Help: concrete information

[flatbutt]

Well guys, the contractor did not cut control joints, lay down gravel or any barriers and did not do bore samples of the soil. There was re-bar but I'm no construction expert so if it was done improperly I'd never know. I'm relieved to hear that this is not a problem structurally. BUT I do have wet walls. Not soaking but I do see salt stains on the block and after a hard rain the blocks are wet. *sigh* seems even top dollar gets you merely adequate work.

Thank you for all of your comments. You guys are great!

[jyl]

Can't you can deal w/ water in an existing basement (drains around perimeter, etc)? Would have been nice to do when basement dug/poured, but anyway I'm sure there is a solution.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Well guys, the contractor did not cut control joints, lay down gravel or any barriers and did not do bore samples of the soil. There was re-bar but I'm no construction expert so if it was done improperly I'd never know. I'm relieved to hear that this is not a problem structurally. BUT I do have wet walls. Not soaking but I do see salt stains on the block and after a hard rain the blocks are wet. *sigh* seems even top dollar gets you merely adequate work.

Thank you for all of your comments. You guys are great!

Where are the blocks wet?

Near top, middle or bottom or any combination? Are the wet areas concentrated around downspouts?

Wet walls can sometimes be alleviated with proper grading/moving water away from foundation.

If the grading is not correct and the soil poor you'll end up with compression where water can soak down to and under the floor and the pressure will make the water come up through pinholes, cracks in the floor.

You'd be amazed at how much water can come in through a pencil sized hole.