ᐅ Damp Basement Built in 1962 – Exterior Waterproofing / Drainage?

Created on: 16 Aug 2024 14:16
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Badaboocha
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Badaboocha
16 Aug 2024 14:16
Hello everyone,
we are undertaking a full renovation of a house built in 1962. One concern is the moisture in the unfamiliar basement.
Based on the following pictures, can it be estimated what needs to be done to control the moisture? With the current high temperatures, I usually have 75-80% relative humidity. Should the exterior be waterproofed? Additional drainage? Other options?

Thank you very much in advance for your help and advice.
Benny
Corner with damp, peeling plaster and small black insects on the wall.

Basement wall with white efflorescence, metal shelf in the foreground.

Basement wall with damp, peeling plaster and cables on brown tiles.

Basement corner: crumbling wall, moisture, brown tiles, dust, wooden lattice on shelf.
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nordanney
16 Aug 2024 16:08
Hard to say. Excavate and waterproof from the outside? Are all of these exterior walls? Do interior walls also have that kind of fuzz?

My basement is currently damp as well. Like in your case, it’s due to humidity. But otherwise, my basement is completely sealed from the outside.

In any case, I would get a professional to take a look.
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Badaboocha
16 Aug 2024 21:39
Yes, mostly only the exterior walls are affected. The draft extends about one meter (3 feet) into an adjacent interior wall. I think it gets worse, especially after it has rained, but maybe that’s also due to the increased humidity at those times(?). Who would be the best person to ask about this? A bricklayer?