LiviosIn recent weeks the rain has regularly fallen from the sky. All that rainwater causes a lot of damp basements. And that is not innocent, because something like this can affect the stability of the walls and entails health risks. To remove moisture from the cellar, cellar linings and cellar drainage are often used. Construction site Livios asked moisture expert Michel Jans from Noaqua, specialist in moisture control, when which method is preferred.
By Jaron Bogaert, in collaboration with Livios
08-11-23, 11:20
Latest update:
12:30
Source:
Livios.be
Option 1: basement lining
A basement lining is a popular and effective way to make a basement with masonry brick walls moisture-free. Professionals will then install a new, waterproof tank inside the old cellar. This means that water can no longer penetrate into the basement through the walls or floor.
Which type of cellar do you choose and what are the consequences of that choice? We will take a closer look at the options of masonry, reinforced concrete or prefab.
“It is particularly important to first thoroughly remove all cladding on the wall,” Jans explains. “We remove old cement layers with a demolition hammer, paint layers have to be sandblasted, and we may also have to tear out the floor. This is the only way the new cement layers can adhere properly to the old walls.”
“We then seal all leaks with quick-release cement and apply two layers of waterproof hydraulic mortar with a reinforcing mesh in between,” Jans continues. “The bilge seam, where the floor and the wall meet, requires extra attention because that is where most water often enters. Finally, we pour a new concrete slab of extra waterproof concrete. A swelling strip along the bilge seam prevents water from entering through that area.”
Cleaning a cellar of about twelve square meters usually requires about five days of work.
Absolutely necessary in the fight against moisture problems: how do you ensure correct ventilation of your cellar?
Option 2: basement drainage
Basement drainage can also provide relief. A pump system is then installed in the basement that continuously removes penetrating moisture. The floor and walls can be treated in this way and a combination of both is also possible.
“First, a pump well is placed in the corner of the basement and connected to a drainage pipe. A stud membrane is then placed against the walls and floor. The water that seeps in runs between those studs towards the pump well,” Jans explains. “The stud membrane is covered with a thin layer of concrete about ten centimeters thick. If necessary, the walls can be covered with a new covering to conceal everything nicely.”
For an average basement with an area of twelve square meters, basement drainage takes a maximum of two days.
Before you get started (yourself).: these are the biggest – perfectly avoidable – mistakes when sealing a basement.
Which treatment is preferred?
Each moisture control method has its advantages and disadvantages.
“The big advantage of a basement lining is that water no longer enters your house. So you tackle the moisture problem at the root,” Jans compares. “With a basement drainage, the water still comes in and you continuously pump it out. If the pump breaks down or the electricity goes out, your basement could still be flooded.”
But basement drainage also has advantages. “The biggest advantage of the drainage is the short installation time. That also translates into a lower cost price.”
Also read: With these architectural tips you can turn your basement into a play space, fitness room or even a full-fledged living room or bathroom.
What is the price tag of a moisture-free basement?
How much you pay for basement drainage or basement lining depends on various factors. “The size of the basement naturally plays a role, but the accessibility of the moisture problem and the water pressure also determine the final cost,” says Jans.
“Since basement casing requires more work and time, this treatment method is often slightly more expensive. For an average cellar of twelve square meters, count on a price of 6,000 to 8,000 euros.”
You can save a lot on your costs with premiums and subsidies. The difficulty is knowing when you can get it and what the correct terms are. The Livios Premium Linker will help you get started for free and easily.
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This article was written by our partner Livios.be.
Livios.be is an expert site that focuses on construction and renovation.
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