Dear forum community,
A few years ago, we purchased an old building (built in 1937) with an extension (1977). We now want to redesign and pave the courtyard. A gravel drainage strip is planned along the house wall.
According to the 1977 construction plans, the extension was built on natural ground (clay, shale, rock). The foundations are 100cm (39 inches) deep, 30cm (12 inches) wide, and made of rammed concrete B 160. This part of the building does not have a basement. So far, there have been no moisture problems. Rising damp is not visible. The foundation surfaces are uneven. Below the gas concrete masonry, there is a horizontal leveling layer made of brickwork.
The courtyard surface slopes away from the house towards the surrounding terrain.
As a layperson, I am wondering whether and how the foundations should or need to be treated beforehand. Despite reading numerous posts, this raised more questions than answers — especially concerning possible soil failure.
In my opinion, the following options are conceivable:
A) Fully expose the foundation, clean it, seal it (bitumen?), install a dimpled membrane, treat the base with waterproof slurry
B) Clean the area exposed for the gravel drainage strip, seal it, install a dimpled membrane (to channel water under the gravel?), treat the base with waterproof slurry
C) Leave the foundation as is and install the gravel drainage strip
D) Leave the foundation as is and install a drainage channel as splash protection
E) Pave the courtyard directly adjacent to the building to divert water, foregoing a drainage strip
Is there a recommended, durable approach?
Thank you very much for your opinions.
Best regards,
Michael
A few years ago, we purchased an old building (built in 1937) with an extension (1977). We now want to redesign and pave the courtyard. A gravel drainage strip is planned along the house wall.
According to the 1977 construction plans, the extension was built on natural ground (clay, shale, rock). The foundations are 100cm (39 inches) deep, 30cm (12 inches) wide, and made of rammed concrete B 160. This part of the building does not have a basement. So far, there have been no moisture problems. Rising damp is not visible. The foundation surfaces are uneven. Below the gas concrete masonry, there is a horizontal leveling layer made of brickwork.
The courtyard surface slopes away from the house towards the surrounding terrain.
As a layperson, I am wondering whether and how the foundations should or need to be treated beforehand. Despite reading numerous posts, this raised more questions than answers — especially concerning possible soil failure.
In my opinion, the following options are conceivable:
A) Fully expose the foundation, clean it, seal it (bitumen?), install a dimpled membrane, treat the base with waterproof slurry
B) Clean the area exposed for the gravel drainage strip, seal it, install a dimpled membrane (to channel water under the gravel?), treat the base with waterproof slurry
C) Leave the foundation as is and install the gravel drainage strip
D) Leave the foundation as is and install a drainage channel as splash protection
E) Pave the courtyard directly adjacent to the building to divert water, foregoing a drainage strip
Is there a recommended, durable approach?
Thank you very much for your opinions.
Best regards,
Michael
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