My mother owns an old farmhouse. It's foundation wall is brick masonry. She has been experiencing moisture problems on the inside and outside of the exterior walls up to 4ft above grade around the entire perimeter for the last 1.5 years. The land falls away from the house on all four sides at a decent slope. Two years ago a very large, very old oak tree, whose time had come due to a lightening strike, was cut down. The tree grew within 15 feet of the west wall of the house and I’m assuming that some roots grew under the house. The original tree easily had a 70' diameter drip line before it came down. All that remains is a large stump about 8" high and five feet in diameter. The moisture problem seemed to start soon after the felling of the tree. Is it possible that, in addition to no longer drawing rainwater from the ground, the roots are taking on water through the stump and, in a sort of reverse capillary action, transmitting water through the roots and under the house?
Answers:
the drip line has little to do with it. the tree was using all that moisture and the big problem is in the tap root. if it's been severed then the stump will not wick the water from the ground causing you to notice an increase in moisture from hydrostatic pressure. install a french drain system around your house and that will carry away any excess water.
Other answers:
Yes. They take a little time to die and oaks carry a lot of water. Of course if the stump and roots have already rotted away there may be good size holes left where the roots were that retain water.
Yes. They take a little time to die and oaks carry a lot of water. Of course if the stump and roots have already rotted away there may be good size holes left where the roots were that retain water.
Is it ok to put an artificial turf carpet over an aluminum porch floor?
Painting/legal/ I'm frustrated!?
How can I fix uneven indoor stairs?
Where can I get parts to fix Wrol Up aluminum sun shades? Mine were manufactured by Wrono Ent. Hallandale FL.?
How much does it cost for kitchen Worktop damage?
How do u kill snakes that have lived under an empty house for about a year?
How much would a Jacuzzi Sandhandler Submerisble pump be? how much for a J-Class Submersible pump?
My kenmore 106 model side by side is not making ice. Can anyone tell me how to troubleshoot the problem?