Patent Publication Number: US-8528276-B2

Title: Apparatus and method for diverting water at basement joints

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation application, and claims priority benefit with respect to all common subject matter, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/980,601, filed Dec. 29, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,297,005, issued Oct. 30, 2012, and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DIVERTING WATER AT BASEMENT JOINTS.” The identified earlier-filed patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present inventions relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for collecting and diverting water from perimeter basement joints where water commonly collects. 
     2. Related Art 
     Water entering a building&#39;s foundation or basement is a common but potentially very damaging and expensive problem. Points of entry of the water occur at the intersection or joints of the basement footing  10 , basement wall  12 , and basement floor slab  14 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the footing  10  is concrete laid in the soil. Thus, the footing  10  defines a perimeter of the building and presents an interior of the foundation  16  that retains soil. The basement wall  12  is positioned atop the footing  10  so as to leave an interiorly exposed interior section  18  of the footing  10 . The basement floor slab  14  is then poured atop the interiorly exposed section  18  of the footing  10  and the interior foundation soil. 
     As water tables rise, the soil surrounding the foundation, including the soil in the interior of the foundation  16  and underneath the footing  10 , becomes saturated with water. Due to hydrostatic pressure resulting from the increased volume of soil bearing against the foundation, the soil pushes against the footing  10  on all sides, against an exterior face  20  of the basement wall  12 , and underneath the basement floor slab  14 . Water then begins to seep in at any joints in the foundation. Again referring to  FIG. 1 , these joints exist where the footing  10 , the basement floor slab  14 , and the basement wall  12  intersect. In particular, water from water-saturated soil in the interior of the foundation  16  is leached to an underside of the floor slab  14  due to capillary action, where the water then seeps along the top of the footing  10  and to a top of the basement floor  14 . Water also enters the foundation at the exterior face  20  of the basement wall  12 , along the top of the footing  10 , and up to the basement wall  12 . Finally, water enters along an interior face  22  of the basement wall  12  and at the floor  14 . 
     Water diverting or drainage systems have been developed to combat at least some of the sources of water in a basement. In a first system, a perforated drain pipe (commonly referred to as a “drain tile”) is installed in the soil proximate to the basement footing and approximately 8-12 inches deep (relative to the top of the footing). Water enters the drain tile horizontally. Because water is naturally intermixed with sediment, and further due to the size of the perforations, the drain tile becomes clogged with soil and other particulates over time. An additional problem with an installed drain tile is that it tends to move away from the footing over time. Thus, when access to the drain tile is required for replacement or mending, the user does not necessarily know where to dig to locate the drain tile. Moreover, the user must dig fairly deeply to access the drain tile at the 8-12 inches depth. Displacement of the soil at this depth is undesirable, as it creates pockets or holes that potentially undermine the integrity of the footing. 
     In a second system, a pipe having intermittently spaced holes along an interior-facing side of the pipe is installed above the basement footing and under the basement floor slab. Thus, the pipe is not installed directly in the soil, as in the first system. Although the pipe receives water flowing down the interior face of the basement wall and along a top of the footing and under the basement wall, the pipe is insufficient for receiving water leaching upwards from the interior of the foundation. Because soil located in the interior of the foundation is especially prone to retaining water, it is desirable to install a water diverting system that pulls water from the soil in the interior of the foundation and away from the foundation. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a water diverting system that is operable to divert water from the three common areas of water collection and that can be installed with minimal interruption to the surrounding soil. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a distinct advance in the art of water diverting systems. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a system for diverting water from a building&#39;s foundation, where the foundation comprises a basement footing having an interior face oriented towards an interior of the foundation, a basement wall having an interior face oriented towards the interior of the foundation, and a basement floor slab. 
     The present invention comprises a channel for collecting water, a generally horizontally extending, corrugated track, and a generally vertically extending guide. The channel has a body presenting a bottom end and a top end, said bottom end defined by a floor having first and second sides. The body further includes a first wall extending generally upwardly from the first side of the floor, and a second wall extending generally upwardly from the second side of the floor. The body presents an opening at the top end for receipt of water into the body. The body is configured for installation below the basement floor slab and generally adjacent to the interior face of the footing. 
