Sill Plate Drainage System
While you may not think about it often, your sill plate is a vital part of the home. However, when you’re experiencing sill plate drainage system problems, you may be considering having it replaced. This is because drainage problems can result in even bigger problems, such as infestations by mold, rodents, termites and carpenter ants.
However, sill plate replacement can be a costly endeavor. It is no wonder many home owners put it off to the very last minute. The good news is that professional contractors can help you save money and time with repairs if done on time. You can seek replacement as a last resort.
How you got here…
Not many people pay attention to the top of their foundations when it comes to waterproofing. We often think of water penetrating the foundation through cracks in the wall or floor. However, the top of the foundation is just as vulnerable as any other part of the foundation. This is especially the case when foundations are built too low. It is also the case when the soil surrounding the foundation slopes towards the foundation.
If you spot water running down the walls of your foundation, it is likely that the water is penetrating from the top of the foundation. When this happens, your sill plate is likely to suffer.
The sill plate is the wood that is placed at the top of the foundation. This piece of wood is not only a support for the structure above the foundation but also connects the foundation to the structure above. It therefore plays a crucial structural role in the home.
Despite this, sill plates are often poorly maintained. They often succumb to water damage as a result of improper grading of the landscape, poor drainage of the area around the foundation wall, failure of building materials or improper installation of additions to the masonry.
Finding a Solution
In order to preserve your sill plate, it is important to invest in an effective sill plate drainage system. This system will ensure that water from the surrounding landscape drains away from the foundation and therefore does not affect the sill plate.
The installation of a sill plate drainage system involves excavating the area around the foundation and inspecting the sill plate. If the sill plate is damaged, it will either be repaired or replaced depending on its condition. When this is completed, a drain pipe is installed in the trench and surrounded by stones.
