Stone vaulted in ground root cellars can be water proofed in many ways, and traditional practices abound from all over the world, depending on local custom and readily found materials.
After long search, I found an older gentleman whose father helped in the construction of such a barrel vault, though for a horse drawn fire engine, not far from here. After our talk I decided on this already proven technique here in our local area with our local soils and stones. Obviously those living in a differing climate or with differing soils may need a different path.
Just a few quick touches on the root cellar. Clay subsoil was piled up and compacted creating a mini hill. Before that, a small and simple sandstone chimney was built to service the roof vent shaft. Reclaimed log cabin chimney stones were repurposed in a fitting tribute to the Appalachian style of "on edge" chimney construction, not seen anywhere else (that I am aware of).

Wet clay was molded and formed into a simple retaining wall near the front edge of the roof to help hold some soil in place.
Once well wet and tamped, this clay becomes like concrete, and when sloped correctly sheds water very well, much the same way as traditional New England homes used a clay drainage apron around the home.

A good video on the process of clay flooring can be seen here in this historic video:

   • Video  

Thanks to John for the ideas and practical applications of clay aprons.

https://www.lancasterlimeworks.com/co...

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