RESIDENTIAL BUILDING - DAMPPROOFING

• If masonry foundation walls enclose habitable or usable space, then verify that they are covered with 3/8 inch thick parging made of Portland cement from the top of the footing to finished grade.
• When parged masonry or concrete foundation walls enclose habitable or usable space, then verify that dampproofing of approved material is applied from footing to finished grade over the concrete or parged masonry walls.
• If a high water table or other severe soil water conditions exist, then verify that an approved waterproofing membrane was applied from the footing to the finished grade over the concrete or parged masonry footing walls. Membrane joints must be lapped and sealed.
• Determine that, if anchor bolts are used to secure the plate to the foundation wall, they are not more than six feet on center, not more than 12 inches from the end of each plate, and at least ½ inch in diameter.
• If other foundation anchorage is used, determine if it is an approved type and that it is installed per the manufacturers installation manual.
• Verify that required and approved emergency escape and rescue window(s) or exterior door(s) are provided in all new basements.
• Verify that crawl space is adequately ventilated.
• Ensure that the proper access is provided into the crawl-space; either 18 x 24 inches through the floor or 16 x 24 inches through the wall.
• Ensure that if the elevation inside the crawl-space is lower than the exterior finish grade that an approved drainage system has been installed.
• Verify using section R-404 of the International Codes that the masonry or concrete foundation wall supporting unbalanced fill are designed and installed properly.

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