Damp basement & water ingress
Damp basement walls: find the cause before choosing a repair
A wet patch is a symptom, not a specification for a new drain or a waterproof coating. Its location and timing are the useful starting points.
Read guide →BASEMENTATLAS · Guides
Basement Knowledge Library – practical guides and real cases
Deep practical guides built around diagnosis, construction sequence and documented outcomes. Guides link back to real cases and community discussions instead of standing alone.
BASEMENT ATLAS
Practical guides and tools
Understand the moisture, plan the work and collect useful evidence before choosing a solution.
Dew point and condensation calculator
Compare indoor and outdoor air with the temperature of a cold basement surface.
Basement condensation in summer: when opening windows adds moisture
Warm weather does not necessarily dry a cool basement. Air entering through a window can reach its dew point when it meets the cold walls, floor or pipes.
Compare basement renovation quotes: a scope checklist
Two prices can describe two different basements. This checklist helps you turn quotations into a shared, reviewable scope before you choose a contractor.
Damp basement & water ingress
Treat the timing and location of moisture as evidence. Rain-linked damp, a wet wall–floor junction, salts and a persistent low-level moisture line can point to different mechanisms, so they should not be collapsed into one generic ‘damp basement’ diagnosis.
Damp basement & water ingress
Water through the basement floor
Water through the basement floor. Start by documenting changes after rain, wall-to-floor junction and water pressure and groundwater. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
How to document a basement problem
How to document a basement problem. Start by documenting changes after rain, outside ground level and condition of the substrate. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
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Efflorescence and salts on basement walls
Efflorescence and salts on basement walls. Start by documenting visible salts/efflorescence, condition of the substrate and realistic drying time. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Measuring basement moisture: a useful log, not just one number
Room humidity, surface temperature and moisture inside a wall are different measurements. Keeping them separate makes your evidence much easier to interpret.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Drying a basement after water damage
Drying a basement after water damage. Start by documenting realistic drying time, actual air-change path and hidden organic materials. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Basement storage and moisture
Basement storage and moisture. Start by documenting actual air-change path, dew point and surface temperature and hidden organic materials. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
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Damp basement & water ingress
Monitoring basement humidity
Monitoring basement humidity. Start by documenting dew point and surface temperature, actual air-change path and intended use of the room. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
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Damp basement & water ingress
Before-and-after documentation for basement projects
Before-and-after documentation for basement projects. Start by documenting condition of the substrate, outside ground level and crack width and pattern. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
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Damp basement & water ingress
Wet basement floor after drainage
Wet basement floor after drainage. Check changes after rain, existing and planned floor build-up and drain and sewer levels before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Wet basement walls after drainage
Wet basement walls after drainage. Check changes after rain, outside ground level and drain and sewer levels before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Rainwater entering a basement
Rainwater entering a basement. Check changes after rain, outside ground level and water pressure and groundwater before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Water at the wall-to-floor joint
Water at the wall-to-floor joint. Check wall-to-floor junction, water pressure and groundwater and existing and planned floor build-up before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Efflorescence returning after drying
Efflorescence returning after drying. Check visible salts/efflorescence, realistic drying time and condition of the substrate before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Waterproof slurry inside a basement
Waterproof slurry inside a basement. Check condition of the substrate, water pressure and groundwater and pipe and cable penetrations before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Injection damp-proofing in basement masonry
Injection damp-proofing in basement masonry. Check condition of the substrate, visible salts/efflorescence and water pressure and groundwater before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Internal basement waterproofing
Internal basement waterproofing. Start by checking condition of the substrate, water pressure and groundwater and visible salts/efflorescence. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Basement tanking systems
Basement tanking systems. Start by checking water pressure and groundwater, condition of the substrate and pipe and cable penetrations. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Rising damp in basement walls
Rising damp in basement walls. Start by checking visible salts/efflorescence, condition of the substrate and wall-to-floor junction. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Damp basement & water ingress
Groundwater below a basement floor
Groundwater below a basement floor. Start by checking water pressure and groundwater, existing and planned floor build-up and changes after rain. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Mould in basement & musty odour
Mould is an outcome, not a moisture diagnosis. The useful sequence is to identify the moisture source, remove or assess affected organic material, verify drying and only then choose the new wall or finish system.
