Following a huge storm last week, our concrete slab gave way along a previous hairline crack (now enlarged enough to allow a hand in), and also heaved some 1" around the hole which purged enough water to damage the finished half our basement. I knew since we installed a drain for the basement bathroom that the concrete slab was thin (around 2" and less) and pretty weak, and there's another heaved area as large as the failed one (4-5'). Is there a way to avoid replacing the entire concrete floor and only fix the heaved portions? Once a solution is found for this aspect, should we consider installing a sump pump to help us with such unexpected flash floods, or should we consider exterior excavation for new wiping tiles (lived 5 years in this 40 years old house, no previous water leakage in the past, but white efflorescence was visible on block poles). I studied all your archived answers but didn't find anything related.
Answer:
Don't be surprised if you find a large rock or something of that sort heaving under the floor when you cut it out. If you find it, you'll have to remove it because it will only keep heaving. You'r on the right track regarding the sump pump. There isn't much point in installing one though unless you have at least five inches of gravel underneath it and perforated 4" weeping tile leading from the sump pit to wander throughout the gravel and then back to the pit. This will permit water to easily find a way to the pit and hopefully, avoid this happening again after you've poured a new, 3" slab.
In the interests of retaining credibility and in fairness to all, I cannot recommend prices, people nor companies for various projects. Courtesy of Ren Molnar, Construction Consultant at HomeFocus.com. I can also be reached at (613) 748-3003 and Home Focus – The Radio Show is broadcast live 8 to 10 A.M. (Ottawa, Ont. time) on Saturdays on www.cfra.com.
Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.
"Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips" is a monthly journal that talks everything to do with HOME OWNERSHIP & MAINTANENCE.
It is sent out in time to have it in your mailbox or on your computer by the 20th of the month – every month.
To order, simply send a cheque or money order to: Ren, P.O. Box 9411, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 3V1
E-mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $17.95. Regular mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $33.95. (subject to change without notice) Credit card companies take a cut from payments so we are not credit card friendly - can't justify it. Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips makes the perfect gift any time for almost everyone: Be My Valentine, Easter, Christmas, Mothers’ Day, Fathers' Day, Birthday, Wedding, Congratulations New Home Owner(s), Thinking Of you, Good neighbour Ren
