New construx

[crich]

We are building a new house in Boston area, on a flat lot which has a high false water table in Spring (dense soil clay etc). We know we will have a difficult problem with groundwater through the floor as a result.

What is the strongest preventitive measure we can take and is it effective with serious water table issues 3 months of year? Is this a workable problem in the most extreme cases or is it something thats not really solvable (i.e. dont get a full basement).

the sump kit, membrane on out side of foundation (sub floor too?), cactus board etc..

Can this create a dry basement in the most difficult conditions or is it asking too much? i envision this like bailing out a boat for 3 months of the year. skeptical that our problems are solvable...

Thanks,
Paul

[CactusBoard]

Hi Paul,
Thanks for the opportunity to help you. What you have going on on your property is not that unusual in the northeast, and we may be able to give you some good direction. I would like to speak with you to carify some things. Please call me anytime (800) 768-0935 or locally at (203) 627-4359 and in case we need to be E'ing flip@basementsystems.com
Flip

[chumpchange]

If you build a basement, you will need a pumped foundation water collection system, and an unusually careful and competent installation of exterior water proofing and drainage systems that ensure no silting up and quick conduction of water away from the foundation. You will also need to go the extra mile and install interior perimeter and under slab drainage tile, connected to a pumped sump. You should also pipe your downspouts 8 feet away from the house, or to a ditch.

The footer drains can go to an external cistern that has a 120v submersible pump and high level alarm (usually a light and horn), or it can go to the same sump as the interior system. Either way, you need to have backup pumps, battery back up pumps, and sump level alarms. Also, if your builder understands how to do it, install vinyl water blocks between the footer and poured walls, and beween the footer and poured slab. This will prevent water permeation between the poured structures, which all have cold joints and are not an effective water barrier.