Basement waterproofing system

A system, for new or old construction, involving the installation of channels of water impermeable material along the juncture between the floor slab and the adjoining exterior walls, immediately beneath and substantially flush with the interior wall paneling components used to finish the interior of the exterior walls. The channels provide for the direct collection and removal of seepage water or the like coming through the exterior walls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The invention herein relates to a waterproofing system, or more 
particularly to a drainage system specifically adapted for installation 
within basements, or other subsurface rooms, wherein water seepage is a 
present or anticipated problem. The system is uniquely adapted for use 
with and accommodation of the interior paneling, of all types, used to 
finish the interior of exterior walls, whether this involve new or old 
construction. 
A serious and almost universal problem which arises in connection with 
buildings incorporating basements or similar subsurface areas, is the 
substantial difficulties encountered in preventing inward seepage of 
water, particularly following periods of heavy precipitation. This seepage 
frequently accumulates at the floor line and, if not controlled, can cause 
substantial damage to both the interior walls and to the contents of the 
area. 
Many solutions have been proposed either to prevent the seepage or to 
control the interior water generated therefrom. Such solutions have 
included extensive exterior ground excavations to expose the walls for the 
coating thereof or the installation of drainage tiles and the like. Other 
proposed solutions involve working with the interior of the wall and/or 
floor. Such proposed solutions normally involve a removal, if not a 
complete destruction of, any interior wall paneling. Likewise, efforts to 
solve the drainage problems from the interior of the building frequently 
entail an actual breaking up of the floor for the installation of drainage 
tile, an expedient now actually forbidden in at least some jurisdictions. 
Finally, it has heretofore been proposed to control water seepage or 
drainage by the provision of channel-like units or conduits about the base 
of the exterior walls, either above or below floor level. Known examples 
of such drainage accommodating systems will be noted in the following 
patents: 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,717,513; Smart; Issued Sept. 13, 1955 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,304,672; Bakke; Issued Feb. 21, 1967 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,344,569; Cotten; Issued Oct. 3, 1967 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,656,268; Murati; Issued Apr. 18, 1972 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,852,925; Gazzo; Issued Dec. 10, 1974 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,975,467; Beck; Issued Aug. 17, 1976 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,075,800; Molick; Issued Feb. 28, 1978 
The patents to Smart, Bakke, Cotten, Beck and Molick (FIG. 5) are 
considered of particular interest in illustrating the known 
state-of-the-art with regard to the particular form of drainage system 
wherein drainage channels are provided on the surface of the floor at the 
base of the exterior wall, the specific environment of the present 
invention. However, the known systems, as exemplified by these patents, 
suggest no procedure for installation wherein the exterior wall is 
provided with a finished or paneled interior surface. Similarly, the known 
systems are rather limited in application, normally requiring that the 
inner surface of the exterior wall be exposed for direct engagement of the 
drainage system therewith, and with no provision being made for the 
adaptation of the drainage system to interior wall finishing systems of 
substantially any type, including sill mounted stud walls. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a drainage 
system, for above floor installation at the juncture between the floor and 
an exterior wall, which is particularly adapted for use with and the 
accommodation of interior wall finishing systems, normally stud or furring 
strip supported paneling, including plaster board and the like. The system 
is equally capable of use as an addition to existing construction, or as a 
component, structural or otherwise, in new construction. 
Basically, the system includes an elongated drainage channel of appropriate 
water impervious material, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), or the like. 
This channel includes a vertical front panel, a top panel integral with 
the front panel below the upper edge thereof and projecting rearwardly 
therefrom, and a rear panel integral with the rear edge of the top panel 
and depending vertically therefrom to a point generally coplanar with the 
bottom edge of the front panel. The bottom edge of the front panel in turn 
includes a downwardly directed groove defined therein for the reception of 
a combined sealer and adhesive. The front panel can be provided with a 
decorative face thereon or a separately attached trim board. Further, 
appropriate supports can be provided depending from the top panel at 
selected points along the length thereof, such supports providing no 
substantial interference with the flow of water along the length of the 
channel. 
In environments wherein an interior wall paneling system exists, 
installation of the channel is effected by severing the lower portion of 
the panel system, along the full or desired length thereof, at a height 
equal to or slightly greater than the height of the top panel. The severed 
portion of the paneling system is then removed and the drainage channel 
introduced within the space provided. The depth of the drainage channel, 
if necessary, can be adjusted by a longitudinal severing of the top panel. 