Mould in basement & musty odour
Mould in a basement
Mould in a basement. Start by documenting hidden organic materials, condition of the substrate and dew point and surface temperature. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Mould in basement & musty odour
Musty basement smell
Musty basement smell. Start by documenting hidden organic materials, actual air-change path and dew point and surface temperature. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Mould in basement & musty odour
Mould behind a basement stud wall
Mould behind a basement stud wall. Check hidden organic materials, condition of the substrate and dew point and surface temperature before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Mould in basement & musty odour
Mould behind furniture in a basement
Mould behind furniture in a basement. Check hidden organic materials, actual air-change path and dew point and surface temperature before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement ventilation & condensation
Ventilation manages airborne moisture and pollutants; it does not stop liquid water through a wall or floor. In summer, more outdoor air can even increase condensation when the outdoor dew point is above the temperature of cold basement surfaces.
Basement ventilation & condensation
Basement condensation in summer: when opening windows adds moisture
Warm weather does not necessarily dry a cool basement. Air entering through a window can reach its dew point when it meets the cold walls, floor or pipes.
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Basement ventilation & condensation
Basement ventilation or a dehumidifier: choose by the problem
Fresh air, moisture removal and water entering the structure are different issues. A useful ventilation plan says which of them it will address.
Read guide →Basement ventilation & condensation
Heat-recovery ventilation in basements
Heat-recovery ventilation in basements. Check actual air-change path, dew point and surface temperature and intended use of the room before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement ventilation & condensation
Humidity-controlled basement ventilation
Humidity-controlled basement ventilation. Check actual air-change path, dew point and surface temperature and intended use of the room before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement ventilation & condensation
Basement indoor air quality
Basement indoor air quality. Start by checking actual air-change path, dew point and surface temperature and intended use of the room. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement ventilation & condensation
CO₂ levels in basements
CO₂ levels in basements. Start by checking actual air-change path, intended use of the room and future inspection and maintenance. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement ventilation & condensation
Placement of basement ventilation units
Placement of basement ventilation units. Start by checking actual air-change path, intended use of the room and outside ground level. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement ventilation & condensation
Sizing heat-recovery ventilation for basements
Sizing heat-recovery ventilation for basements. Start by checking actual air-change path, intended use of the room and future inspection and maintenance. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement drainage & exterior waterproofing
A perimeter drain works as a system: water source, drain level, filter layer, inspection access, outlet and exterior waterproofing all matter. A new drain cannot compensate for an outlet that is too high or a wall detail that still admits water.
Basement drainage & exterior waterproofing
Perimeter drainage around a basement
Perimeter drainage around a basement. Start by documenting outside ground level, drain and sewer levels and water pressure and groundwater. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement drainage & exterior waterproofing
Exterior basement waterproofing
Exterior basement waterproofing. Start by documenting outside ground level, condition of the substrate and pipe and cable penetrations. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement drainage & exterior waterproofing
Maintaining perimeter drainage
Maintaining perimeter drainage. Start by documenting future inspection and maintenance, drain and sewer levels and outside ground level. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement drainage & exterior waterproofing
Dimpled membrane on basement walls
Dimpled membrane on basement walls. Check outside ground level, drain and sewer levels and condition of the substrate before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement drainage & exterior waterproofing
Basement drainage inspection chambers
Basement drainage inspection chambers. Check drain and sewer levels, future inspection and maintenance and changes after rain before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement drainage & exterior waterproofing
Downpipes and water near basement foundations
Downpipes and water near basement foundations. Start by checking changes after rain, outside ground level and water pressure and groundwater. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement drainage & exterior waterproofing
Ground slope away from basement walls
Ground slope away from basement walls. Start by checking outside ground level, changes after rain and water pressure and groundwater. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement drainage & exterior waterproofing
Blocked perimeter drainage
Blocked perimeter drainage. Start by checking drain and sewer levels, changes after rain and future inspection and maintenance. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement drainage & exterior waterproofing
Correct depth for perimeter drainage
Correct depth for perimeter drainage. Start by checking drain and sewer levels, existing foundation depth and outside ground level. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement drainage & exterior waterproofing
Drainage gravel and filter fabric
Drainage gravel and filter fabric. Start by checking drain and sewer levels, future inspection and maintenance and water pressure and groundwater. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement excavation & lowering the floor
Lowering a basement floor changes more than ceiling height. Foundation depth, temporary support, groundwater, sewer levels, radon detailing and the final floor build-up must be considered as one sequence before excavation starts.
