Moisture Control What is a French Drain? A French Drain is a subsurface gravel filled drain with perferated pipe in the interior. The drain is constructed by excavating a ditch. The ditches dimensions vary depending on the amount of water the drain is expected to control. The ditch is filled with a small layer of gravel along the bottom, then perferated drain pipe is lain in the interior. The drain pipe’s dimensions can vary between four, six and eight inch pipe. Gravel is then backfilled. The gravel can be filled all the way to the soil grade or somewhat less depending on the requirements. What is the difference in the drain pipe? Corrugated pipe is cheaper, and easier to work with and most often quite adequate for the job at hand. PVC pipe is stronger and resist crushing, moves more water and is able to have a “clean-out” installed for the purpose of a drain rooter. A typical yard drain varies from about 12 to 18 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. Four inch perforated corrugated pipe is lain in the interior. If the drain is in the yard, the gravel will be back filled to a depth of about six inches below the soil grade so the soil and grass can be planted. This drain typically discharges to the street, ravine or some other discharge point. PVC carries more water and is able to have a clean - out installed. If the amount of water to be collected is intense during heavy rain storms i.e. the area to the side of a driveway - a collection basin may be installed. Down spouts can also be tied into this drainage system or they can have their own discharge pipe that runs to the street or ravine. Crawl Space Drain Crawl space drains differ slightly. Typically crawl space drains are 8 inches wide and 8 inches deep with 4 inch corrugated pipe in the interior. It generally runs along the entire interior of the foundation and the water collects at a central point. Somtimes cross drains or “spider drains” are installed to collect water from the center of the crawl space as well. The water can be discharged by one of two ways. The first is to have the water collect and drain into a basin. A water activated pump is placed at the bottom of this basin. As water enters the pump automatically turns on and the water is dischrged to the exterior of the home via PVC pipe. On rare occasions this pump can be tied into the municipal sewer system, but this is actually discouraged. The other is to have the water exit the home by cutting a 4 inch hole in the exterior foundation wall and running a 4 inch discharged line to the exterior. See Also Wood Destroying Fungus information

Ventilation Fans

12VDC Double Fans	Internal Dead Space Fans	Double Unfaced Fans
Powered Louver Fans	Series 6, High Output	Series 5, High Output

Timbor and Bora-Care are borate based termiticides, insecticides and fungicides that are applied directly to the wood. Its formula penetrates deep into the wood and eliminates wood as a food source for pests. Borates kill termites and other insects by poisoning the microorganisims in the insects' digestive tracts that are needed to break down the wood's
cellulose.

Borates disrupt the enzyme system of fungi.

Borates have been used for over 300 years. The Borate compound contains the basic elements of boron and oxygen. Borate ores are mined from mineral deposits found in the earth.

Borates are used in many different applications including laundry detergents and cleaning products where they play important roles in bleaching and stain removal. You may have heard of the “Twenty Mule Team Borax” in the past.

Foundation Wall or Basement Waterproofing

• The soil along the basement wall is excavated to a depth of approximately 12 inches below the top of the footing.
• All excess dirt and soil is scraped off of the wall and footing and the wall is cleaned and allowed to dry.
• Using a hammer and chisel, all excess mortar mix and excess concrete "over pour" is broken off and discarded.
• Any holes or damaged area of concrete are repaired with Portland Cement. A conditioning sealant is applied to the masonry wall. This helps to fill any small cracks and condition the wall.
• A rubber membrane is adhered to the wall. This membrane runs from the soil grade all the way down, covering the entire footing.
• Four or six inch perforated PVC is placed in the bottom of the ditch. PVC pipe must be used because of the weight of the backfill. This pipe is discharged to an acceptable area.
• The excavated area is backfilled with gravel to at least 18 inches below soil grade. All excess soil is disposed of. Sometimes the gravel may be back filled to soil grade and the ground covering is applied over the top.

The waterproofing system has a three tier approach. As water flows across the yard to the building, the water reaches the gravel and drops directly down to the discharge line. In the event that any water goes through the gravel and reaches the home, the waterproofing membrane stops the water until it settles downward. If for some reason the membrane is damaged and allows the water through, the conditioning sealant has waterproofing qualities, which stops any penetration.

Important questions you should ask when considering a Moisture Control Company

1. Does the moisture control company you are considering offer a warranty?
   
   Horne's Pest Control offers two warranty programs. We offer a ten-year fixed warranty on moisture control improvements. This warranty will include vapor barriers, drains, basement waterproofing membrane, and yard control drains. We also offer an annually renewable warranty which is good for the life of the home.
2. Is the moisture control company you are considering well established? Will they be able to stand behind their warranty?
   
   It is a sad fact that many businesses fail. The best guarantee in the world is useless if the issuing company is no longer in business. Horne's Pest Control was established in 1966. With well over 40 years of experience and a large loyal customer base you can rest assured that if your drainage control program fails we will be there to stand behind it.
3. Does the moisture control company you are considering use uniformed, drug-tested, security-screened employees who are experienced in moisture control?
   
   Horne's Pest Control is proud to use tenured and experienced personnel that understand the components of drainage control and the detrimental effects of an improperly installed system. We do not use day labor or temporary staffing companies. We do not believe you want unsupervised, inexperienced laborers in and around your home.
4. Does the company you are considering participate in the "Georgia New Hire Program" which reduces fraudulent activity by reporting Social Security Numbers (legal Green Card holders have a valid Social Security number) to the Georgia Department of Labor (which in turn reports to the National Agency)?
   
   Horne's Pest Control does.
5. Is your moisture control provider trained in ventilation specifications and the control of wood decaying fungus?
   
   Horne's Pest Control is licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and The South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation for the control of Wood Destroying Organisms. Please understand that excess moisture conditions and poor ventilation leads to Wood Decaying Fungus. Wood Decaying Fungus is a wood destroying organism just like termites and powder post beetles. Proper code enforced specifications as mandated by regulatory agencies should be adhered to. Companies that are experienced and meet the licensing criteria as dictated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation should be used.

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