Help...termites, leaking and structural engineer recommendations
Hello. Recently our tenants found termites swarming in their garden level apt. We’ve never had any bug or termite issues in the past. We had an exterminator install a Sentricon System. With the heavy rain last night our tenants had water leaking through their shared bedroom wall from our small yard. Their bedroom is is…
Hello.
Recently our tenants found termites swarming in their garden level apt. We’ve never had any bug or termite issues in the past. We had an exterminator install a Sentricon System. With the heavy rain last night our tenants had water leaking through their shared bedroom wall from our small yard. Their bedroom is is located in a 2 story extension that was there before we purchased our home. We are fearing that serious structural damage may have occurred to our foundation from the termites causing the leak?
Should we call a structural engineer? If so who do you recommend?
We also have overall backyard draining issues and will need to install a french drain. Any recommendations for someone to take of that as well?
Thank you in advance for your helpful brownstoner advice.
Slopemoma, In most cases adding a drain from your yard through your basement isn’t a big deal. I do this kind of work all the time. If you would like this done in the future you can contact me through my website at RickLaddBrooklyn.com.
waterproofing of faoundation wall is the first thing to do and than you can have franch drain.call M.Hamid Construction co at 718-633-1500
Rick- Can you tell me who you called to do the drain job (connected to the storm drain) that you suggested?
Silvermax- Who did you use for installing your trench drain?
Thank you all for your feedback
nat215@mac.com if you prefer not to post in public your recommendations:)
I’ve never heard of termite damage causing leaks. More likely the other way around. If water is getting in, it makes the wood wet, and that attracts the termites.
Aren’t trench & french drains the same thing?
What Rick said.
You might look into trench drains, as opposed to french drain. I just had one put in my backyard, along the width of the house, and find that so far it’s doing a great job of keeping the back patio area completely clear of water.
Start with the termites. Have an exterminator look at your problem. Are you sure you have a structural problem? If you have problems with water in your yard add drains. Forget about the “french drain” idea. They don’t work when the water table gets really high. Make real drains connected to the storm drain through your basement and to the street. Often you can make one through the window well and connect it in the basement. Good Luck.