Basement excavation & lowering the floor
Basement excavation and floor lowering
Basement excavation and floor lowering. Start by documenting existing foundation depth, load-bearing support and stability and existing and planned floor build-up. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement excavation & lowering the floor
Basement renovation sequence: what to resolve before the finishes
New paint and flooring are the visible end of a basement renovation. The difficult decisions usually concern water, structure, floor levels and services earlier in the project.
Read guide →Basement excavation & lowering the floor
Basement renovation cost: build a budget from the actual scope
A cosmetic refresh and a floor-lowering project are not comparable just because both are called a basement renovation. Start with a scope you can price.
Read guide →Basement excavation & lowering the floor
Basement renovation timeline
Basement renovation timeline. Start by documenting realistic drying time, load-bearing support and stability and existing and planned floor build-up. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement excavation & lowering the floor
Basement ceiling height
Basement ceiling height. Start by checking existing foundation depth, intended use of the room and load-bearing support and stability. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
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Basement excavation & lowering the floor
Permits and local rules for basement renovation
Permits and local rules for basement renovation. Start by checking load-bearing support and stability, intended use of the room and outside ground level. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement excavation & lowering the floor
Compare basement renovation quotes: a scope checklist
Two prices can describe two different basements. This checklist helps you turn quotations into a shared, reviewable scope before you choose a contractor.
Read guide →Underpinning & foundation strengthening
Foundation work is controlled by load paths and sequence. Existing footing depth, soil and groundwater conditions, crack patterns and the size of each working section can change what is safe to excavate or underpin.
Underpinning & foundation strengthening
Basement underpinning
Basement underpinning. Start by documenting existing foundation depth, load-bearing support and stability and crack width and pattern. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Underpinning & foundation strengthening
Cracks in basement walls
Cracks in basement walls. Start by documenting crack width and pattern, load-bearing support and stability and changes after rain. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Underpinning & foundation strengthening
Foundation settlement around a basement
Foundation settlement around a basement. Start by documenting crack width and pattern, load-bearing support and stability and existing foundation depth. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Underpinning & foundation strengthening
Monitoring basement cracks
Monitoring basement cracks. Start by documenting crack width and pattern, changes after rain and load-bearing support and stability. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
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Underpinning & foundation strengthening
Basement contractor scope and handover
Basement contractor scope and handover. Start by documenting load-bearing support and stability, pipe and cable penetrations and existing and planned floor build-up. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Underpinning & foundation strengthening
Crack injection in basement walls
Crack injection in basement walls. Start by checking crack width and pattern, water pressure and groundwater and condition of the substrate. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement floor, insulation & underfloor heating
A basement floor is a layered moisture, thermal and structural system. Capillary break, insulation, airtight/radon details, services, concrete or screed drying and the finish must work together rather than being chosen as separate products.
