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Can dampness be fixed?

  • 27-02-2008 12:25am
    #1
    dixiechick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 21 ✭


    I live in an old elevated bungalow. There is a basement which is at least 8ft in depth. The foundations of the house are obviously well grounded but the basement area is not concreted ie: there is only soil. Therefore I am experiencing severe problems retaining heat because the basement is not insulated, not to mention the rising damp because all that is between me and the earth is wooden floorboards! I'm wondering how difficult it would be to slab/concrete the basement. There are two entries to that area via trapdoors. Is it a very messy job? Is it very expensive and will that sort out my dampness problem? The house is constructed out of mass concrete and I'm quite sure that this isn't as porus as brick or stone so presumably my problem is just the natural moisture coming off the earth underneath the house. EVERYTHING in the house is mouldy, clothes, beds, walls etc. I'm also concerned for the health risks living in this enviornment. The attic has been recently insulated and I have pvc double glazing throughout. I realise I will also have to insulate under my floorboards to keep more heat in. Has anyone got any recommendations for this. Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Check the ventillation?

    Are there any vents on the basement wall? or should I ask any vents anywhere in the house. Sometimes when windows are replaced the "ventillation" draughts are blocked and there are no additional vents in the walls.

    One possible solution would be to fit a DPM under the floor/basement ceiling to stop moist air rising.


  • #3
    dixiechick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 21 ✭dixiechick


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Check the ventillation?

    Are there any vents on the basement wall? or should I ask any vents anywhere in the house. Sometimes when windows are replaced the "ventillation" draughts are blocked and there are no additional vents in the walls.

    One possible solution would be to fit a DPM under the floor/basement ceiling to stop moist air rising.
    Yes, there are some vents in the basement wall. What is DPM and would it be enough or should I also look at flooring the basement with a concrete foundation?


  • #4
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Damp Proof Membrane, basically a sheet of plastic that stops moisture. placing it on the basement ceiling will stop moisture rising up through the floor.
    As the basement is vented, concreting the floor would be of limited benefit, unless you tank (waterproof) the walls and use it for storage.
    But I think that the problem you have is more to do with ventillation in the house itself.

    Has it always been damp? or has the something changed recently and it has become damp?


  • #5
    dixiechick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 21 ✭dixiechick


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Damp Proof Membrane, basically a sheet of plastic that stops moisture. placing it on the basement ceiling will stop moisture rising up through the floor.
    As the basement is vented, concreting the floor would be of limited benefit, unless you tank (waterproof) the walls and use it for storage.
    But I think that the problem you have is more to do with ventillation in the house itself.

    Has it always been damp? or has the something changed recently and it has become damp?
    I've only been here a few years but it has always been damp. The central heating is ineffective presumably because the basement is uninsulated and the ceilings are so high. I got the exterior walls coated with permatex to keep moisture out but my interior walls are still mouldy. There are no apparent vents in the living area of the house.


  • #6
    250882
    Closed Accounts Posts: 206 ✭✭250882


    Older concrete structures need to breathe, its what stops them getting damp.
    A traditional lime plaster may have been a better solution.
    20/20 hindsight
    Ventilation is still the best cure for dampness but first you have to find out where the moisture is coming from.
    If its rising damp(usually visable around skirting boards and around floor level) then an injected DPC is the most practical sollution
    If its water ingress through the walls then you should look at an appropriate external finish for the exposed walls (creating a cavity, external insulation, water resistant render)
    If its condensation then its probably a combination of the damp basement and lack of insulation on the external walls. The air is warmed by your heating system and when it hits the cold external walls forms condensation
    In this case I would recomend that you dryline the walls with appropriate insulation and an incorporated vapour check.


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