Tarp Covering Electrical Trench
Photo Details
- Date: March 31, 2026
- Time: 1:26 PM EDT
- Weather: Light rain, overcast, 58°F. Rain actively falling — exactly the conditions this protection was placed for.
- Phase: Electrical Service Installation
- Location: 309 E. 7th St., Clare, MI — Between house and garage, exterior
- View: Looking down at tarped trench area along house foundation
Description
Owner-installed temporary weatherproofing over the open electrical trench between the house and garage. After the electricians drilled through the basement wall and left the trench area exposed, the owner placed a blue tarp over the trench and weighted it down with wood scraps and scrap boards to prevent rainwater from pooling in the trench or entering through the wall penetration.
Visible Elements
- Blue Tarp:
- Standard poly tarp covering the trench area
- Positioned along house foundation on NW side
- Covering the area where conduits run underground between house and garage
- Weights:
- Multiple wood scraps and offcuts placed on tarp edges
- Large scrap board in center for wind resistance
- Sufficient coverage to keep tarp in place during rain and wind
- Site Context:
- White vinyl siding on house visible
- Downspout/gutter visible at right edge
- Bare earth/gravel ground around trench area
- Overcast sky consistent with rainy conditions
DIY Weatherproofing Note
This is a temporary protective measure by the owner. The electricians left the trench area and wall penetration exposed after their last visit. Concerns about rainwater entering the basement and potential rodent entry prompted this quick fix using available materials (Liquid Nails + scrap on the exterior wall hole, tarp + weights over the trench).