Page 263 - Moving the Earth_ The Workbook of Excavation

DITCHING AND DEWATERING

DITCHING AND DEWATERING 5.65

Waterproofing. If there is no downhill point or stormwater pipe to which subsurface water can
be drained, and location and soil type indicate the probability of groundwater, the basement walls
should be waterproofed. This can be done more thoroughly and economically during construction
than afterward.

Condensation. Before undertaking any considerable expense to stop leaks into a basement, it
should be found out definitely whether they exist. Condensation may make substantial amounts
of water appear on the walls and floor. If the trouble occurs in hot weather, it is probably con-
densation; if in the wet season or during heavy storms, it is most likely leakage. If a piece of card-
board is secured against a suspected spot, it will get wet on the wall side if it is leakage, and on
the room side if it is condensation.
Condensation may be checked by coating the wall with cement plaster or some other coarse,
absorbent material, or by running an electric dehumidifier in the room.