Exterior Drain Tile Systems

One way of basement waterproofing that many contractors will suggest for waterproofing a basement is to install a french drain system along the outside perimeter of your home.

To install an exterior French drain, the contractor will take the following steps:

1. First, the entire perimeter of your home must be cleared. Gardens, steps, porches, etc., must be removed before the work can begin.
2. Next, the contractor will dig out the perimeter of your home. Excavated dirt will be heaped around the house.
3. The drain will be laid in a bed of stone along the bottom. The stone, and possibly a layer of filter fabric, are there to protect the drain from clogging.
4. The excavated soil will be “backfilled” on top of the system. In a year, this soil will settle, and the contractor will need to return to fill in more soil.