Michael Yount mentioned another good information source for
building questions, the Self-Sufficient Architecture (ESSD)
mailing list. Archives are at:
http://csf.colorado.edu/mail/essa
I've sent out an invitation to try and connect someone at
the ESSD list to our discussions (hope mentioning all this
is OK Michael). I assume anyone interested could also
join the ESSD list.
I've been thinking about keeping a house dry and realized that
some obvious techniques had not been mentioned. I expect
everyone already knows about French drains and sunken stem
walls, but will mention then in case it is news.
A French drain consists of an underground pile of rock which
is connected to drain tile. The rock pile acts as a reservoir
to receive water and the drain tile moves the water away from
an area.
In our house the foundation has a sunken stem wall (perimeter
wall or footing used as a base for building) all around the
house and next to this is a drain tile. The idea is simple,
keep all water away from the foundation and move it to the
underground rock pile.
The dirt this stem wall surrounds is now isolated and can only
get moisture from below. Oh yes, i forgot to mention the
stem wall can be sealed or insulated depending upon ones
needs. Ours is insulated and dirt inside used as a heat
storage area.
There are many ways to seal the contained dirt from moisture
coming up, and the easiest is a rock or sand layer. We
are using sand and one ground sheet.
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Jeff Owens ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Zone 7
Underground house, solar energy, reduced consumption, no TV
