Basement Conversion Quer

[chuckalicious]

Morning all. Been a while since I've been on but was hoping for some advice.

I am in the process of moving house and the one I'm buying had the living area in the converted basement.

2 of the 4 walls are below ground level and so have been lined with Delta 500 membrane. The remaining walks have a chemical DPC as the basement had rising damp. The specialist who installed it also spec'd a sump and pump.

My question really is simply in your experience, do these kinds of installation have a limited lifespan? I know everything needs replaced at some point but this house isn't cheap and I'd hate to have to rip out the walls and kitchen in a few years time to replace membrane.

Thanks

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

It’s really hard to provide a definitive answer tbh, If the Delta membrane system has been applied correctly then those walls should remain damp proof for longer than you’ll be alive, who can say about the other two walls! Some say that rising damp does not even exist, some say chemical injection methods are ineffective, others say it’s OK, there could have been recurring damp during the wetter months that’s just been nicely painted over or those walls could be fine. Can you inspect the sump/pump? The only way you’ll really know is by living there and finding out. What is the wall construction, age of the property, where is the ground level etc etc?

With respect to the walls with the membrane, if you want to fix anything into the masonry you’ll need to use the manufacturers proper fixings which ensure the membrane remains effective even though it’s been penetrated.

 

[chuckalicious]

Thanks for the reply. The house was built in the 30s. Basement is brick and concrete I think. Dpc has a 20 year guarantee and was installed in 2009.

We are confirming there is indeed a working pump and will walk away from sale if not.

As for covering up damp, I guess as you say we wont know. Although the survey showed now damp readings.

Good to know potentially it will last though.