This in turn may entail a removal of the rear panel. It is intended that 
the finished introduction of the channel position the rear surface of the 
front panel in line with or immediately against the outer surface of the 
wall paneling system. The installation is completed by directly sealing 
and adhesively securing the lower edge of the front panel of the channel 
to the floor by means of an appropriate combined sealant and adhesive 
provided within the groove defined along the lower edge of the front 
panel. Two commercially available forms of such material are STYRO-BOND 
ADHESIVE and WALL BOND PANELING ADHESIVE, manufactured by 3 C Company, 
Division of Continental Chemical & Coatings Corp., Woburn, MA. 01801. 
Finally, if so desired, the upper portion of the front panel of the 
channel can be directly nailed to the paneling system, preferably the 
furring strips or studding. 
In those instances wherein a stud formed interior wall system is involved, 
a supporting sill can be provided directly on the top panel of the channel 
member and the paneling wall constructed thereon. Incidentally, it is to 
be appreciated that when reference is made to an interior wall paneling 
system or means, this is intended to encompass all conventional wall 
finishing materials, including decorative wood panels, plasterboard 
sheets, dry and wet plaster walls, and the like, whether stud or furring 
supported, or directly adhered, as by adhesive, to the interior face of 
the exterior wall. 
These features, objects and advantages, together with others, will become 
more apparent from the detailed description of the construction and manner 
of use as fully hereinafter described and claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference 10 is used to 
designate the basic drainage channel or channel defining member utilized 
in the drainage system of the present invention. This channel 10 is 
integrally formed, normally in extruded lengths, of an appropriate 
substantially rigid water impermeable material, preferably a plastic such 
as polyvinylchloride (PVC). 
In construction, the channel 10 includes a vertical front panel 12 having 
parallel upper and lower edges 14 and 16. The lower edge is rearwardly 
enlarged so as to define a full length downwardly directed groove 18 
specifically adapted to receive a combined sealant and adhesive, as shall 
be described in more detail subsequently. 
A top panel 20 projects horizontally rearward from the front panel 12 and 
has the forward edge thereof integrally formed, as at 22, with the rear 
face of the front panel 12 on a line parallel to and spaced below the 
upper edge 14. The rear edge of the top panel 20 is integrally formed, as 
at 24, with the top edge of a depending vertical rear panel 26, the lower 
edge 28 of which is substantially coplanar with the lower edge 16 of the 
front panel 12. In a preferred form, the height of the front panel 12 will 
be approximately 21/2 inches, and the height from the horizontal plane of 
the lower edges 16 and 28 to the top surface of the top panel 20 will be 
approximately 13/4 inches. The depth of the channel, between the front and 
rear panels 12 and 26, will be approximately 21/2 inches. 
If deemed desirable, the channel 10 can be internally strengthened and 
rigidified by spaced cross-webs 30 intimately engaged with the inner 
surfaces of the front, rear and top panels and including a lower edge 
portion 32 coplanar with the lower edges 16 and 28 of the front and rear 
panels. These webs 30, so as to allow for the unimpeded flow of water 
along the channel, will include appropriate openings therethrough. 
Inasmuch as the channel is specifically intended to receive and accommodate 
water seepage received from the adjacent wall 36, or through the juncture 
38 between the wall 36 and floor 40, the rear panel 26 will include a 
series of spaced openings 42 therein extending upwardly from the lower 
edge 28. 
The front face 44 of the front panel, which may or may not be exposed in 
the installed position, can have a decorative surface thereon. 
Alternatively, a preformed trim board 46 can be bonded thereto, either 
prior to or subsequent to installation of the channel. 
The channel construction described supra, while not specifically limited 
thereto, is particularly intended for use in the construction of drainage 
systems wherein interior wall paneling, of any conventional type, is 
associated with the exterior wall 36. The channel construction is equally 
adapted for installation in a preconstructed wall system, or as a 
component in new construction. 
When installation of the drainage system of the present invention is 
desired in a preconstructed wall system, a sequence of steps enables such 
an installation without a complete removal or destruction of preexisting 
internal wall paneling, as heretofore required. The installation, to the 
contrary, involves a sequence of steps which require only a removal of the 
lower edge portion of any preinstalled interior wall paneling sufficient 
so as to accommodate the drainage channel, with the installed channel 
being completely hidden and providing a finished appearance to the wall. 
