves the following steps:
- Start by measuring the perimeter of your foundation and cut the plastic sheeting to size, ensuring that it is long enough to run up the wall, down the exterior, and extend a foot or two away from the house.
- If you are installing the plastic sheeting on the interior of your basement, you may need to cut a trench in the floor next to the wall to direct any water leaks to a sump pump.
- Use a straightedge to ensure that the plastic sheeting is laid out smoothly and evenly along the foundation. Secure the top edge of the sheeting to the wall using staples, nails, or screws, being careful not to damage the wall.
- If you are installing the plastic sheeting on the exterior of your house, you may want to consider digging a trench or slope against the foundation to improve drainage. Lay the plastic sheeting in the trench or along the slope, ensuring that it is securely anchored and extends outward from the house.
- Cover the plastic sheeting with gravel or dirt to hold it in place and create a drainage slope. You can also use river rocks or other landscaping materials to conceal the plastic and improve the appearance of your yard.
- Ensure that the plastic sheeting is properly joined and sealed at the seams to prevent water or moisture from seeping through. Duct tape or other specialized sealing products can be used for this purpose.
It is important to note that plastic sheeting may need to be replaced periodically as it can break down over time due to exposure to the elements. Additionally, thinner plastic sheeting may be more susceptible to damage during other construction or landscaping work.
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Cover the plastic
Covering the plastic with dirt or soil is a commonly suggested method to create a slope that directs water away from the foundation. This method, however, may not be ideal for growing plants. An alternative suggestion is to cover the plastic with gravel to allow for drainage.
One user mentions that they covered the plastic with soil and river rocks. However, they still experienced a mould smell in the basement, which they addressed by running a dehumidifier and heater.
Another user suggests stapling Typar sheeting to the joist and sliding insulation batts into the joists. This method may be more applicable when installing plastic on the inside of the house, where water is expected to leak through the wall.
It is important to note that the type of covering used may depend on the specific situation and regional climate. For example, in areas with freezing temperatures, proper insulation and venting in the attic are crucial to prevent freezing on the roof.
Additionally, when covering the plastic, it is essential to consider the thickness of the plastic sheeting. Thinner sheeting, such as 6-mil, may not be sufficient as a barrier against moisture and vapour and can be easily damaged during other work. Experts recommend using thicker grades, such as 10-mil or 20-mil, for enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
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Prevent mould
While laying plastic around the foundation of your house can help keep your basement dry, it may also trap moisture in the soil and cause mould. To prevent mould, you can try the following:
- Digging a trench around the foundation and installing a French drain or a drainage pipe. This will help to divert water away from the foundation and prevent it from seeping into the basement.
- Using a non-permeable product, such as thick plastic, to create a water barrier. However, this may not be effective if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, as the water can get trapped under the plastic and cause mould.
- Creating a slope away from the foundation using a clay cap, loam, or gravel. This will help to direct water away from the house and prevent it from pooling around the foundation.
- Installing gutters with long extensions to direct rainwater away from the house. Positive drainage and rain management are critical to preventing water from reaching the foundation.
- Using a cement sealer, a rubberized sealer, or a drainage board, depending on the materials used in your basement construction.
- If you choose to use plastic, consider covering it with soil or river rocks to protect it from degradation and to improve its appearance.
- Ensure that any rot is treated with a copper-based product to kill anything that might have been missed during the removal process.
- If you are installing plastic sheeting on the inside of your house, cut a trench in the floor around the wall so that any water can run to a sump pump and be removed.
Remember, it is important to address the root cause of the moisture in your basement to prevent mould. Combining multiple strategies may be the most effective way to keep your basement dry and mould-free.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic sheeting is laid around the foundation to create a barrier against moisture or vapor, which helps minimize the risk of mold or mildew intrusion into the home.
The type of plastic sheeting depends on the purpose. For moisture abatement and storage protection, polyethylene plastic sheeting is recommended. For enhanced durability and moisture resistance, a thicker grade of 10-mil or 20-mil sheeting is preferred over thinner 6-mil sheeting.
The installation process involves first creating a slope by digging about 6 inches down directly against the foundation and then digging a foot about 6 feet out. A layer of plastic is then laid down, followed by covering it with dirt or gravel to create a slope that directs water away from the foundation.
Alternative methods include using tarpaper or house wrap on the walls, installing a French drain, or creating a vapor barrier to mitigate radon poisoning.
Plastic sheeting can trap moisture and direct it upwards, causing mold issues. Thinner plastic can break down over time and may not provide an effective barrier, especially if it is damaged during other construction work. Proper installation and the use of appropriate materials are crucial to avoid these issues.
