I've done the easy fixes (grading, move downspouts, etc.), but I still have an occasional bit of water run down one of the basement walls. This is a problem because I would like to refinish my basement. I have read that the most dependable solution is to excavate down to the footer, seal exterior walls, and install a footer drain. I don't want to put this kind of money down (beyond my weekend warrior level of labor) if another solution will work for my situation for less money. I am hoping to get some advice to make the most out the plan or perhaps receive advice on some alternative that can be done for under about $1000. The estimate for digging down to the footer, sealing, and installing drain was $4500.
Background: Parts of the North wall of my cinder block basement only leaks when North winds pound heavy rains against the house (or if sprinkler hits house above N. foundation).
Fix?: (1) Use a Bobcat to dig 5ft wide by 2ft deep trench around North side of foundation. (2) Seal the 2ft+ exposed part of the outer North foundation wall. (3) Attach 5ft wide sheet of flashing to the foundation about 1 ½ ft below ground level with a slight angle away from the house. (4) Have the other end of the flashing empty into a small channel drain about 5 ft away from the house. Dig out remainder of channel drain that wraps around and drains behind the house. (5) Shovel dirt back over the flashing and channel drain and re-grass.
My initial idea is to go with thin aluminum flashing because it is resistant to the mice and moles in the yard. Where would one find such large sheets of flashing or perhaps another material (real thick plastic?) that will resist rodents and water. Thanks for any tips or alternatives.