The installation of the drainage system in a preconstructed wall assembly 
will be best appreciated from FIG. 4. Basically, any trim or baseboard 48 
is removed and, utilizing an appropriate horizontally mounted and guided 
saw 50, a horizontal cut is made through both the interior paneling 52 and 
any support structure 54, such as studding or furring. This cut will 
normally be just above any sill which might be present. After the cut is 
made, the severed material is removed, leaving a cavity of a height 
slightly greater than the height of the top panel 20 of the channel 10, 
and preferably less than the height of the top edge 14 of the front panel 
12, thereby enabling an introduction of the channel 10 to a point whereby 
the rear surface of the front panel 12 engages against the outer or 
interior face of the paneling 52. To encourage and control the seepage or 
drainage of the water from the exterior wall 36, normally constructed of 
hollow-core concrete block, a plurality of drain or weep holes 56 can be 
drilled into the wall prior to introduction of the channel 10 into the 
saw-formed cavity. 
When the channel 10 is being finally introduced or positioned, an 
appropriate bead of a combined sealant and adhesive is provided within the 
downwardly directed lower edge groove on the front panel 12 so as to 
effect a positive seal and adhesive attachment to the floor. Further 
stabilization of the channel may be effected by the use of driven 
fasteners extending through the upper portion of the front channel panel 
12 into the interior wall paneling, or more particularly the studding or 
firring strips 54 therefor. If deemed desirable, a bead of sealant and 
adhesive can also be provided exteriorly along the lower edge 16 of the 
front panel 12. When installed in this manner, a completely sealed 
drainage system is provided with a finished appearance, which appearance 
may be enhanced by the incorporation of the trim panel 46 mounted over the 
front face 44 of the front panel 12 either prior or subsequent to the 
installation of the channel. 
The drainage or weep holes 56, in directing and controlling the seepage of 
water, will also enable a traveling of the water both into and out of the 
blocks. This encourages a more rapid removal of any water present within 
the channels in that, rather than requiring the travel of water to the 
sump outlet, the water can be directly bled off into those areas wherein 
there is very little or no external water build up. The water, in any 
event, is specifically precluded from movement into the room area by the 
sealed front panel. 
It is to be appreciated that substantial care must be taken with regard to 
installing the drainage system in old construction. For example, in 
severing and removing the lower portion of the interior wall paneling, 
interior pipes, wiring, and the like must be avoided. In addition, if 
water seepage has already occurred, the water must be removed and the 
floor surface cleaned and dried so as to insure a proper seal therewith. 
If necessary, a clear floor sealer and hardener can also be applied to 
seal the pores in the concrete floor. Other factors which must be 
considered involve the particular nature of the support system for the 
interior wall paneling, that is whether floor supported studs are 
involved, or whether wall mounted furring strips are utilized. Both of 
these situations will be discussed presently in conjunction with FIGS. 1 
and 2 in particular. 
The particular nature of the material from which the channel is to be 
formed is such so as to readily lend itself to cutting, adhesive bonding, 
heat welding, and the like, whereby the channel can be provided with 
extended lengths, mitered corner construction, and such modification as 
may be required to accommodate obstructions. Appropriate alignment tabs 
may also be provided on one or both ends of preformed lengths of channels. 
Finally, it will be appreciated that appropriate sump or water collection 
means will be required, in communication with the drainage channel or 
channels, for the removal of water collecting therein. 
With particular reference to FIG. 1, the drainage system has been 
illustrated as installed in a preconstructed stud supported interior wall 
paneling system. In such a situation, the channel 10 will specifically 
include the reinforcing cross-webs 30. Further, the installation of the 
channel will be in relatively small segments whereby the integrity of the 
wall can be maintained during the installation with the support of each 
wall section being transferred to the channel 10 which, assuming the 
dimensions as set forth supra, closely conforms to that of a conventional 
2.times.3 sill. In those instances wherein a 2.times.3 support system is 
involved, the rear leg or panel 26 of the channel 10 will be positioned 
closely against the interior face of the exterior wall 36, and care should 
be taken so as to generally align the rear panel openings 42 with the weep 
holes 56 formed in the wall 36. In those instances wherein a 2.times.4 
support system is involved, a space will be provided between the interior 
face of the exterior wall and the rear panel 26. Thereby, an alignment of 
the rear panel openings 42 and the weep holes 56 is not as critical. In 
instances of severe leakage through the exterior wall 36, particularly 
above the floor level, holes can be provided through the top panel 20 at 
spaced points therealong to insure a passage of the water into the channel 
10. 
