by lisap »
Fri Jul 27, 2007 11:15 pm
Hi, my ex-BF had our cellar converted by his uncle (a builder) a dpc was put in (not tanked) and a concrete floor. Damp proof paint was painted on walls, wooden cladding put on, a sky-light with a few vent bricks. A carpet was laid - JD. Except that it flooded a week later. It is a terrace house 1895 ish. Since then we split up, i left the floor as concrete (no covering). I just use the room as storage / utility now. I have read on this forum that concrete floors should have expansions in them or the walls can move - how will i know if this is in place? Im worried my walls will crack now. The conversion was done 3 yrs ago. With all the bad weather the cellar has just flooded again - clean water. Experts say high water table caused by the river flooding and saturating the ground. The water went on tuesday but the cellar had 4" of standing water for 4 days - the the water just went of its own accord. My house still smells quite badly of damp though. To be honest whenever it rains it has a damp smell to it. How can i tell if i have damp and what the problem is? What can i do to reduce the damp smell? If my cellar floors are ok is there a wet-proof floor paint i can be recommended to? Would painting the wooden cladding with gloss make the problem worse? I would be greatful of any help and advice. I wont be spending lots on the cellar though as it isnt worth it -however need to make sure the house isnt ruined !!
