Monday 12th 2008f May 2008 09:17

Open Back System vs. Closed Back System

Basement Waterproofing Contractors for many years have been installing open backed drainage systems - these are sub floor drainage systems that have an open channel along the foundation wall. They felt that by leaving this open channel water leaking through the walls would drip down the wall and into the drainage system. Now I know that people may say " Steve, you have installed open backed systems in the past!" Yes that is true, but I so firmly believe that a closed system is what people today need. In past years people used the basement or cellar for storing root vegetables - the moist damp basement environment was desirable. Why do I preach "Closed Drainage Systems" when I know that the majority of contractors will say I am crazy? Here's some food for thought: 1) Open backed systems allow bugs to easily enter the basement. 2) They promote high humidity by allowing ground moisture to easily come up into the basement (and home) 3) An open backed system will allow radon, an odorless gas, to easily enter your basement which is not healthy for your family. 4) Open backed systems promote iron bacteria colonies to flourish. 5) Heating and air conditioning costs are higher when a drainage system has an open backed system. Since I have been preaching this message of installing closed drainage systems, some other basement drainage contractors are adapting their current drainage systems by installing a wall vapor barrier, however make sure that contractor is totally sealing that wall vapor barrier at the top of the wall with a sealant. Open Backed systems with a wall vapor barrier after thought MUST be sure to seal the wall vapor barrier where it meets the drainage system also. In recent days a sub floor drainage system called Grate Drain has been developed which is a totally closed drainage system. You can see more on this system at www.grateproducts.com