Capped foundation wall encapsulation system

Abstract

A wall sealing system for sealing a foundation against infiltrating vapors is provided. The system has a wall cap adapted for capping at least a portion of the foundation wall and for closing at least one open hollow in the foundation wall communicating with a source of infiltrating vapors. The wall cap has a recess formed therein for admitting the cap portion of the foundation wall. At least one surface of the recess forms a closure substantially sealing the at least one open hollow.

1 . A foundation wall sealing system for sealing a foundation wall against infiltrating air and vapors, the system comprising a wall cap adapted for capping at least a portion of the foundation wall and for closing at least one open hollow in the foundation wall communicating with a source of infiltrating vapors, the wall cap having a recess formed therein for admitting the capped portion of the foundation wall therein, wherein at least one surface of the recess forms a closure substantially sealing the at least one open hollow.  
   
   
       2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the foundation wall is formed from open hollow core blocks, and wherein the at least one hollow is defined by at least one of the open hollow core blocks.  
   
   
       3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the wall cap has a general angle shape defined by adjoining flanges, and wherein one of the flanges defines the at least one surface forming the closure.  
   
   
       4 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein the general angle shape defines the recess.  
   
   
       5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the wall cap is a plastic extrusion.  
   
   
       6 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein the wall cap is clear plastic.  
   
   
       7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the wall cap is metal.  
   
   
       8 . A sealing system for at least a partially subterranean chamber of a building, the system comprising: 
 a foundation wall cap for capping a hollow block foundation wall; and    a continuous sealed liner barrier layer covering a floor of the chamber to provide a barrier against the penetration of groundwater and water vapor through the floor, said barrier layer having extensions which extend up against the foundation wall to seal with the foundation wall cap.    
   
   
       9 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the liner barrier layer is plastic.  
   
   
       10 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the foundation wall cap is a plastic extrusion.  
   
   
       11 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein the foundation wall cap is clear plastic.  
   
   
       12 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the foundation wall cap is metal.  
   
   
       13 . A foundation wall cap for capping a hollow block foundation wall and holding an insulation panel in a predetermined position relative to the foundation wall, the foundation wall cap having a general angle shape forming a recess adapted to receive therein a portion of the foundation wall and the insulation panel.  
   
   
       14 . The foundation wall cap according to  claim 13 , wherein the recess has at least one insulation panel holding surface and at least another surface capping the foundation wall and angled relative to the at least one insulation panel holding surface.  
   
   
       15 . The foundation wall cap according to  claim 13 , wherein the insulation panel is foam insulation.  
   
   
       16 . The foundation wall cap according to  claim 13 , wherein the foundation wall cap is a clear plastic extrusion.  
   
   
       17 . The foundation wall cap according to  claim 13 , wherein the foundation wall cap is metal.  
   
   
       18 . A foundation wall cap for capping a hollow block foundation wall, the cap having a general channel shape formed by a pair of opposing flange members located on opposite sides of a span member connecting the pair of opposing flange members and defining a wall receiving channel receiving the foundation wall therein when the foundation wall cap is installed and caps the foundation wall.  
   
   
       19 . The foundation wall cap according to  claim 18 , wherein the wall receiving channel has a flared opening.  
   
   
       20 . The foundation wall cap according to  claim 18 , wherein at least one flange member of the pair of opposing flange members has a portion angled relative to an adjoining portion of the at least one flange member.  
   
   
       21 . The foundation wall cap according to  claim 18 , wherein the foundation wall cap is clear plastic.  
   
   
       22 . The foundation wall cap according to  claim 18 , wherein the foundation wall cap is metal.  
   
   
       23 . The foundation wall cap according to  claim 18 , further comprising a foam seal strip located in the wall receiving channel to engage the top of the foundation wall.  
   
   
       24 . The foundation wall cap according to  claim 18 , further comprising a foam seal strip located on an exterior of the wall receiving channel to engage a bottom surface of a sill plate.  
   
   
       25 . The foundation wall cap according to  claim 18 , further comprising an inner foam seal strip, located in the wall receiving channel to engage the top of the foundation wall, and an outer foam seal strip, located on an exterior of the wall receiving channel to engage a bottom surface of a sill plate.