Rock basement
#1
09-13-05, 08:05 PM
Rock basement
I recently moved to Philadelphia from Texas, so the idea of having a basement is all to new for me. Since moving in we have been working on the other parts of the house but the basement is still the part that stumps me. The area that we live in is called Roxborough and it is no lie that the whole area is made of rock. Within our basement we have a wall that is made of uneven rock. Although I still have not experienced it I was told that when it rains the water comes thru the rock and forms a little creek that is then pumped out leaving alot of humidity. The room does have three windows which I believe can be opened in this type of event. I did see at homedepot that there were machines that could be bought to eliminate the humidity. But I was wondering if there is anything that can be done to this type of basement. I was eventually hoping that we could do something more to give the room it life and eventually finish or enclose it up. I read all the ideas of drywall but not sure if that is possible within this type of basement.
#2
09-16-05, 05:19 PM
Group Moderator
Generally you want to keep water as far from the basement as possible. Grade outside so water runs away. Make sure downspouts lead well away from the house.
In new construction (and expensive retrofits to older homes) they apply a moisture barrier to the oustide of the foundation and install drainage/piping to carry any water away from the foundation. You can try to paint the interior of your foundation with water sealing paints. Personally I think interior paints can hold back dampness but not real water.
Ventilating the basement may help in summer but it's not much of an option in your winters. A dehumidifier can suck moisture out of your basement air and help prevent mildew and make the space more liveable summer and winter. You may see a small hit on your electric bill if running a dehumidifier, and all the water it removes from the air has to go somewhere so you will need a drain or be prepared to empty it's bucket every day.
In new construction (and expensive retrofits to older homes) they apply a moisture barrier to the oustide of the foundation and install drainage/piping to carry any water away from the foundation. You can try to paint the interior of your foundation with water sealing paints. Personally I think interior paints can hold back dampness but not real water.
Ventilating the basement may help in summer but it's not much of an option in your winters. A dehumidifier can suck moisture out of your basement air and help prevent mildew and make the space more liveable summer and winter. You may see a small hit on your electric bill if running a dehumidifier, and all the water it removes from the air has to go somewhere so you will need a drain or be prepared to empty it's bucket every day.
