Humidity Problems in CIP Basement Wall
Humidity Problems in CIP Basement Wall
(OP)
Here is the situation. My client has a “habitable basement” (let’s call it that for simplicity) up in the mountains of Puerto Rico. It rains significantly in this area of the country and the soil is predominantly clay. The retaining wall in question is a 6” cast in place reinforced concrete wall. The contractor did not install any type of vapor barrier material nor did he install any gravel for proper drainage. Basically, the clay is in direct contact with the wall. Needless to say, there is high humidity on the other side of the wall (paint is bulging). My recommendation is to dig, pressure wash the wall, let it dry, install a vapor barrier, install drainage pipes, and backfill with stone. The owner doesn’t want to dig because we would need to remove a big portion of his concrete driveway. What do you think? Thanks.





RE: Humidity Problems in CIP Basement Wall
Sounds like you're gonna have to excavate somewhere to install a drain.
I think that you'll have to wait quite some time before the wall will dry - especially with paint on the inside surface inhibiting drainage in that direction.
Jeff
RE: Humidity Problems in CIP Basement Wall
You may have the option of repainting the interior wall with an epoxy paint that will resist the water intrusion, but the wall may need to be completely dry for that type of application.
This is a tough call to make.
RE: Humidity Problems in CIP Basement Wall
Also, you can use tieback anchors on the inside if you have wall movement.
RE: Humidity Problems in CIP Basement Wall