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Finishing a Damp Basement

Finishing a Damp Basement (post #92581)

AdamKohler on Sun, 06/08/2008 - 17:04

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Several years ago there was an article that dealt with properly finishing a damp basement by utilizing materials that could breathe, instead of trying to block the moisture from penetrating the walls. I gave that issue to my parents, as they wanted to finish out the basement of our lakehouse, which has that very issue. The issue has since been lost, and they didn't follow its advice. Needless to say, the barrier method didn't work. I am trying to find the old article, and would love to be able to contact its author(s). I'd appreciate any help you all can give me.

(post #92581, reply #1 of 4)

by BruceS in reply to AdamKohler [original] on Sun, 06/08/2008 - 20:14

This is one project that you don't want to skimp on or you will end up with a lot of black mold. Break Time will give you some good answers.

Right or wrong I did it this way. Ironited the wall first and the then used thoro-seal over that and inslulated with polystyrene and put the 2x4 nailers over that. Maybe overkill but I have no moisture problems. But then again when I built the house I put layed inside and outside footer drains, ironited the block then tared and stuck polystyrene to that then backfilled to grade with washed bank gravel. Overkill is a good thing.

But I would still check with the pros @Breaktime.

Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

Bruce S.

Edited 6/8/2008 4:17 pm ET by BruceS

Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

Bruce S.

(post #92581, reply #2 of 4)

by Cincinnati in reply to AdamKohler [original] on Mon, 06/09/2008 - 17:23

I personally want a barrier to keep moisture out. Trying to live with it and let it breath in a living space seems like an invitation to mold problems. I'd dig out the exterior walls down to the footers. Install a proper French drain. Clean and coat the foundation with a heavy coat of roofing sealer.

Permitting moisture to accumulate and hoping to let the area breathe to prevent mold is a way to have a damp smelling living space, even if mold/mildew is abated.

I also agree with the previous poster — contact the folks at breaktime and get responses from contracting pros.

Greg

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Exo 35:30-35

Greg

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Exo 35:30-35

(post #92581, reply #3 of 4)

by saschafer in reply to AdamKohler [original] on Mon, 06/09/2008 - 18:42

There's lots of info on moisture control here: http://www.buildingscience.com/

-Steve

(post #92581, reply #4 of 4)

by SteveSchoene in reply to AdamKohler [original] on Mon, 06/09/2008 - 20:27

I agree with others that keeping the water out is the only truely effective program. The best is exterior drainage--footer drains and wall coatings.

If that's not feasible another solution uses drains, and a sump pump, on the interior. Walls are sheathed in a molded plastic material that collects any water that penetrates and feeds it down to drains that have been installed in the basement flooring around the edges. Covered by walls, it disappears.

But just trying to block moisture by coatings on the interior walls isn't very effective except for the most minimal of moisture vapor problems.

Test your finish on scrap, FIRST, or risk having to scrap your finish.