Damp Proofing my Cellar

Elizabeth13 · 19 Feb 2013

Hello All

Looking for some people who have damp proofed their cellar before.

We're looking to do this ourselves, not hire someone.
It is a small cellar just below the lounge, in a terrace house.

We don't want to go mad - we're not converting the cellar into a liveable space, just want to damp proof it for good storage (drumkit etc.) and maybe a tumble dryer.

Been suggested tanking, but not sure this would work.
Think maybe membranes are the way to go?

It's already got a concrete floor. Has got a coal shoot, perhaps make this an extractor?

So basically looking for any advice, either with products or procedure.

Thanks

dann09 · 19 Feb 2013

Hi,
Have you done any research on here ref. your question?

There are lots of recent posts and information on here that will give you a heads-up, and let you come back with more specific details about what you've got and what you are attempting.

Pics, lots of pics, are invaluable.

Do you have any building/DIY experience?

Elizabeth13 · 19 Feb 2013

dann09 said:
Hi,
Have you done any research on here ref. your question?

There are lots of recent posts and information on here that will give you a heads-up, and let you come back with more specific details about what you've got and what you are attempting.

Pics, lots of pics, are invaluable.

Do you have any building/DIY experience?

I personally have no DIY experience, but my father does and he will be the one doing it! Just looking for products at the moment.
We have seen a Newton Lath membrane, but it is quite expensive.

Elizabeth13 · 19 Feb 2013

I am starting to think damp proof membrane on the walls may be the way forward.

Have seen this:
http://www.diymatters.co.uk/diy/damp-proof-membrane/prod_5.html

Anyone know how successful this is?
Am i right in thinking the membrane is a good way forward?

freddiemercurystwin · 19 Feb 2013

It really comes down to hoe damp the walls/floor are and how dry you want it. The dpm you linked to is inappropriate for tanking, its for use in a floor.

There are pretty much 3 systems.

Newlath and the other dimpled membrane systems, whilst expensive are pretty much foolproof and good for diy although maybe overkill if you only have very little damp getting in.

The render systems like Sika work OK provided there's not going to be much water trying to get through the walls. The problem with these is you need absolutely meticulous preparation so aren't great for diy.

Then there are the membrane systems like RIW but these require a block wall to be built up against the existing walls to sandwich them against the existing wall and hold them there, like the renders though these require meticulous prep etc but are easier than the renders.

Pigeon85 · 20 Feb 2013

Bitumen paint, you can also Stick up insulation boards with it if you wanted to

dLadders · 6 May 2014

Hi! Just reading this after researching damp proofing my own cellar.

Is the Sika waterproof slurry effective?

My cellar is damp when it really rains, but seems to dry out as the weather improves. Non of the damp parts are accessible from outside, so I thought the sika would be ideal? It's also stood unventilated and with the stairwell open to rain and the sump pump turned off so it would have been stood under a few inches of water for possible for few years. So hopefully will dry out further.

Thanks for any help!

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dLadders
6 May 2014
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dLadders
6 May 2014
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jw52 · 23 Nov 2015

Our cellar looks exactly like yours, we are being recommended Sika 1 render. My big concern is the brick is deteriorating fast and I want to halt that.
What did you do in the end?

ree · 23 Nov 2015

jw52,

perhaps, start a new thread - posting pics of your cellar, and at ground level outside the cellar will help?

Sika 1 render will not work in the long run, and depending on ground water pressure wont work in the short run either.

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Damp Proofing my Cellar

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