Friday, September 17, 2010

They fixed the damp-proofing. Yay!

Lenbeth Weeping Tile finally fixed the damp-proofing. They put on a 1 foot high peel and stick piece from where finish grade is [and where they should have started the Platon membrane] over top the black stuff.  Hopefully this will stop any water from finding it's way in the many gaps at the top of the Platon installation.
They also screwed in some more clips to keep the Platon tight against the concrete wall.

Lesson learned. I will perhaps supervise more and meet trades on site when I think it's an unconventional material or process I've asked for.

My friend in Beaverlodge put it best: "One of the biggest lessons that I learned on this place was that people who are supposed to know what they are doing, often don’t.  I thought it was a small town thing, and I gave up and just ended up doing stuff myself.  If someone isn’t going to know what they are doing, it may as well be me.  But I was certainly burned by assuming that a “pro” would make the right decision." Thanks Michael for your reflection.

3 comments:

  1. Matt tells me I may have been a little to harsh on Lenbeth. They actually DID return to fix the installation and did some of the work without extra cost. It just took a little longer than my patience allowed.

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  2. I've been a client for various trades. I've also worked in several fields of commercial and residential construction. Presently, I'm working in a building supply business. I've seen construction from these varied angles. Some workers emphasize the speed with which they can do the job. Small details get missed. Other workers take their time, but charge more, so you pay more. Some guys and gals don't really care. This is why it is worthwhile to talk to former customers and to visit other job sites to inspect the quality of the work that the crew can produce.
    In one post, you mentioned that you drew the grade lines in the dark. Were they level and straight? The platon is a semi rigid material. If the crew does not ensure that the top is level, it will not hang straight or lay flat. If they run the roll along the wall and do not support it properly, the sag will create ripples and bumps. This is a job which requires care from start to finish.
    The good news is that water runs downhill. As long as the moisture is kept away from the foundation wall, the tar and platon, combined with good, free draining backfill and weeping tile should give you all the protection you need. Jim

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  3. You work is very good on the Damp Proofing Bristol. I have recently realized and think that your blog is very informative and knowledgeable, your theme was amazing, thanks buddy.

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