     The corrugated track has a first side and a second side and includes a plurality of downwardly extending ridges interposed with a plurality of upwardly extending furrows, wherein the ridges and furrows extend horizontally between the first and second sides of the track. The track is configured for installation below the basement floor slab and at least partially overlaying the opening of the body of the channel, such that the first side of the track is proximate the interior face of the basement wall, and the second side of the track faces the interior of the foundation. When installed, each ridge is spaced a vertical distance above the top end of the body of the channel. 
     The water guide extends vertically from and is generally perpendicular to the track. The guide is configured for installation proximate to the interior face of the basement wall for diverting water entering along the interior face of the basement wall to the channel. The guide includes a wall generally perpendicular to the track and a plurality of intermittently spaced projections extending towards the interior face of the basement wall. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a building foundation and illustrating an embodiment of the present invention installed at the building foundation and further illustrating a direction of water entry into the building&#39;s foundation via a plurality of directional arrows; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the present invention installed at the building foundation and specifically illustrating a channel and track of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the present invention installed at the building foundation and specifically illustrating a fragment of the channel and track in phantom; 
         FIG. 4  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along a vertical line intersecting a furrow of the track and illustrating the present invention installed at the building foundation and particularly showing the intersection of the furrow of the track with the channel; 
         FIG. 5  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along a vertical line intersecting a ridge of the track and illustrating the present invention installed at the building foundation and particularly showing the ridge vertically spaced from the channel so as to present an opening; 
         FIG. 6  is a first perspective view of the track and a water guide of the present invention and showing the projections intermittently spaced thereon; and 
         FIG. 7  is a second perspective view of the track and the water guide of the present invention and showing the projections intermittently spaced thereon. 
     
    
    
     The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. 
     An embodiment of the water diverting system  24  of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 . The system  24  diverts water from a building&#39;s foundation  26  where water enters a basement at points of weakness, which often occur at basement joints. The building foundation  26  generally comprises a basement footing  10  providing the footprint for the building. The basement footing  10  is commonly installed directly above soil or rock. The basement footing  10  establishes a perimeter for the building, such that the basement footing  10  has an interior face  28  oriented towards an interior of the foundation  16 , an exterior face  30  oriented towards an exterior or outside of the building, and a top face  32 . The foundation  26  further includes a basement wall  12  extending vertically from the footing  10 . The basement wall  12  is installed intermittent the top face  32  of the footing  10 , such that the footing  10  presents an interiorly exposed section  18  having a width extending from an interior face  22  of the basement wall  12  and to the interior of the foundation  16 . The foundation  26  also includes a horizontal basement floor slab  14  installed within the interior of the foundation  16  and over the interiorly exposed section  18  of the footing  10 . 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally comprise an elongated channel  34  positioned proximate the interior face  28  of the footing  10  for collecting water; a generally horizontally extending, corrugated track  36  positioned at least partially on the interiorly exposed section  18  of the footing  10  and extending at least partially over the channel  34 ; and a generally vertically extending guide  38  having a plurality of spaced projections  40 , said guide  38  positioned proximate to the interior face  22  of the basement wall  12  and for diverting water entering along the interior face  22  of the basement wall  12  to the channel  34 . The embodiment illustrated in the Figures shows a fragment of the invention relative to the foundation  26 ; however, it should be appreciated that the channel  34 , track  36 , and guide  38  components of the present invention extend around substantially all of the interior of the foundation  16 . The channel  34 , track  36 , and guide  38  components may be manufactured in segments for ease of installation. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the channel  34  is generally U-shaped and comprises a body  42 , a first flange  44  configured for securing to the interiorly exposed section  18  of the footing  10 , and a second flange  46  extending towards the interior of the foundation  16 . The body  42  presents a bottom end  48  and a top end  50 . The bottom end  48  is defined by a generally horizontally extending floor  52  having first and second sides  54 , 56 . When the channel  34  is installed, the first side  54  is proximate the interior face  28  of the footing  10 , as described in more detail below. A first wall  58  extends upwards from the first side  54  of the body floor  52 , and a second wall  60  extends upwardly from the second side  56  of the floor  52 . The first and second walls  58 , 60  are generally parallel and spaced a distance of approximately 2-6 inches and more preferably approximately 4 inches. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the top end  50  of the body  42  preferably presents an opening  62  or is otherwise at least partially open for receipt of water into the channel  34 . As described below, the track  36  is positioned over the opening  62  in the top end  50  of the body  42  to guide and divert water into the channel  34 . In the Figures, the opening  62  encompasses the entire top end  50  of the body  42 ; however, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the opening  62  may be substantially less than the entire top end  50  of the body  42  but still of sufficient size to allow water to drain into the body  42 . For example, the top end of the body  42  could be at least partially covered to present a smaller opening. As an even further alternative, a perforated, slotted, or mesh screen (not shown) could be placed over or integral with the top end  50 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first flange  44  of the channel  34  extends generally perpendicularly from the first wall  58  and top end  50  of the body  42 . The first flange  44  is approximately 3 inches in width, approximately 90 inches in length (or approximately a length of the track  36  and guide  38 ), and approximately 0.06 inch thick. The first flange  44  is configured for securing or coupling with the top face  32  of the footing  10  at the interiorly exposed section  18 . Thus, the first flange&#39;s width is preferably less than a width of the exposed section  18  of the footing  10  and is more preferably at least 1 inch less than the width of the exposed section  18  of the footing  10 . A ratio of the width of the interiorly exposed section  18  of the footing  10  to the width of the first flange  44  is preferably approximately less than 2:1, more preferably approximately less than 1.5:1, and most preferably approximately less than 1.2:1. In some instances, the width of the interiorly exposed section  18  of the footing  10  may be only slightly greater (by approximately 0.25-2 inches) than the width of the first flange  44 . 
     The first flange  44  is secured to the footing  10  via a plurality of spaced screws, bolts, or other fasteners  64 . The fasteners  64  are preferably formed of a material that will not degrade or rust during prolonged use. A suitable fastener  64  is formed of nylon and may include a plastic drop-in anchor. Other methods and mechanisms for securely coupling the first flange  44  with the exposed section  18  of the footing  10  are contemplated. 
     The second flange  46  of the channel  34  extends generally perpendicularly from the second wall  60  and top end  50  of the body  42  and towards the interior of the foundation  16 . The second flange  46  is approximately 0.75 inch in width, approximately 90 inches in length (or approximately a length of the track  36  and guide  38 ), and approximately 0.06 inch in thickness. The second flange  46  assists in supporting the track  36 , which is positioned over the first flange  44  and the top end  50  of the body  42 , as noted above, and which, in embodiments of the present invention, is further positioned over and extends beyond the second flange  46 . If desired, the track  36  may also be secured to the second flange  46  via screws, nails, or other suitable fastener (not shown). 
     The channel  34  is preferably formed of polypropylene, ABS, or other suitable material. As noted above, the channel  34  may be manufactured in segments for ease of installation. The segments would then be positioned adjacent each other along the perimeter of the foundation&#39;s footing  10 . The length of each segment may be approximately 70-110 inches and more preferably approximately 90 inches, although it should be appreciated that shorter or longer segments may be manufactured, and the segments may be cut on-site for ease of installation. 
     As illustrated in FIGS.  3  and  6 - 7  and noted above, the track  36  is corrugated and thus presents a first side  66  and a second side  68  and includes a plurality of interposed upwardly extending or facing ridges  70  and downwardly extending or facing furrows  72  extending horizontally between the first and second sides  66 , 68 . As discussed in more detail below, the track  36  is configured for installation below the basement floor slab  14  and at least partially overlaying the opening  62  of the body  42  of the channel  34 , such that the track  36  extends horizontally over the channel  34 . As illustrated, the track  36  completely overlays the opening  62  of the body  42 . The first side  66  of the track  36  is positioned proximate the interior face  22  of the basement wall  12 , and the second side  68  of the track  36  is positioned proximate to and extends toward the interior of the foundation  16 . When installed, each ridge  70  is spaced a vertical distance above the top end  50  of the body  42  of the channel  34  so as to present an opening between the top of the channel  34  and bottom of the ridge  70 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  and  5 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the downward facing ridges  70  and upward facing furrows  72  are interposed between each other, such that each downward facing ridge  70  is between two upward facing furrows  72  (except for a ridge located at an end of the track), and similarly, each upward facing furrow  72  is between two downward facing ridges  70  (except for a furrow located at an end of the track). The interposed downward facing ridges  70  and upward facing furrows  72  present the generally corrugated or fluted track  36 . 
