Damp Proofing Dry/Wet Rot Basement Conversion Step Repointing 

Basement Conversion

Eradicate damp with a Basement Conversion and create a whole new living space…

Converting basement space can be a very cost effective way of extending your current living space. An extra bedroom, a second living room, a home cinema room. The possibilities are endless. Many people are discovering that they can increase living space by converting dingy & damp basement areas into modern living areas.

There are two approaches to waterproofing a basement. One method involves cementations tanking with a waterproofing render or waterproofing slurry. This creates a barrier to the water, preventing it from entering the living space. Because the water is prevented from entering the building, water pressure can build up on the exterior of the building causing additional loading on the structure.

Most refurbishment projects tend to use the alternative approach of a water management system. This involves the installation of cavity drainage membranes and suitable drainage system (usually a sump and pump) .The moisture is trapped behind a polypropylene membrane, requiring a suitable drainage system to channel the water to an appropriate drainage point, depending on the levels of moisture. This approach will allow water to still enter the fabric of the building but prevents it entering the living space. As the passage of the water is not blocked, there is no additional loading on the structure and minimal surface preparation is normally required.

The disadvantage is that in most cases a sump and pump system is required to remove the moisture and these have to be regularly inspected and maintained.