Hello dear forum members,
We want to replaster the basement of our old building (1927) and use parts of it as living space. The drainage around the house is in good condition, the old interior plaster is very uneven but still solid, and the type of rock beneath is unknown to us. The humidity in the basement is between 60-75%. Question: Can we simply replaster the walls, dry the rooms, and then use them as living space? Would it be better to apply insulation? If so, which type? What kind of plaster is suitable?
We want to replaster the basement of our old building (1927) and use parts of it as living space. The drainage around the house is in good condition, the old interior plaster is very uneven but still solid, and the type of rock beneath is unknown to us. The humidity in the basement is between 60-75%. Question: Can we simply replaster the walls, dry the rooms, and then use them as living space? Would it be better to apply insulation? If so, which type? What kind of plaster is suitable?
M
MODERATOR21 Jan 2013 17:06Hello Pluto,
without inspecting the walls on site, no reliable advice can be given. If the rooms are not noticeably damp (for example, does paper or cardboard stored in the rooms deform?), converting the space for residential use should be possible.
However, living in the space would increase the relative humidity further; you will need good ventilation options.
You should not insulate the walls—at least not from the inside; the relatively high humidity is caused by diffusion of moisture from outside through the exterior walls. As long as this water vapor can be ventilated, it is not a major issue; interior insulation would likely cause moisture problems between the wall and the insulation.
For the interior plaster, use a standard gypsum plaster.
without inspecting the walls on site, no reliable advice can be given. If the rooms are not noticeably damp (for example, does paper or cardboard stored in the rooms deform?), converting the space for residential use should be possible.
However, living in the space would increase the relative humidity further; you will need good ventilation options.
You should not insulate the walls—at least not from the inside; the relatively high humidity is caused by diffusion of moisture from outside through the exterior walls. As long as this water vapor can be ventilated, it is not a major issue; interior insulation would likely cause moisture problems between the wall and the insulation.
For the interior plaster, use a standard gypsum plaster.
R
Ricardo-110 Jun 2014 07:52I am not convinced by this gypsum plaster. Especially in basements with high humidity, this type of plaster is unsuitable. I use lime-cement plaster.
Hi.
Basement finishing is quite popular these days. Every room is needed, especially as children get older. My husband wants to set up a gym in the basement, so it will be finished as well.
He has started now and has applied the plaster. No electrical connection is necessary. Before that, he installed a small window exactly where the stairs are. That should be enough for ventilation. Everything is already looking quite good. 🙂 🙂
Kind regards
Basement finishing is quite popular these days. Every room is needed, especially as children get older. My husband wants to set up a gym in the basement, so it will be finished as well.
He has started now and has applied the plaster. No electrical connection is necessary. Before that, he installed a small window exactly where the stairs are. That should be enough for ventilation. Everything is already looking quite good. 🙂 🙂
Kind regards
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