Converting my basement

[peca27]

Hi all

I'm hoping to convert my basement. At present it's just a rough plaster finish with cold concrete floor.......ie.... a mess.

I'm loooking at screwing timber stud to the walls and ceiling + then plasterboarding the whole thing, then to skim finish the walls + ceiling. Would I have to waterproof in any way, if so how + what type of membrane do I use? If I'm going to put down some flooring, would the membrane have to go over the floor also?

The house is a terraced property, with no direct access from the basement to the outside.........thanks

 

[Frederick]

The link below gives details of the most common methods used to waterproof existing basements:

http://www.safeguardeurope.com/applications/basement_waterproofing.php

Of the two methods, I personally favour the drainage membrane option as it is more forgiving of poor preparation etc... Most specialist basement waterproofing companies use cavity drainage membranes these days. The only downside is that it is likely to be more expensive as you really should include a sump and pump with battery backup and alarm which will cost you at least £1500 for a decent one.

You may also find the Basement Information Centre website helpful:

http://www.basements.org.uk/

 

[MoonUnit]

I converted my basement into a home cinema using the membrane system. The missus isn't too pleased about it though.

 

[Frederick]

Why?

 

[PatrickD]

Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 9:23 am Post Subject: Converting my basement

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi all

I'm hoping to convert my basement. At present it's just a rough plaster finish with cold concrete floor.......ie.... a mess.

I'm loooking at screwing timber stud to the walls and ceiling + then plasterboarding the whole thing, then to skim finish the walls + ceiling. Would I have to waterproof in any way, if so how + what type of membrane do I use? If I'm going to put down some flooring, would the membrane have to go over the floor also?

The house is a terraced property, with no direct access from the basement to the outside.........thanks


You can do what you you're considering as long as you accept the fact that at some time water may enter the building (BS8102). If you're prepared to take that risk then there is no need to waterproof.

What you will usually have in a basement is condensation - in spades - and if you don't take steps to reduce that then it won't be a very nice place.

Insulation within the walls themselves is essential and you should also use a vapour barrier. Kingspan (or similar) behind Duplex plasterboards should do the job nicely. Also, either use a metal walling system, such as that supplied by British Gypsum or, if you're going to use timber studs, make sure they're pre-treated against rot or insect attack.

Heating and ventilation are also important things to consider, especially the latter.

If Building Control become involved, you'll have to do it to BS8102, which in effect means either tanking or cavity drainage with the latter being the favourite.
HTH

Patrick

 

[MoonUnit]

She doesnt like the fact I go down there and don't come back up for hours (Or maybe she does, but isn't telling me!)

Basements are also very nice and cool on a hot day like this.

 

[Frederick]

Patrick is right about the condensation in basements. I forgot to mention it.

You'll need to create some backgroung heat down there (e.g. central heating) and/or some air flow - probably by mechanical means - e.g. humity-controlled fans.

You say the concrete floor is cold, so you will probably want to include some insulation - this is generally easier with cavity drain basement waterproofing systems.

 

[Frederick]

Apparantly the latest revision of Part F of the Building Regs offers specific guidance on ventilating basements. I will check it out at work next week.