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drain pipe ness around slab foundation?

mdshore348

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Joined
Oct 29, 2005
Messages
71
Location
maryland
just wondering , is it really necesary to run a perferated drain pipe and gravel around a slab foundation , that sits 4 inches above grade ? the slab will have "the barrier" plastic under it.
 
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ddjjeep

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Joined
Sep 2, 2005
Messages
76
Location
NH
I hope not, because I didnt.

I think it more depends on the geography of your site and the materials you use for fill or what the soil is like. I had to fill my lot to get it up to grade before I could put down stone and barier plastic. I used a good quaility of fill that drains very well. If you try to build over soil with lots of clay for instance, you may have drainage issues.
 
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mdshore348

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 29, 2005
Messages
71
Location
maryland
well i live on an island, that has an upper layer it is mostly clay , alot ! , and when we have rainy periods water likes to lay around, but not next to my house. its just that under my house/crawlspace during these times , my sump runs all the time, i figured if i just sealed it w plastic visqueen , who cares ? the water level is 10 inches below my graveled visqueen at max.. why not let it come and go as it pleases ?

so i figure my slab would be ok w/o a drain field , without the hassles of a sump pump ....

my old smaller slab garage never had it , and i never had a problem... but this is a 1400 sq ft slab with some living space, justwant to be sure ..
 
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MXtras

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Aug 17, 2005
Messages
1,356
Location
On the Right Coast
If your grade and drainage around the foundation is good, I can not see why it would be necessary unless it is mandated by code.

I don't think I would bother with it unless you are forced to. Just make sure you compact your packfill and grade it well.

Scott
 
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mdshore348

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Joined
Oct 29, 2005
Messages
71
Location
maryland
my fill is excavated clay laiden dirt ,that when you scoop a half bucket load into a skid steer, it almost tips over! im postive the slab is the highest on the property by 4 inches. floating slab ? never heard of that happening ..
 
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mdshore348

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 29, 2005
Messages
71
Location
maryland
well , the top foot may freeze in the worst winter .. but mostly no id say. foundations are only required to go to 24 inches to footer base.
 
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