Posted by: Drainage & Erosion
on Jan 16, 2010
Tagged in:
wet basement ,
way basement steps ,
VDOT 21-A ,
erosion virginia ,
erosion under steps ,
Erosion Under Area Way Steps ,
erosion foundation ,
erosion dc ,
erosion basement ,
Erosion ,
drainage erosion ,
compactable gravel subbase
A very common problem that we see is severe erosion under area way basement steps. The cause of this problem is a combination of a complete lack of a proper compacted gravel subbase to prevent erosion and using uncompacted soil backfill directly under the concrete as it's being placed. We solve this problem by excavating a loose material from under the steps, placing a compactable gravel subbase (typically VDOT 21-A when in Virginia), re-grading the surface for positive drainage away from the structure, and stabilizing the ground surface with either sod or a decorative stepping stones and gravel. It's also important to install a buried downspout extension, if there happens to be a downspout in the area, which often aggravates the situation if the downspout is allowed to drain the gutter water next to the steps.


