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Expert Q Ren Molnar Q&A Archive
Top > Plumbing > Drainage

Question:

A 20 year old house with a problem of water and mold in concrete block basement. We dug up and replaced weeping tile, tarred the outside walls. The problem persists. Painted the stucco to waterproof same - rain may be running down stucco and into basement. Problem persists. Removed all drywall and insulation from basement. Problem is above ground level - many studs had dry rot. Above ground blocks get very wet after a rain. Shall we caulk where walls meet?

Answer:

You didn't mention having excavated and applied an impermeable sheet to the walls. This would have meant new drainage tiles too. At 20 years of age, a concrete block wall will provide the problems you describe if it is not properly looked after.

Answered By: Ren Molnar

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