Parging Interior Basement walls? - DIY Chatroom

Gibson · 11-04-2009, 09:00 PM

I live in S. Ontario is a house built in the 30's. I am about to start a basement reno and I've found that the interior (and exterior) walls in the basement are in rough shape. The parging is crumbling and falling off. I've attached a photo so you can see what I'm dealing with. I am completly new to this and don't know where to start.

It has been suggested that I should clean and re-parge the walls. Does this really need to be done if I'm framing and dry walling? Can I get get away with just covering it over?

Thanks in Advance.

Wildie · 11-04-2009, 09:50 PM

In your case, its unlikely that the walls can be repaired from inside.
The outside of the walls will need to be excavated, the wall surfaces parged and waterproofed or at least waterproofed.
Drainage tile would be installed adjacent to the footings and run to a sump pump.
Parging the inside will do no good and is a waste of time and money.
I'm planning a similar job and I plan to have foam insulation sprayed on the inside wall, then I'll erect a wood frame wall over top.
I'll also insulate the stud cavities, as well. (with R12 Roxul)

itsreallyconc · 11-05-2009, 08:07 AM

he's right,,, w/o resolving the wtr/wtr vapor issue outside 1st anything you do inside'll be wasted effort/mtls,,, you can get away ' w/covering it as long's you realize the damage'll still be taking place inside AND outside,,, after all, it IS your home,,, i wouldn't in mine, tho.

forget listening to whoever gave you that suggestion, too !