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Perimeter drainage (often called weeping tile) is a system of perforated pipes installed underground around your home’s foundation. In wet BC climates like Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, heavy rain saturates the soil. Without proper drainage, this water presses against your foundation, leading to basement leaks, mold, and structural damage. Under the BC Building Code, homes must have working drainage to protect below-grade spaces. A proper system collects water before it reaches your walls and channels it safely to a storm sewer or sump. If you are replacing an old system, it typically involves excavating the perimeter of your home, taking about 3 to 7 days. Costs generally range from $10,000 to $25,000+ depending on depth. AV Contracting can assess your property to see if your system needs a simple flush or a full replacement.

Perimeter drainage (often called weeping tile) is a system of perforated pipes installed underground around the outer edge of your home's foundation. Its main job is to collect water and redirect it safely away from your house. Here in coastal BC, where we get heavy seasonal rainfall, proper drainage is absolutely essential. Under the BC Building Code, homes must have a system to manage foundation water. Without it, water pressure builds up against your foundation, leading to basement flooding, damp crawlspaces, mold, and structural damage. If you ever need to replace an old system, it involves excavating around your home's perimeter, which typically takes 5 to 10 days. Because Vancouver Island soil and slopes vary, Char at AV Contracting can help determine the best setup for your specific property.

Perimeter drainage (often called weeping tile) is a piping system installed underground around your home’s foundation footprint. In wet coastal BC, it is your home's primary defense against heavy rain, collecting groundwater before it can seep into your basement or crawlspace and directing it safely away to the municipal storm system. Under the BC Building Code, functioning drainage is mandatory for below-grade spaces to prevent mold, dampness, and structural damage. If you need a replacement, expect excavation around your home's exterior, which temporarily impacts landscaping. A typical project takes about 3 to 7 days, with costs usually ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on depth, accessibility, and utility locations. If you suspect your current system is failing, Char can help assess your property and provide a detailed plan.

In BC's climate, concrete begins to set quickly, but full curing takes time. You can typically walk on a new concrete surface after 24 to 48 hours. For vehicles or heavy loads, you should wait at least 7 days, as the concrete reaches about 70% of its strength by then. Standard concrete reaches its full design strength at 28 days. During drier summer days on Vancouver Island or the Lower Mainland, we often wet-cure or use curing compounds to keep the moisture in, while cooler, damp winter weather can naturally slow the process. If you have a specific project in mind, Char and the team can advise on the exact timeline for your pour.