Basement floor, insulation & underfloor heating
New basement floor
New basement floor. Start by documenting existing and planned floor build-up, drain and sewer levels and pipe and cable penetrations. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement floor, insulation & underfloor heating
Cracks in concrete basement floors
Cracks in concrete basement floors. Start by documenting crack width and pattern, existing and planned floor build-up and water pressure and groundwater. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement floor, insulation & underfloor heating
Underfloor heating in a basement
Underfloor heating in a basement. Start by documenting existing and planned floor build-up, existing foundation depth and intended use of the room. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement floor, insulation & underfloor heating
Basement ceiling insulation
Basement ceiling insulation. Start by documenting condition of the substrate, dew point and surface temperature and intended use of the room. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement floor, insulation & underfloor heating
Insulation below a basement floor
Insulation below a basement floor. Start by checking existing and planned floor build-up, existing foundation depth and water pressure and groundwater. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement floor, insulation & underfloor heating
Vapour and air barriers below basement floors
Vapour and air barriers below basement floors. Start by checking existing and planned floor build-up, pipe and cable penetrations and water pressure and groundwater. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement floor, insulation & underfloor heating
Drying concrete and screed in basements
Drying concrete and screed in basements. Start by checking realistic drying time, existing and planned floor build-up and condition of the substrate. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement floor, insulation & underfloor heating
Tiles on basement floors
Tiles on basement floors. Start by checking existing and planned floor build-up, realistic drying time and condition of the substrate. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Radon in basement
Radon decisions should be measurement-led. Establish the baseline, understand likely entry paths through floor joints and penetrations, choose mitigation that fits the construction, and measure again after the work.
Radon in basement
Radon in basements
Radon in basements. Start by documenting existing and planned floor build-up, pipe and cable penetrations and actual air-change path. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Radon in basement
Measuring radon in a basement
Measuring radon in a basement. Check existing and planned floor build-up, pipe and cable penetrations and intended use of the room before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Radon in basement
Radon depressurisation below a basement floor
Radon depressurisation below a basement floor. Check existing and planned floor build-up, pipe and cable penetrations and actual air-change path before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement bathroom, drainage & waterproofing
A basement bathroom combines wet-room loads with basement moisture risk. Drainage, waterproofing, penetrations, ventilation, floor levels and the surrounding construction should be planned together before finishes are selected.
Basement bathroom, drainage & waterproofing
Basement bathroom
Basement bathroom. Start by documenting drain and sewer levels, risk of sewer backflow and actual air-change path. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement bathroom, drainage & waterproofing
Basement sump pump
Basement sump pump. Start by documenting drain and sewer levels, risk of sewer backflow and future inspection and maintenance. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement bathroom, drainage & waterproofing
Sewer smell in a basement
Sewer smell in a basement. Start by documenting risk of sewer backflow, drain and sewer levels and actual air-change path. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement bathroom, drainage & waterproofing
Basement floor drains
Basement floor drains. Start by documenting drain and sewer levels, risk of sewer backflow and existing and planned floor build-up. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement bathroom, drainage & waterproofing
Backwater valves in basements
Backwater valves in basements. Start by documenting risk of sewer backflow, drain and sewer levels and future inspection and maintenance. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement bathroom, drainage & waterproofing
Replacing basement sewer pipes
Replacing basement sewer pipes. Start by documenting drain and sewer levels, risk of sewer backflow and existing and planned floor build-up. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement bathroom, drainage & waterproofing
Basement laundry rooms
Basement laundry rooms. Start by documenting actual air-change path, drain and sewer levels and intended use of the room. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement bathroom, drainage & waterproofing
Sump pump maintenance
Sump pump maintenance. Start by documenting future inspection and maintenance, risk of sewer backflow and drain and sewer levels. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement bathroom, drainage & waterproofing
Camera inspection of basement sewer pipes
Camera inspection of basement sewer pipes. Check risk of sewer backflow, drain and sewer levels and future inspection and maintenance before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement windows, daylight & exterior exits
A larger basement opening affects daylight, structure and water management at the same time. Lintel/support, exterior ground level, lightwell or stair drainage and the final sill/threshold detail all influence the result.
