Waterproofing a basement?

[hedgehog]

We live in a house built c1880 in an area with a very high water table. I'm talking people with wells 10 foot deep supplying their house.
The basement has stone walls and a concrete floor. It's cool down there but tends to be damp. My husband laid in drain tile when he poured the concrete floor, so we aren't talking about standing water, just general dampness.

How practical would it be to try to finish this area? If i could, I'd be living down there this week. IS a dehumidifier expensive to run?

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

1. I would have to think about it!

What about pictures, can you put some up! Off the wall frame it and use cement board than panel it !Of course vapor barrier ! And what about windows ! ? 1880 ,that's interesting.

Put some pics up of the basement and the outside . Show the windows. How damp is damp ?Am thinking at the moment exhaust fans.Could use five eight of those. A thought. Ways to pull out the moisture and stale air turn it over all that.

Did they use mortar to set the stones ?

It's about curing the moisture problem. And come to think about it, in a very large basement unit with concrete walls in a area that receives a lot of rain, they did run a energy efficient dehumidifier-energy star rating. There are ten exhaust fans actually. Lots of sq. feet. So,what about windows ?

[hedgehog]

2. Thanks for some good thinking points. It's irksome to have this space

and not be able to use it. I'm trying to balance the energy cost vs. the gain in useful space.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

4. There is a water proof material that can be applied

to the walls on the inside and outside above ground. I thought about that,but in thinking about that I would what to get a look at the walls. One question to mind is mortar. did they use mortar to set the stone ? If so,you would start by resealing the mortar -,all of it.There is a process to doing that,a lengthy process.Ground water is another issue.

Addressing your issue the first question is ,why can't it be done. From there,how damp is damp,and windows.
The water proof foundation sealant comes in five gallon containers,but the question arises,is it feasible and will that cure the problem? Why wouldn't stone except concrete water proof sealant?
And what are the unseen issues?

See,curiosity,1880,would like to get a look at that !At the same time would have to in order to find anything out !

[Warpy]

3. A dehumidifier can certainly help

but you'll have to either empty the pan frequently or find a way to run a hose outdoors or to a dry well. It runs on the same principle an AC unit uses to pull moisture out of the air, condensation on coils.

You can also try waterproof paint on walls and floor, see if that decreases the overall dampness before you consider using that vapor barrier then putting up studs and insulation. Waterproof paint on the exterior of the foundation below grade can also help moisture in the walls, if not in the floor.

The first priority should be to eliminate the possibility of mold behind the studs. If you can manage that, then finishing the basement is a possibility.

[NNN0LHI]

5. Did you put down a true moisture barrier before pouring the concrete?

Not Visqueen or some other cheap plastic product. A true moisture/vapor barrier designed not to deteriorate from the properties in the concrete?

Otherwise the humidity from the ground will continue to permeate through the concrete like its not even there.

Problem with a dehumidifier is basically they are air conditioners without any way to vent the heat they produce to the outside. And they can throw off a lot of heat.

Don

[safeinOhio]

6. I had a company come in

and do it for me. Cost 6 grand, cheaper that I thought it'd be and the best investment I have made on the house. They also installed a system called Ezbreathe along with a dehumidifier. Also has a life time guarantee that is transferable. Great selling point if I ever sell. Free estimates too. Good luck.