Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
My mother bought a property on which the previous owner built a 24' by 30' garage in the backyard. There was some dirt brought in when it was built but not enough. Even though the property is 2/3 the way up a 3/4 mile long slope in town, during a heavy rain fall water will hit the bottom of the north wall. A normal rain doesn't cause a problem, but when it rains 3" - 6" over a days time too much water is forced down the backyard. Might happen once or twice during the year or not at all. The garage is built with the normal stud walls, 7/16 sheeting, and vinyl siding. I have already moved the walk-in door to the west side and filled in the opening. It was hard to keep the water from coming under the door and the threshold had rotted out. It did pretty well keeping the water out during some heavy rains last week, so I am making progress. Now I want to protect the bottom plate and lower sheeting. I think some moisture could still slip in through this area. Fortunately the plate is treated lumber. I know I could set the north wall on concrete blocks or I could pour a short concrete wall on the outside. Don't have the time and I will be selling the property anyway as my mother has passed away. Here is what I am thinking of doing. I will dig a 6 - 8 inch trench and put some treated plywood along the wall 16" up and extending into the trench. Then put a sheet of at least 4 mil plastic inside and outside of the plywood. Then put a 4" tile down in the trench draining to the south. Fill in the trench and compact. Lastly cover the plywood against the wall by laying stacked railroad ties (2 or 3 high) against it for a "landscaping look". Complete some dirt work on another side to allow the water to move away quicker so it doesn't build up. Has any one had a situation like this where you are trying to protect a wall? Any other ideas appreciated??? Thank you.