     The interposed ridges and furrows  70 , 72  can present various cross-sectional shapes, such as trapezoidal (illustrated in drawings), rectangular, circular, elliptical, or ovoid. As discussed in more detail below, the ridges  70  of the track  36  serve to direct water to the channel  34 , whereas the furrows  72  of the track  36  serve to provide structural integrity to the track  36 . Thus, any cross-sectional shape may be used that accomplishes the respective directing water and structural integrity. In a preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the track  36  is approximately 0.5-2 inches high and more preferably approximately 1 inch high. Moreover, the track is approximately 70-111 inches in length and more preferably 90 inches in length so as to be approximately the same length as the channel. The track is approximately 8-12 inches in width (i.e., the distance spanning the length of each ridge  70  and furrow  72 ) and more preferably approximately 10 inches in width. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , if each furrow  72  is defined to include a bottom  74 , a left side  76 , and a right side  78 , then a width of the furrow  72  is approximately 2-3 inches and more preferably approximately 2.5 inches, with the bottom  74  being approximately 2 inches in width and each side  76 , 78  accounting for approximately 0.25 inch of width (when viewed in cross section). Similarly, if each ridge  70  is defined to include a top  80 , a left side  82 , and a right side  84 , then a width of each ridge  70  is approximately 2-3 inches and more preferably approximately 2.5 inches, with the top  80  being approximately 2 inches in width and each side  82 , 84  accounting for approximately 0.25 inch of width (again when viewed in cross section). It is to be appreciated that one of the left and right sides  76 , 78  of each furrow  72  is the other of the respective left and right sides  82 , 84  of each ridge  70 , except for the end ridge or furrow. 
     The widths (when viewed in cross section) of the ridges  70  and furrows  72  may be smaller or larger than the widths provided above, and in some instances, the width of the ridges  70  may be larger than the width of the furrows  72  and vice-versa, so as to provide a ratio of ridge width to furrow width that is greater than 1:1. For example, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the width of each ridge  70  may be 1.5 to even 5 times greater than the width of each furrow  72 . Such a construction may be desired to allow for directing a greater amount of water to the channel  34 . However, as discussed in more detail below, the approximate 1:1 width size of the respective ridges  70  and furrows  72  provides a balance of sufficiently high exposed ridge area to divert water and structural integrity provided by the furrow. Additionally, and as discussed below, the furrow width complements the spacing of the projections  40  in the water guide  38 . 
     Referring now to FIGS.  3  and  6 - 7 , the guide  38  for directing water moving downwardly along the basement wall  12  and to the channel  34  is illustrated. The guide  38  includes a wall  86  positioned generally perpendicular to the track  36 . The plurality of intermittently spaced projections  40  are intermittently spaced along the wall and extend towards the interior face  22  of the basement wall  12  in the installed position as best illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The wall  86  is generally flat, except for the spaced projections  40 . A bottom  88  of the wall  86  is complementally shaped to match the shape of the interposed ridges  70  and furrows  72  of the track  36 . Thus, the bottom  88  of the wall complementally matches the cross-sectional shape of the ridges  70  and furrows  72 , such that the bottom  88  of the wall  86  presents a plurality of openings  90  in fluid communication with the ridges  70 . In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the wall  86 , projections  40 , and track  36  are integral. 
     Each projection  40  is spaced to be generally aligned with a furrow  72 . For example and as best illustrated in  FIGS. 6-7 , each projection is aligned with and falls within the cross-sectional width of the furrow  72 , and specifically, across the cross-sectional width of the bottom  74  of the furrow  72 . Thus, when water trickles down along the interior face  22  of the basement wall  12 , it is diverted by the projection  40  and to the wall area aligned with the ridges  70  on either side of the furrow  72 . 
     Each projection  40  includes an upper end  92  that is preferably not flat or generally horizontal, such that water contacting the projection&#39;s upper end  92  as it flows down the basement wall  12  will be diverted away from the projection  40  and to the ridges  70  on opposing sides of the projection  40 . If the projection&#39;s upper end  92  is flat so as to present a generally horizontal ledge, then water will tend to accumulate on the ledge and not flow downwards to the ridges  70  and ultimately, the channel  34 . 
     In embodiments of the present invention, the upper end  92  of the projection  40  has first and second angled upper sides  94  so as to present an inverted V-shape. Alternatively, the upper end  92  of the projection  40  can be generally arcuate, so as to present a downward-facing, half-circular shape (not shown). Other shapes for the upper end  92  of the projection  40  may be employed to the extent the shape directs the water away from the furrow  72  and, preferably, towards the opposing ridges  70 . 
