Hey everyone,
I've been doing a ton of research and consulting with professionals, but I still feel a bit lost on how to deal with dampness in our 18th-century home. We have a partially underground room with a stone wall that has dirt behind it, and unfortunately, we can't access the other side of the wall since it's dug into the mountainside. The dampness is coming toward this wall, and we want to make the space as dry as possible.
I was advised to take the following steps:
1. Inject DPC cream into the wall at various intervals.
2. Apply an anti-moisture resin.
3. Use a waterproof casing coat on top of that.
4. Install Ba13 plaster with rails, leaving a gap.
5. Add aeration vents at the top and bottom of the plaster wall.
6. Implement a mechanical ventilation system in the room.
This advice seems helpful, but I've read some concerns online about the effectiveness of DPC injections and whether they really address the source of the problem. Given that we can't eliminate the source, does this plan sound reasonable?
2 Answers
Honestly, I think you're better off focusing on preventing water from reaching that wall in the first place. Once it gets there, most waterproofing options provide only limited help. Water is relentless, and it will keep pushing through if it finds a way.
Also, I get that you can't access the back of the wall, but why? Could you manage any adjustments to redirect water away somehow? Those DPC injections might help a little, but they won't solve the underlying issue.
Have you thought about building a poured concrete foundation around the existing one? A drainage system like a Dutch drain could help redirect water away from that area. Then, filling it with crushed stone could provide further protection. Just an idea that could provide solid support against water intrusion.
We're on a slope, and digging behind the wall would mean messing with the living room. It's a huge job since we'd essentially have to rebuild half the house!