Damp Proofing

damproofing cellar

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.29 PM

I'm blind and have recently moved into a Victorian En-terrace house. The cellar has damp. I'd like to do up the cellar but need to work out the best way to stop as much of the damp as possible. There was a lot more damp and a musty smell in the cellar when I first moved in due to the previous owners storing a lot of junk down there without adequat ventilation. I've been running a dehumidifier for the past 2 weeks + I've removed the ceiling so the joists are showing + removed as much of the plaster / concrete on the walls and floor which was coming away very easily in my hands in large chunks. The lower parts of the walls are still slightly wet though especially after it rains and the damp will return once I turn off the dehumidifier. I live on a private road and the pavement in front of the cellar is not in a good condition also so that will need repairing. However prior to that, I've heard that I can externally tank the walls of my cellar. Would this method be effective: "• Where it is possible to dig down externally, water ingress can be reduced by introducing a damp proof membrane, usually of polypropylene sheeting, against the external face of the retaining wall with a land drain at the bottom. Without the ability to connect this membrane to a horizontal damp membrane across the floor, the results will never be perfect, but good results can be achieved" Re the ceiling, I plan to insulate it using Kingspan insulation between joists and put a waterproof membrane round the joists Re walls, what would be the best material to use to give them a smooth finish? I was thinking there may be some kind of concrete that is able to withstand dampness. There was an article in the news recently saying the Roman's used concrete that got stronger over time due to the chemicals in the water reacting with the volcanic ash in the concrete. Re floor, I'm thinking about putting a floating floor that will hold a fridge etc off the ground a few cm and leaving a few centimetres gap around the edges so it's not touching the walls, what would be the best materials / design for this? Finally, an idea of costs would be appreciated, Thank you