Basement windows, daylight & exterior exits
Basement windows and daylight
Basement windows and daylight. Start by documenting outside ground level, condition of the substrate and water pressure and groundwater. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement windows, daylight & exterior exits
Direct basement exit
Direct basement exit. Start by documenting load-bearing support and stability, outside ground level and drain and sewer levels. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement windows, daylight & exterior exits
Basement stairs
Basement stairs. Start by documenting load-bearing support and stability, intended use of the room and existing foundation depth. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement windows, daylight & exterior exits
Exterior basement stairs and drainage
Exterior basement stairs and drainage. Start by documenting outside ground level, drain and sewer levels and water pressure and groundwater. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement windows, daylight & exterior exits
Condensation on basement windows
Condensation on basement windows. Start by documenting dew point and surface temperature, condition of the substrate and actual air-change path. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement windows, daylight & exterior exits
Basement window-well drainage
Basement window-well drainage. Check outside ground level, drain and sewer levels and water pressure and groundwater before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement windows, daylight & exterior exits
Drainage at basement door thresholds
Drainage at basement door thresholds. Start by checking outside ground level, drain and sewer levels and water pressure and groundwater. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement windows, daylight & exterior exits
Covers for basement window wells
Covers for basement window wells. Start by checking changes after rain, outside ground level and future inspection and maintenance. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement windows, daylight & exterior exits
Enlarging a basement window opening
Enlarging a basement window opening. Start by checking load-bearing support and stability, outside ground level and water pressure and groundwater. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Basement finishes should be chosen from the moisture behaviour of the existing wall, not from appearance alone. Substrate condition, salts, drying direction and the amount of organic or vapour-tight material in the build-up can change the risk.
Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Mineral basement wall systems
Mineral basement wall systems. Start by documenting visible salts/efflorescence, condition of the substrate and hidden organic materials. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Renovating an old basement
Renovating an old basement. Start by documenting hidden organic materials, existing foundation depth and existing and planned floor build-up. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Thermal bridges in basements
Thermal bridges in basements. Start by documenting dew point and surface temperature, condition of the substrate and hidden organic materials. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Insulating basement walls
Insulating basement walls. Start by documenting condition of the substrate, dew point and surface temperature and hidden organic materials. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Plaster for basement walls
Plaster for basement walls. Start by documenting condition of the substrate, visible salts/efflorescence and realistic drying time. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Paint for basement walls
Paint for basement walls. Start by documenting condition of the substrate, visible salts/efflorescence and realistic drying time. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
DIY or professional basement work
DIY or professional basement work. Start by documenting load-bearing support and stability, existing foundation depth and risk of sewer backflow. The purpose is to understand the building condition and constraints before choosing products, finishes or a work sequence.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Peeling paint on basement walls
Peeling paint on basement walls. Check condition of the substrate, visible salts/efflorescence and realistic drying time before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Crumbling plaster on basement walls
Crumbling plaster on basement walls. Check condition of the substrate, visible salts/efflorescence and realistic drying time before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Old stone basement walls
Old stone basement walls. Check condition of the substrate, visible salts/efflorescence and outside ground level before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Brick basement walls
Brick basement walls. Check condition of the substrate, visible salts/efflorescence and changes after rain before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Concrete basement walls
Concrete basement walls. Check condition of the substrate, crack width and pattern and water pressure and groundwater before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Calcium-silicate boards in basements
Calcium-silicate boards in basements. Check condition of the substrate, visible salts/efflorescence and realistic drying time before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Lime plaster in basements
Lime plaster in basements. Check condition of the substrate, visible salts/efflorescence and realistic drying time before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Silicate paint for basement walls
Silicate paint for basement walls. Check condition of the substrate, visible salts/efflorescence and realistic drying time before deciding what to repair. These observations help separate a surface symptom from water, air, drainage or construction conditions.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Repointing basement masonry
Repointing basement masonry. Start by checking condition of the substrate, visible salts/efflorescence and realistic drying time. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
Read guide →Basement walls, insulation & finishes
Microcement in basements
Microcement in basements. Start by checking condition of the substrate, realistic drying time and intended use of the room. These details help separate the visible symptom from the construction condition before a repair method is selected.
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