On 28 Jun 2004 13:56:45 -0700, (Antony)
wrote:

I've just asked a builder for a quote on damp proofing a basement. The
basement is in a house on a hill. One wall has earth behind it, two
side walls are shared with next door, and one wall is at garden level
with a window and door out.

We want to make the basement habitable and into a kitchen. The builder
has suggested aquaseal and dry walling all round on the walls and
asphalt on the floor.

How does this sound?

I wanted to get some opinions if anyone is happy to offer them. I
wonder about dry walling and aquaseal as he is proposing nailing the
membrane on and this will make holes. I wonder about the asphalt floor
and why he hasn't suggested a plastic membrane and concrete. I am also
concerned that the methods proposed does not seem to be a 'system' ie,
a partial 'tanking' of the basement.

The basement does not appear to have a damp problem other than the
usual damp air feel of an unused basement but I am concerned over the
limits of his proposals.

How long/against what can i expect it to be effective?

tia

Antony

Sir

There are special membranes for this sort of application, they fix
between the wall and the wallboard, and allow the water to run down
the gap, and be removed from the bottom.

The aquaseal may well work, it depends on how good a job you want
......



Rick