A quality-built home begins with a good, solid foundation. Form-A-Drain®, developed by CertainTeed Corporation, is a complete, permanently installed system that forms footings, drains foundations, and provides a sub-slab perimeter radon evacuation system.

The footing--a concrete "channel" outlining the basement perimeter--goes in before the slab of the foundation to act as the base of the basement walls. The system consists of lineal sections installed as the foundation footing forms. Upon completion of the concrete pour, the system stays permanently in place and performs the function of a foundation drainage system.

Upon completing the function of forming the foundation footage, the installed Form-A-Drain® system is already in place to perform the ongoing role of the foundation drainage system. This eliminates the need to purchase and install separate drain pipe. Each lineal section is manufactured with one slotted wall. These slots allow water to enter into the two channels and then exit through installed drain outlets. Lineals are also available with filter fabric for use in soil conditions where required by code.

The drainage system is ideally located below the foundation wall and parallel to the footing; never below it. Due to its level placement, high and low spots are eliminated, allowing improved water flow through the smooth interior surface of each lineal channel. Drainage is provided to both the exterior and interior sides of the foundation. Crossovers provide a connection between the inner and outer channels. Drain outlets allow water to exit the exterior channel through a drainage pipe, or the interior channel to a sump pit.

Form-A-Drain® also allows for a means of radon reduction. With simple adaptations, the same system, already in place, can perform as a radon reduction system. Lineals form a complete loop around the foundation, which is in conformance with the EPA's "Model Standards & Techniques for Radon Control in New Residential Buildings."

Installation is simple using lineals, couplings, and corners, which ensure a precise form setup. Spacer straps hold the forms in place at specified widths for consistent footing dimensions. Rebar stakes are inserted through vertical holes in couplings and 90 degree corners help to keep the system aligned. Grade stakes hold the system at the proper elevation for the concrete pour. Alternatively, traditional steel forming pins may be used. The entire system is left permanently in place, eliminating the need to return to strip, remove, clean, and transport forms to the next jobsite.

For more information about FORM-A-DRAIN® and other basement drainage systems and vents, please contact Nitterhouse.