Drainage Correction and Clean Space

[lgbeddow]

My husband and I are North Carolina residents interested in installing two of your products, i.e, the full gravel/pipe drainage system and the Clean Space. We have questions, however, that plague us:

1. We are told that installation of one system immediately follows the first. Given this, how does one know that the drainage system is working properly before the Clean Space is installed? Once covered, problems might go undetected. Is time recommended between the two installations?

2. Does the drainage system warranty against standing water in the crawl space after the remediation drainage system is installed? If so, to what extent or exclusions? How does one obtain in advance specifics (copies) of each warranty?

3. How is this drainage system subsequently inspected and when? Yearly?

4. If there is a subsequent drainage issue, how is the issue handled given the Clean Space and its warranty? I understand that the Clean Space warranty speaks only to stipulating that no water will occur on top of the Clean Space system. In short, how do the two warranties work in tandem with one another, or do they? Could a problem with one void the other?

5. Given that the Clean Space seals the crawl space away from the house proper, if water collects around the foundation of the home, could this compromise the home's foundation? Does the drainage system warranty against this possibility?

6. Will sealing the vents in violation of the building codes present a problem if and when selling a home?

7. Our crawl has many vents, some with block that it totally open at the top. Of course, this stands to reason that water enters the vent, travels down the open block, and makes it way to the footers. When installing the dual system of drainage and Clean Space, how would this issue be rectified?

I know that I have posed several questions here, but each is of importance to me as homeowner who wishes to make an educated consumer decision. I do not feel that I have received clear answers from my representative with regard to these questions. Thank you.

[Mark]

Thanks for the questions and please don't let this situation bother you, both of these systems will only improve you crawlspace and living environment.

1. Normally the drainage system and Cleanspace are installed in conjunction with one another. If the Sump pump is installed in the low spot and the drainage systems is correctly installed its just a matter or gravity taking over.

2. With a dirt crawlspace there will certainly be times when the trenches will have water flowing in them. It also depends on the grading in the crawlspace which is never perfect like a basement floor. There may be small puddles at times or wet dirt under the cleanspace liner. Usually in these applications the drainage is installed to minimize standing water. You should ask your local dealer for copies of their warranty which is specific to their company.

3. We usually recommend annual maintenance to be performed on the supersump systems. At that time the drain system can be inspected as well as the cleanspace.

4. If there is an issue with the drainage under the cleanspace it would need to be temporarily pulled back to repair the problem area and then reinstalled. That is one of the benefits of cleanspace. I cant see a situation where one warranty would void the other. The should only enhance each others performance. Please remember the object is to keep the air and home above the CleanSpace dry. We expect there to be water and moisture under it.

5. The Cleanspace and drainage make no specific warranty for the structure of the foundation. However by having the drainage system and sump pumping out the standing water should be a possitive.

6. Sealing the vents against code may cause a problem when selling a home if the home inspector makes it one. Although many know that sealing vents is the proper thing to do and that code changes are a long and slow processes.

7. By sealing the vents properly no water should find its way into the tops of those blocks. If water in the blocks is a problem with your crawlspace weep holes can be drilled itto the core of the block to drain the water into the drainage system.

I hope I was able to satisfactory answer your questions. Should you have any other could you please call me at 1-800-541-0487

Thank you
Mark Daconto VP
Basement Systems inc.