Waterproofing Below Ground Rooms - What is the Best Method?
If you need extra living space, basement conversions could be the answer to your problems. Despite the fact that basement conversion is a great solution to adding to your living space with below ground rooms, it is not uncommon to have areas of the basement that tend to be in a constant state of dampness. You may even find that you have a problem with major water accumulation in an area of your basement or cellar. This can pose a problem for converting that area to below ground rooms for extra living space.
Fortunately, dampness in below ground rooms is not often a severe problem, but it is something you will have to address before a basement conversion would be a logical step.
Many people have the problem of a wet or damp basement, but there are some methods you can take to waterproof below ground rooms that can help to insure a pleasant and dry basement. Two of the most common problems that may cause dampness in below ground rooms include, seepage or condensation. It is easy to find out if either of these two problems is what is causing the dampness in your basement.
To determine which if these problems is causing the below ground room to be damp, simply tape some aluminum foil or plastic to the damp wall, ensuring that you seal all four sides of the foil. At this point you will have to wait a day and return to check the foil. If the water is on the outside of the foil then your problem is condensation, if the water buildup is in the sealed area of the foil, then your problem is seepage from the outside.
In most cases Basement Tanking is an affordable solution to the problem of dampness in below ground rooms. If you employ a basement tanking method before you convert the space to livable, belowground rooms, not only will you have added a dry and pleasant living space to your home, but you will also raise the value of your home as well.
Cellar tanking can help you turn a damp, dark basement into a wonderful addition to your home, but the benefits of basement tanking or not just limited to residential properties; if you own a commercial building you can make use of cellar tanking to add extra retail space, parking, or storage to your building.
You will find that there are essentially two methods of cellar tanking on the market, each of these methods have their advantages and drawbacks; which method you use will depend on exactly what you intend to do with your basement after you have completed the cellar tanking.
One basement tanking method makes use of cement mixtures and formulas that when applied, will provide waterproofing on the wall that it was applied to. This is often referred to as tanking slurry, or tanking treatments. In most cases this cellar tanking method provides a versatile and strong solution that prevents moisture from entering a below ground room.
This system works because the concrete is specially formulated to prevent the seepage of moisture from entering the basement. The mixture is applied to the walls and ceiling, after the application the solution bonds to the cement or masonry to create a barrier that prevents outside moisture from seeping through. When using this method of waterproofing below ground rooms, it is often necessary to apply several coats of the mixture to assure that a good seal is in place to protect against water seepage. After several coats of the mixture have been applied and allowed to dry, an aesthetic plaster is then applied to the walls to provide a final touch for decorative reasons.
The second method of basement tanking to waterproof your below ground rooms involves using studded plastic membranes. Some people believe this to be one of the best Cellar Tanking methods for older homes, especially those houses that were built in the Victorian Era. Cellar tanking with studded plastic membranes involves the necessity of building an interior frame around the basement walls, after which you attach a membrane constructed of waterproof plastic to the frame. Studs are used to attach the membrane to the newly constructed frame. The waterproofing membrane is also placed on the floor.
When you have finished, you will have created a waterproof bubble for the below ground room. At this point you may attach plasterboard to the membrane to create a waterproofed basement area.
Because of the fact that the area between the exterior wall and the Tanking Membrane will be waterproofed, you will likely require a method of ridding that area of water buildup; in some cases, pumps are installed to ensure that any water that does accumulate can be effectively removed.
Though either of these basement-tanking methods can be used to waterproof below ground rooms, most people find that a combination of both methods works the best. In essence, this provides double protection against dampness and water damage in your basement or cellar.
With the combination basement tanking method the Tanking Treatments of concrete mixture is applied to the cement or brickwork for waterproofing, and then the membrane is added. With this combination basement tanking method you can be sure that no moisture will enter your converted basement to ruin all of your hard work.
Which of these cellar tanking methods is right for you will depend on how severe the moisture problem is, as well as what you intend to use your converted basement for. The first method of waterproofing may be sufficient if you do not have a lot of moisture entering the cellar area, or if you intend to partially finish the area and use it for storage.
If your goal is to add living space, such as bedrooms or office space, you may want to use a combination of these basement tanking methods to ensure that you have the best waterproofing possible for your below ground rooms.
Cellar tanking is one of the most affordable methods of converting that extra space below your home into a usable living area.
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