How to waterproof 100 year old cellar?

[tstaylor]

Hello

I live in a 1920s house that has a small cellar (3100 x2400mm x 1950 high) that is lined with brick walls. Looks like there is a moisture problem, with what looks like efflorescence on the bricks? 

 the otherwise of the bricks is soil and not accessible 

 

Are there any suggestions how to treat the bricks?

Is it possible to put in a damp proof membrane?

Thank you

[EricL]

Hello @tstaylor 

Thanks for sharing your question about your brick cellar. Generally speaking, the brick wall should have been treated with a bitumen sealer on the other side before it was all sealed in. This would have prevented the moisture in the soil from travelling through the brick. In this particular situation, I suggest engaging the services of a professional water proofing specialist. They will be able to offer a long-term solution to the moisture entering your brick cellar. At this point in time any paint or sealer placed in front of the wall will simply get pushed off by the hydrostatic pressure coming from the bricks.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @tstaylor 

Having a 100yo celler... ENVIOUS!!! Even with the moisture and efflorescence issue Id still love it!

I agree with @EricL as there isnt a lot you can add to this side to this side to combat the efflorescence  showing up. Its not the end of the world tho.

A few things you could consider -

- A false wall in front with ventilation to keep the area between the wall and bricks dry.

- Leave the bricks as is (apart from a hard scrub with a wire brush to remove loose parts) I wouldnt put anything against the wall but definently it would be a very nice style to have for a wine cellar, cool room type deal.

- Thin fallse wall closer to the bricks to maximise space. (not my favoured option as I think it will lead troblems down the track)

- Floor leveler tho keepin mind what you have will probarly not have any moisture barrier under it but having a smooth surface will allow the roomto be used more so.

- Maybe a 8mm gravel floor to provide a level floor? It will allow drainage to wherever and also give it a nicer look depending on the use you have for it.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @tstaylor 

I also agree with @EricL and @Dave-1 that especially due to the depth of the cellar, it would be best to get a specialist in. If the room never get water ingress, thats at least a good sign that a solution maybe possible on the inside. The discolouring of the bricks will be due to some form of dampness over times without any or not enough air-flow.

Nailbag

[tstaylor]

Thank you @EricL , @Nailbag , @Dave-1 
Appreciate your help. I will engage in a specialist to see what they can do

Ideally, it would be great to turn it into a wine cellar

[EricL]

Hello @tstaylor 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we definitely look forward to seeing what the specialist will recommend to securing your cellar.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Ideally I am 100% with you on that @tstaylor