By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,If I install a raised flowerbed against the foundation of my house, should I install some kind of vapor barrier against the building before the dirt is put into the new planter? - Jerry
Dear Jerry,
When raising the grade level against the wall of a building, the main concern is whether the elevated soil will be above the line where the wall construction adjoins the top of the foundation. When the grade exceeds this level, there is the potential for water intrusion and resultant moisture damage, dryrot, and possible mold infection. Vapor barriers provide a temporary solution, at best, as they eventually deteriorate and allow water seepage. The preferable method of prevention is to construct the planter separate from the building, with an air space between the wall and the rear boundary of the planter itself.
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