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.
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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.