     Each projection  40  is preferably closed on all sides so that water will not flow over the non-flat upper end  92  but then be drawn back under the upper end. However, it is to be understood that a projection that is at least partially closed on all sides can satisfy the diversion of water to the ridges  70 . Alternatively, the angled sides  94  of the upper end  92  of the projection  40  may be of a length to direct the water towards the ridges  70  without requiring the projection  40  to be enclosed on all sides. In such a case, a sufficient length for the angled sides  94  is dependent on the width of the furrow  72 . 
     In the described embodiment with the furrow&#39;s bottom  74  being approximately 2 inches in width, the projection&#39;s width is approximately 1.5-2.5 inches and more preferably approximately 2.2 inches. The projection&#39;s depth is approximately 0.25-1 inch and more preferably 0.5 inch and the height is approximately 1.5-3.5 inches and more preferably approximately 2.75 inches. 
     The guide  38  is approximately 4 inches high, although shorter or taller guides may be employed. A length of the guide is preferably sized to accommodate the length of the track  36  for ease of installation, although guides  38  having lengths shorter or longer than the length of the track  36  may be employed. The projection&#39;s upper end  92  is preferably spaced approximately 0.75 inch from a top of the track  36 . 
     In addition to diverting water at basement joints away from the building&#39;s foundation, embodiments of the present invention also assist in preventing radon leakage to the building&#39;s basement. Referring to  FIG. 3 , embodiments of the present invention employ a water-permeable barrier  96  positioned between the wall  86  of the water guide  38  and the interior face  22  of the basement wall  12 . The barrier  96  is preferably formed of a high-density foam that allows water to soak into and through the foam but prevents radon, which naturally rises from the earth, to escape the barrier  96  and leak into the basement. Because radon is heavier than air, the barrier  96  sufficiently minimizes or completely prevents radon leakage to the basement at the floor-wall joint. 
     The barrier  96  may be cut into segments that are positioned between the guide&#39;s wall  86  and the interior face  22  of the basement wall  12 . Preferably, the barrier  96  is located at a height approximately ⅔ a height of the projection  40 , such that water being diverted along the upper end  92  of the projection  40  first encounters barriers  96  on either side. The water will then be transmitted through the barriers  96 , to the ridges  70 , and ultimately, to the channel  34 . Alternatively, the barrier  96  may be positioned above the upper end  92  of the projections  40 . The barrier  96  is approximately 1-3 inches in height and approximately 0.25-1.5 inches in depth. The width of the barrier  96  corresponds approximately to a width between adjacent projections  40 , such that the width of each segment of barrier  96  is approximately 3-3.75 inches. Alternatively, if the barrier  96  is positioned above the projections  40 , the barrier  96  could be of any sufficient length for installation, such as approximately 90 inches. The barrier  96  can be easily removed and reinstalled for accessing and fixing of any cracks in the basement wall  12 . 
     Installation and operation of the water diverting system  24  of the present invention will now be described. Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the installer of the system  24  will excavate a trench adjacent the basement footing  10  approximately 6-8 inches in width and approximately 4-6 inches in depth. Thus, the depth of the excavation is approximately 25-50% less than prior art systems that employ a drain tile. Additionally, because the trench is located directly adjacent the footing  10 , the amount of soil removed at locations where pockets of air arise due to disturbing the soil is minimized. After the trench is dug, it may be backfilled with gravel or rock to assist in drainage and proper placement of the channel  34 , although such is not required. 
     The channel  34  is then installed by positioning the first flange  44  of the channel  34  directly atop and adjacent the interiorly exposed section  18  of the footing  10 . The first flange  44  is then secured to the footing  10  using screws, bolts, or other fasteners  64 , as described above. Once installed, the first wall  58  of the body  42  faces the interior face  28  of the footing  10 , is preferably adjacent to the interior face  28  of the footing  10 , and, in some instances, is in direct contact with the interior face  28  of the footing  10 , although the latter is not required. In its installed position, the body  42  of the channel  34  is below the basement floor slab  14  and generally adjacent to the interior face  28  of the footing  10 , such that top end  50  of the body  42  lies in the same generally horizontal plane as the top face  32  of the footing  10 . 
