There is no shortage of entities that can help to waterproof basements in Lake Forest, Illinois. Though the sump pump is the most popular method, there are other effective methods as well, such as drain tile.
Looking to learn a little more about drain tile? If so, you’re in the right place. Here is everything you’ll need to know.
What is the Purpose of Drain Tile?
Simply put, the purpose of drain tile is to catch water before it enters a basement, and then filter that water away from the basement. When installed correctly, it can go a long way in keeping a basement dry.
It’s important to note that drain tile isn’t actually tile at all. It’s actually a system of plastic pipes, all of which work together to filter water to the correct channels. Often connected to the sump basin, drain tile is one of the most effective basement waterproofing entities in existence.
Installing Drain Tile
Drain tile can be installed on both the interior and exterior of a home. Below, we’re going to discuss both the interior and exterior installation processes.
Interior Installation
Interior installation begins with the digging of a hole. This hole is dug in the corner of the basement, and it generally measures in at around 12 inches x 18 inches. It usually requires that the cement floor is broken into pieces.
Next, a trench will be dug along the basement wall. This trench will be about 10 inches deep and will connect to the sump basin. If there is no sump basin in existence, one will have to be dug.
After the trench has been dug, the waterproofing specialist will place an absorbent gravel at the bottom of it. Next, the drain tile will be laid down upon the gravel, extending along the entirety of the trench.
Once the drain tile has been laid, it will be covered with more gravel, enough to even up the trench to ground level. Then, a mat will be placed over the drain tile and gravel, providing it with additional absorbency.
Finally, cement will be laid over the trench, locking everything in place and ensuring that it has no wiggle room. With that, the drain tile will have been installed.
Exterior Installation
Installing exterior drain tile is similar to installing interior drain tile. However, there are some key differences.
First off, when installing exterior drain tile, utility companies will need to be called to ensure that there are no utility lines in proximity of the spot where the tile is being installed. If there are no utility lines, the installation will begin.
The installation begins with the digging of a trench at the footer of the house. After this trench has been dug, plywood will be inserted into it, sloping in a downward direction toward the sump basin.
Next, the drain tile will be laid down on top of the plywood. Then, stone and gravel will be added, completely surrounding the drain tile. Once the gravel has been filled to the top of the trench, an absorbent mat will be placed on top of it.
Finally, the trench will be covered with soil, effectively burying the drain tile underground. At this point, the installation will be completed.
Looking to Install Drain Tile in Lake Forest?
Are you interested in installing drain tile in your home? Looking to install drain tile in Lake Forest, Illinois, specifically? The waterproofers with ULB-DRY Waterproofing are the people to call.
Our team of seasoned waterproofing specialists has installed drain tile in countless basements throughout the Lake Forest area. We can complete your project in a quick, efficient, and professional manner.
Contact us now to get the process started!