A new marketing term has started to be passed around online when talking about basement waterproofing or basement drainage system. There are three major types of systems out there: Under-slab, Open Back and Closed back interior drainage systems.
Under-Slab or Pipe and Stone
An under-slab drain system deals with only the water underneath the basement floor. These drains typically don't have many access ports on the basement floor, are easy to install with specific methods of concrete floor cutting, and typically can be found at many home improvement shops.
The Open Back System
An Open Back system has been the most common form of basement waterproofing. These drain systems have an open back, allowing water to flow or trickle down the wall into the back of the drain and join the water it's collecting from the under-slab as well as from the wall/footer joint. These drains are typically only given directly to waterproofing contractors in the network that produces the branded product. They seldom come with wall protection of any kind.
The Closed System
Closed Back Systems (aka Sealed or Closed Systems) are a relatively new jump in the drainage industry. These drains typically have access ports, are pitched, collect water from both under-slab and from the wall/footing joint, they also typically come with vapor barriers that are sealed at the top. The style of design has a flange that closes the system off from the rest of the basement. These systems are specifically designed to limit bugs, radon, spread of iron bacteria, and under-slab VOCs that can effect the air quality and the health of the basement environment.
Under-slab drains and Open Back systems don't protect you from leaks in your basement wall, the same way a closed system could. Under-slab drains have no wall protection and the water has no access to the drain unless it finds its way to it under your floor before it builds up to the wall leak area.
Open back systems rely on the theory that water only trickles down basement walls, thus, leaving the back of the system open to "catch" it. Water can arch out of the wall leaks, skip the opening, and the opening can allow for more insects, rodents, and increased radon levels in the home.
Closed systems deal with wall leaks directly by allowing water to floor directly into the drain, but not to come in contact with your floor. Closing off the system at the point where the vapor barrier meets the floor is key in providing this easy path for the water to follow and at the same time limit bugs, radon, and rodents from entering your basement.
If you're going to be having your basement inspected in the next few months, make sure to take note at the type of system the company is preparing to install in your basement floor. Not all systems are alike, even though the theories are the same, and it is important not to introduce other health hazards to your home for the sake of fixing another.
As of right now in the basement waterproofing industry a Closed Backed System is the best solution in limiting all hazards in your basement. When shopping for a closed back system, make sure that it comes with a vapor barrier for your wall leak protection as well.
Jacob writes for Pioneer Basement, one of the United States top 5000 fastest growing companies according to Inc. 5000. Pioneer Basement, part of the basement health industry, is a basement waterproofing and foundation repair company that has been serving Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts for over 25 years.
If you'd like to contact Jacob directly, or have a question about basement waterproofing, foundation repair, or need your basement inspected: Visit http://www.pioneerbasement.com
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