One of the most common causes for a damp basement is excess ground water. A damp proof course is installed above ground and so any part of the building beneath this will get damp.
If there is a suspended floor, a cellar or basement below the damp proof course as is typically the case in period homes (built in the early 1900s), and there is no basement waterproofing in place, then water will undoubtedly seep from the ground surrounding the building into the space.
In a damp basement you could see staining on the floors or walls, condensation or white mineral deposits, and it will likely smell musty or mouldy. In extreme cases you can get flooding and even see the water entering the building.
Do I need to waterproof my basement?
We’ve been lucky enough to be part of some enviable basement conversions over the years, but even if you don’t plan to make your basement a habitable space, we recommend ensuring that damp does not become a problem.
Damp basements are notorious for mould which can cause health problems for your family and lead to wet rot.
It is normal for a non-waterproofed basement to be damp and so we recommend addressing the problem to prevent potentially serious structural issues to the property caused by the fungal decay in wet rot. Wet rot does not tend to spread upstairs but can affect the timbers of walls and flooring beneath the ground floor.
How is basement waterproofing done?
The first stage of basement waterproofing is to assess the extent and cause of the damp problem. A remedial surveyor uses instruments called moisture meters and thermo hygrometers to measure the level of water within timbers and walls.
Following the survey, you receive a full report detailing the extent of the problem and recommendations for solutions.
Solutions to damp basements typically include:
Installation of drainage channels and/or a sump pump to control the water outside the basement
Removal and replacement of affected plaster and timbers
Treatment to remaining timbers and plaster
Installation of basement waterproofing materials, such as membrane or dry lining and
Specialist wall coatings in the form of paints or renders.
It is important to understand that whilst the most common cause of damp basements is excess ground water, water can also enter the basement through poor guttering or bridged damp proof courses. These are less of a concern than ground water but should be checked by your surveyor during the remedial survey. Gutters should be maintained by the homeowner to prevent water ingress in the future and care should be taken by any contractors or gardeners not to bridge the damp proof course during any work.
Book a free remedial survey for basement waterproofing
If you need to fix a damp basement or are looking for a contractor that specialises in basement waterproofing, please get in touch to book your free survey. You can find more information and book your survey on our Basement Waterproofing page.
