Have an older house built in '46 with a basement. Drainage was done with Platon mat, estimated sometime in the late 80s/early 90s. There's moisture penetration on all the basement walls and clear plastering issues, meaning the plaster falls off at the bottom of the walls, and it has been the same since we moved in over 20 years ago. We avoid placing items like paper bags or other organic materials on the basement floor as they become damp over time. Otherwise, we don't feel it's particularly damp, no musty smell or the like, and currently, in April, the humidity is around 50%. We use a dehumidifier in the laundry room to dry the laundry. There's no plan to renovate any part of the basement; it will continue to be used for storage, laundry, and a pantry.
I would like to freshen up certain parts of the basement. Primarily the concrete floor which currently has some cracks and is generally unattractive. Secondly (possibly) plaster the walls and make them nice, but the floor is the priority.
Now to my questions.
Can it be assumed that the drainage is worn out or insufficient, or is it likely that ground moisture is rising from the floor? There is no difference in the plastering issues between the interior and exterior basement walls, it's the same everywhere. If moisture is rising from the floor, will re-drainage make any difference?
Specifically, is it worthwhile to do anything to the floor/walls even if the drainage isn't redone, or should that be a first step? There is diffusion-open plaster that can be used, does that work?
I would like to freshen up certain parts of the basement. Primarily the concrete floor which currently has some cracks and is generally unattractive. Secondly (possibly) plaster the walls and make them nice, but the floor is the priority.
Now to my questions.
Can it be assumed that the drainage is worn out or insufficient, or is it likely that ground moisture is rising from the floor? There is no difference in the plastering issues between the interior and exterior basement walls, it's the same everywhere. If moisture is rising from the floor, will re-drainage make any difference?
Specifically, is it worthwhile to do anything to the floor/walls even if the drainage isn't redone, or should that be a first step? There is diffusion-open plaster that can be used, does that work?
Guaranteed best to drain first! Then set up a dehumidifier for a few months.