HOLLOW KICK MOLDING / FLOOR DRAINAGE MOLDING
A floating slab is an integral part of a subfloor drainage system, or French drain system. These floating slabs form when a basement floor slab doesn’t adjoin the foundation wall and a gap opens. This gap serves a number of functions to facilitate the subfloor drainage system, allowing it to properly do its job. Before the Hollow Kick Molding was invented, floating slabs were created by installing a temporary form against the interior side of the foundation wall.
After we remove and cure the floor slab, we take out the form. This creates a gap. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very attractive and just looked like someone ran out of cement. Additionally, it was prone to clogging when debris fell in.
The Introduction of Hollow Kick Molding
Boccia Inc. constantly strives for the best materials and methods for their Nassau, Suffolk and Queens customers. After investing years in product development, they invented, patented and produced the Hollow Kick Molding in the early 1980s. This was the first product specifically developed and designed to create the floating slab detail.
The Hollow Kick Molding is a linear floor drainage molding. We install it at the cove area where the basement floor abuts the interior side of the foundation wall. It directs water through the floor and into the drain tile pipe below, eliminating the possibility of water accumulation. A Hollow Kick Molding conceals and protects the drainage opening with an attractive cove plate molding. Not to mention, it’s the most effective, affordable method for eliminating wet basements.
After introducing it in their own work, Boccia saw tremendous interest from contractors, remodelers, developers, plumbers and waterproofers throughout the nation. Deciding to keep it proprietary in their local New York market, Boccia distributed everywhere, from Seattle to Atlanta.
Hollow Kick Molding Drainage Characteristics
The Hollow Kick Molding has successfully been installed since the 1980s. Following in Boccia’s tradition of innovation, they have recently introduced the next generation of Hollow Kick Molding with a built-in vapor retarder to reduce pollutants that may permeate the floor. This new design will still provide the same drainage characteristics that the industry has come to rely on, with the added protection of a sealed floor.
