How to waterproof a basement or cellar. Part 3 of 3

Waterproofing a Basement or Cellar Part 3 of 3

The Shifta from Mace Industries moves earth faster than two men can dig it out.	Because the Shifta crosses a pavement, pedestrians need to be protected. (A bloke with a fag).	The internal wall has been removed to make a huge cellar office.
The Shifta from Mace Industries moves earth faster than two men can dig it out.	Because the Shifta crosses a pavement, pedestrians need to be protected.	The internal wall has been removed to make a huge cellar office.
Free standing metal stud work and foil backed plasterboard forms the internal walls.	The chimney breast support has been plastered out.	A room for the kids. Retro sixties style décor is entirely optional.
Free standing metal stud work and foil backed plasterboard form the internal walls on this project.	The chimney breast support has been plastered out.	A room for the kids. Retro sixties style décor is entirely optional.

The use of a conveyor system such as Shift from Mace Industries (readily available for hire) will make the job a lot quicker and easier. It’s very common to find that the new basement slab is at a lower level that the house foundations but it is usually a simple job to pour sections of concrete below the brickwork. It must be done with a structural engineer’s plan and the appropriate inspection of the dig and pour but in most cases a reinforced concrete strip foundation poured in 600mm sections is all that is required.

Although this is not technical it can be daunting because you house is resting on it and if you aren't confident about tackling a basement conversion it is best to contract the heavy work out to a damp proofing or under pinning company such as North and South who will be able to guarantee the job with an insurance policy.

Once the structural walls have been waterproofed a free standing wall can be built in front of it. The wall in front of the membrane should be free standing and can be built from metal stud. The space between the stud wall and membrane must be within the heated area of the room in order to combat condensation. In the summer basements can suffer from condensation because the air is more humid and the cellar being cooler acts as a dehumidifier. It is essential to maintain good ventilation in a cellar when it isn't being heated.

For further information on all aspects of damp proofing, below and above ground:

WYKAMOL MEMBRANE - A range of damp proofing systems.
SAFEGUARD EUROPE LTD - Creator of the revolutionary Dryzone damp-proofing cream.
MACE INDUSTRIES - Mace Industries (Bumpa loading machine manufacturer) Shifta portable conveyor.
NORTH AND SOUTH BASEMENTS LTD - Basement Waterproofing & Conversions.
BACK TO BASEMENT LTD - Leading 'design to completion' basement conversion specialist.

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

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