FIG. 2 illustrates installation of the drainage system within a preformed 
wall system wherein the interior wall paneling is supported by furring 
strips. With such a construction, the support of the interior wall 
paneling system is not as critical in that the support is effected 
directly from the exterior wall, rather than from the floor itself. While 
a narrow channel can be specifically formed so as to accommodate the 
relatively narrower space provided by the furring strip supports, the 
present invention also contemplates the use of the same basic channel 10. 
This is effected by a longitudinal severing of the top panel 20, either by 
sawing or by breaking along a line of weakness, to remove the rear panel 
26 and/or the rear portion of the top panel 20 so as to reduce the depth 
of the channel sufficient for accommodation within the relatively narrower 
depth of the cavity formed by a removal of the lower portions of the 
furring strips and the paneling supported thereby. In extreme 
circumstances, the entire top panel can be removed. With such an 
arrangement, it will be appreciated that the internal water accommodating 
conduit will actually be formed by the front panel 12, any retained 
portion of the top panel 20, and the interior face of the exterior wall 
36. The stabilization of the retained portion of the top panel 20 can be, 
if necessary, maintained by the remaining unsevered portions of the 
cross-webs 30. In regard to such cross-webs 30, it is to be appreciated 
that the passages or openings 34 defined therein are such so as to 
accommodate the flow of water therethrough, even upon a partial removal of 
the rear portion thereof. In this construction, as in the previously 
described construction, the interior wall paneling will extend below the 
upper edge 14 of the front panel to a level at or slightly above the top 
panel 20, thereby providing a finished baseboard appearance to the 
paneling, either by the front panel 12 itself, or an appropriate trim 
strip mounted thereon. 
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate one manner of incorporating the drainage system of 
the invention in new construction. In doing so, after the drilling of the 
weep holes 56 through the interior face of the exterior wall 36, the 
channel or channels 10 are positioned on the floor 40 parallel to, and if 
so desired slightly spaced inwardly from, the wall 36 with the lower edge 
of the front panel 12 bonded to the floor. Additional stability can be 
provided by extending driven fasteners 58 through preformed holes 60 
provided in the top panel 20. Inasmuch as the channel 10, in this 
environment, will support the weight of the stud wall thereabove, 
appropriate internal supports will be required. While the supports can 
take the form of the previously described cross-webs 30, inasmuch as floor 
engaged fasteners 58 will be utilized, it is preferred that the supports 
be in the nature of tubular legs 62 aligned with the top panel apertures 
60 for a reception of the driven fasteners 58 therethrough. Additional 
supports 62, or 30, can also be provided as required along the length of 
the channel 10. 
If desired, the lower ends of the studs 64 can be seated directly on the 
top panel 20. However, it would be preferred that an appropriate sill 66 
be utilized. This sill 66 will directly overlie and extend along the top 
panel 20, being either adhesively fastened thereto or secured by extended 
driven fasteners 58 which will pass through the sill 66, the top panel 
aperture 60, the tubular support 62, and into the underlying floor slab. 
Next, the appropriate facing sheets or paneling 68 will be secured to the 
studs 64 with this paneling normally overlying the front face of the front 
channel panel 12 and terminating at a point slightly above floor level. 
The installation will be completed by the mounting of an appropriate trim 
strip 70. 
In new construction in particular, and prior to a positioning of the 
channels 10, it may also be desirable to provide a series of holes 72 
drilled through the floor slab to relieve any tendency for the build up of 
hydrostatic pressure beneath the slab. In this manner, any excess pressure 
build up will be directed into the channel of the drainage system for 
discharge either through the weep holes or into the sump. 
It is to be appreciated that the drainage system of the present invention, 
and in particular the drainage channel 10, can be adapted so as to 
accommodate a wide range of interior wall paneling systems of both old and 
new construction, with the installed drainage system being completely 
effective in accommodating surface water and subterranean water seepage so 
as to protect not only the interior wall paneling systems, but also the 
contents of the room. Installation of the drainage system, while unique, 
is relatively straightforward and economical, and when installed, is 
completely hidden or disguised beneath a conventional appearing baseboard 
or trim strip. 
Incidentally, it should be appreciated that while the interior wall system 
was referred to as a wall paneling system, this terminology is intended to 
encompass any conventionally used interior wall finishing material, such 
as wood panels, dry wall or plasterboard sheets, and the like. 
The foregoing is illustrative of the principles of the invention. As 
modifications and different manners of use may occur to those skilled in 
the art, it is to be appreciated that such modifications and different 
manners of use may be resorted to, within the scope of the invention as 
claimed.