     After the channel  34  is secured to the footing  10 , the corrugated track  36  and guide  38  are installed. In some embodiments of the present invention, the track  36  and guide  38  may be manufactured as separate components, whereas in alternative embodiments of the invention, the track  36  and guide  38  are either integral or coupled together prior to installation. 
     As described above, the track  36  is installed so as to horizontally extend at least partially, and preferably completely, across the channel  34 . Thus, the ridges  70  and furrows  72  of the corrugated track  36  lie generally perpendicular to a length of the channel  34 . The track  36  may be secured to the channel  34  and/or the basement footing  10 , although such is not required. If the track  36  is secured to the channel  34 , it may be secured via screws, bolts, or other suitable fasteners (not shown) at intermittent locations along the second flange  46  of the channel  34 , or alternatively or in addition to, may be secured at intermittent locations along the first flange  44  of the channel  34 . 
     The water guide  38  is positioned directly adjacent the interior face  22  of the basement wall  12 , such that an exterior face of the projections  40  at least partially contacts the basement wall  12 . When water trickles down the basement wall  12 , the water will contact the upper end  92  of the projections  40  and be diverted by the projections  40  to the ridges  70 , where the water will then be directed to the channel  34 . 
     As can be appreciated, a plurality of respective channels  34 , tracks  36 , and water guides  38  are aligned about the interior perimeter of the building&#39;s foundation  26 . Specially sized pieces may be used or cut to accommodate any curves or angles of the perimeter. For example, two channel pieces meeting each other at a corner of the perimeter may be formed and sized to accommodate the 90° angle, such as mitering two 45° end pieces. 
     Once the channel  34 , track  36 , and water guide  38  are installed, the basement floor slab  14  is poured over the track  36  and in direct contact with the water guide  38 , as illustrated in FIGS.  1 , 2 , and  4 . Unlike prior art systems, a height of the poured floor slab  14  is the same as or very close to the same as the height without use of the water diverting system  24  of the present invention. In particular, in some prior art systems that install a pipe above the footing, the height of the floor slab poured over the pipe is then substantially less than the height of the floor slab at other locations. This variance in floor slab height tends to produce areas of weakness due to varying load paths, which result in cracks in the floor slab over time. Use of the present invention, however, allows for a consistent floor slab height along an entire area of the slab. 
     Once installed, the water diverting system  24  meets building code requirements for having the full height of the basement floor slab  14  contact the basement wall  12  and basement footing  10 . This building requirement is implemented so that heavy point loads, such as due to use of heavy appliances against the basement wall  12 , do not result in the above-described areas of weakness. Because the water guide  38  of the present invention directly contacts the basement wall  12 , building code requirements are met. Moreover, the intermittently spaced projections  40  provide sufficient structural support so as to not be crushed against the basement wall  12  once the floor slab  14  is poured. 
     The water diverting system  24  of the present invention thus serves to collect water at three areas where water commonly enters a basement. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the first area comprises the water-saturated soil in the interior of the foundation, where the water is pushed upward into the opening formed by the downwardly extending ridge  70 . The water is mingled with dirt. However, because water droplets are lighter than the dirt, the water will be pulled into the ridges  70  while the dirt will stay behind. The ridges  70  then serve to direct the water to the body  42  of the channel  34 . 
     The second area for water collection occurs at the cove joint, where the bottom of the basement wall  12  intersects the footing  10 . Water will often travel underneath the basement wall  12  and between the footing  10  to then sit at the cove joint. The present invention diverts the water through the bottom of the guide  38  in fluid communication with the ridges  70  and to the body  42  of the channel  34 . Similarly, at the third area where water trickles down the basement wall  12 , the projections  40  of the guide  38  direct water to the bottom  88  of the guide  38 , to the ridges  70 , and then to the body  42  of the channel  34 . The channel  34  is then connected with one or more discharge pipes (not shown), which direct the water to an exterior of the building or to a sump pump basin (not shown). Thus, the system  24  of the present invention serves to protect the basement floor slab  14  at all points along the perimeter so that water does not have an opportunity to stagnate on the slab perimeter and weaken it. Applicant has found that the water diverting system  24  of the present invention has greater than twice the water diverting and carrying capacity of prior art systems. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. For example, embodiments of the present invention may employ only the channel, only the track, only the guide, or any combination thereof.