| Project by RipSawRon | posted 02-15-2010 01:24 AM | 10881 views | 1 time favorited | 2 comments |  |
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I bought a house with a Water Guard system that was installed years ago. I started to frame out the walls to finish off the basement & create living space. But started to think about the big picture and have haulted all work. My concern is that there are gaps in the system at the top of the plastic sheeting. So I’m hoping that the fine folks here on HR will be able to answer some of my questions. Our home is in Chicago, IL. we get all 4 seasons, the basement is climet controled. The foundation comes up about 40” and then the main framing of the home starts, this gives an uneven look, so I got the bright idea to just frame a new steel stud wall in front, to smooth it all out. The steel framing is not attached to the floor, I made custom brackets to support, I didn’t want to drive fastners into the system. The system does drain into a sump pump well, the pump works.
Questions:
1. Because there are gaps (see photos) do I need to seal them before insulating, framing and finishing the walls to prevent mold?
2. Would it be better to not seal things up and just frame out with an air gap and some air vents?
3. Do I need to seal the cement that was installed around the system?
4. We have noticed some disscoloration (black spotty) in places where the plastic sheets meet the base. Mold?
Here is a link to a video on the product
http://www.clarkebasementsystems.com/WaterGuard.aspx
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Take care
Ron
2 comments so far
Wdwrkng
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5 posts in 5136 days
posted 04-04-2010 12:40 AM
First off I would contact waterguard for advice on this project. Sometimes these systems are warrantied for life and making any changes to it would void the warranty. Second, the pictures are hard to see how bad the product actually is. Third, DO NOT SEAL anything because the holes from what I can see are suppose to allow water in if you have a leak in your wall so it will drain. If it were me, I would just build my wall out an inch or two and use the new drywall that doesn’t mold. It has no paper product in it so it can’t mold. It’s a little more expensive but if I were to finish out a basement that is what I would use. You can get it at any home improvement store. Its a little harder to work with but no mold. Fourth, it wouldn’t hurt to paint the cement wall with a water proofing paint or one that doesn’t allow mold-Zinser or Kilz. Fifth, I would purchase some mold killer and inhibiting spray and just spray the tract and and walls before painting or mix up a solution of bleach and water. Just be careful with it and cover your arms and where appropriate clothing because bleach solution will burn your skin. Don’t worry about sealing the cement that was installed around system. It usually is a hydraulic type cement and has waterproof properties when mixed, however you may want to call and ask water guard what type of cement was used. I think the vents would be a good idea or an access door so you can view the waterguard system and make sure it is working. Hopefully this information will help you . Take care and have fun with your basement project.
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wrtyq
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7 posts in 2348 days
posted 11-11-2017 08:29 PM
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