Hey guys. I've just joined the forums. I'm hoping to get advise on how to properly remodel my basement. I've received conflicting advice from various local contractors.
I'm a photographer, and need to finish the basement on my frame house (built 1930s) in Queens, NY in order to use the space for a studio. However, before I do that I need to address the moisture issue.
The foundation is lined with cinderblock, approximately 6-8" thick. and parts of it are consistently moist, moreso after rain, though there is no period at which the basement is completely dry.
Now, I've framed the entry to the basement with 2x4s and 5/8" greenboard (I try to learn as much about home improvement as I can as contractors in this area are very pricey). I was later informed that even greenboard will grow mold. I can already tell those parts of it that sit in the basement are already moist to the touch. So, be it as it may, I'm planning on re-framing the entry and using cement board, however, I first want to address the moisture issue.
One contractor had recommended that I use DRYLOK. So, to test how it works, I bought two buckets (this stuff isn't cheap). I cleaned the wall and applied 3 layers of it over 3 months. But the stuff never really dried. UGL tells me it can only be applied to completely dry surfaces (funny, because it's marketed as the ultimate water-proofer). They recommend I scrape it with a wire brush, and kill the mold that's been growing on it with bleach/water.
Be that as it may, it didn't solve my problem of stopping moisture. UGL tells me to dehumidify the whole basement prior to re-applying. However, running a 10,000BTU dehumidifier there for a whole month hasn't helped. The walls get constantly moist from rain.
So how do I best ensure dry walls before framing the basement? My two questions are: Should I address the moisture problem in or out? Each side of the house has a driveway, lined with part cement blocks and part soil.
My second question is, if I can't fully prevent the walls from being moist, should I simply frame the interior of the basement with some sort of moisture-resistant composite material (instead of pine 2x4s) and use cement board? I had wanted to put a fresh coat of cement on the floor as there are cracks and uneven spots, and ultimately tile the floor. I understand that Hardi-Backer is water resistant and completely immune to mold.
I'm attaching some photos from the various parts of the basement. I've owned this house now for a year, and detected no mold growing anywhere in the basement. Only recently, the area where I had applied DRYLOK began showing mold growth (which is spreading quickly). Whatever thoughts or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks beforehand!
I'm a photographer, and need to finish the basement on my frame house (built 1930s) in Queens, NY in order to use the space for a studio. However, before I do that I need to address the moisture issue.
The foundation is lined with cinderblock, approximately 6-8" thick. and parts of it are consistently moist, moreso after rain, though there is no period at which the basement is completely dry.
Now, I've framed the entry to the basement with 2x4s and 5/8" greenboard (I try to learn as much about home improvement as I can as contractors in this area are very pricey). I was later informed that even greenboard will grow mold. I can already tell those parts of it that sit in the basement are already moist to the touch. So, be it as it may, I'm planning on re-framing the entry and using cement board, however, I first want to address the moisture issue.
One contractor had recommended that I use DRYLOK. So, to test how it works, I bought two buckets (this stuff isn't cheap). I cleaned the wall and applied 3 layers of it over 3 months. But the stuff never really dried. UGL tells me it can only be applied to completely dry surfaces (funny, because it's marketed as the ultimate water-proofer). They recommend I scrape it with a wire brush, and kill the mold that's been growing on it with bleach/water.
Be that as it may, it didn't solve my problem of stopping moisture. UGL tells me to dehumidify the whole basement prior to re-applying. However, running a 10,000BTU dehumidifier there for a whole month hasn't helped. The walls get constantly moist from rain.
So how do I best ensure dry walls before framing the basement? My two questions are: Should I address the moisture problem in or out? Each side of the house has a driveway, lined with part cement blocks and part soil.
My second question is, if I can't fully prevent the walls from being moist, should I simply frame the interior of the basement with some sort of moisture-resistant composite material (instead of pine 2x4s) and use cement board? I had wanted to put a fresh coat of cement on the floor as there are cracks and uneven spots, and ultimately tile the floor. I understand that Hardi-Backer is water resistant and completely immune to mold.
I'm attaching some photos from the various parts of the basement. I've owned this house now for a year, and detected no mold growing anywhere in the basement. Only recently, the area where I had applied DRYLOK began showing mold growth (which is spreading quickly). Whatever thoughts or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks beforehand!