Method for controlling moisture inside a foundation

Abstract

Method of reducing moisture damage to a building having a foundation, such as crawl space or a basement, with a floor that includes excavating a pit in the floor and positioning a plastic liner in the pit. This plastic liner defines a cavity and an inlet intersecting the cavity that is configured to collect water. A space exists between the liner and the pit. A trench is formed in a portion of the floor and configured to intersect the pit. A drain tile is put in the trench that has an outlet engaging the inlet of the liner. A pneumatic conveyor system is positioned outside the crawl space or basement that has an intake and a dispensing outlet. An aggregate source is provided outside the foundation adjacent the intake, and the aggregate generally does not exceed the size of pea gravel. A flexible hose is connected to the dispensing outlet which has a discharge outlet selectively positioned within the crawl space or basement. Aggregate is placed into the intake and then discharged through the discharge outlet by pressurized air at a rate of at least two tons per hour. Aggregate is deposited on the floor of the crawl space or basement, which may also include the trench and space surrounding the liner. A moisture barrier is optionally placed on top of the floor and aggregate, and at least a portion of the foundation wall to reduce exposure of the building to moisture from the foundation. A pump system is installed for pumping water out of the pit.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.