MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
- Couldn’t agree more on vapor barriers—seen too many “budget” builds skip that step and end up with damp issues a year later.
- I’m curious, have you ever used a double-layer vapor barrier? Sometimes I push for it on tricky sites, especially with high water tables.
- Gravel’s great, but I’ve found the compaction step gets ignored a lot. Even with good soil, if that base isn’t tight, you’ll see slab cracks over time.
- Ever tried using rigid foam under the slab for insulation? Makes a big difference for comfort, especially in colder climates.
What’s your take on perimeter drainage—overkill, or must-have?
What’s your take on perimeter drainage—overkill, or must-have?
I lean toward must-have, especially if you’ve got any slope or unpredictable weather. Skipping it once led to a soggy mess for me—never again. Curious, have you ever tried capillary breaks under the slab? I’ve heard mixed things about their effectiveness.
MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
Perimeter drainage is one of those things that feels like overkill until you’re ankle-deep in water after a heavy rain. I’ve seen too many projects go sideways from skipping it, especially on lots with even a slight grade. As for capillary breaks, I’ve used a layer of washed stone under the slab and it’s worked well—keeps moisture from wicking up. Some folks swear by vapor barriers too, but I think the combo is what really does the trick. It’s not always perfect, but it beats dealing with damp floors and mold down the line.
MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
You nailed it about drainage. I’ve had to fix more than one “budget” job where folks skipped the perimeter drains—never pretty. Washed stone under the slab is solid, but I always push for a vapor barrier too, even if it feels like overkill. It’s cheap insurance, especially if you’re in a spot with clay soil or high water table. Honestly, chasing moisture problems after the fact just isn’t worth it.
MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
I get the logic behind vapor barriers, but I’ve seen a few cases where they actually trapped moisture and led to weird issues with floor finishes—especially with older homes that weren’t designed for them in the first place. Sometimes, good drainage and proper grading outside do more heavy lifting than any plastic sheet under the slab. Not saying skip it entirely, but it’s not always a one-size-fits-all fix. Just my two cents from the design side...
