The Challenge
The owners of this Edwardian property in Hove wanted to convert their damp, unused basement into a home office and utility room. The basement suffered from severe lateral damp penetration with standing water during heavy rain. The walls were covered in efflorescence and black mould, and the existing concrete floor had no damp-proof membrane.
Our Solution
We installed a cavity drain membrane system across all walls and the floor, directing any water ingress to a perimeter channel connected to a sump pump with battery backup. The floor was raised with an insulated, damp-proofed screed. Walls were finished with a dry-lined plasterboard system over the membrane, providing a clean, dry surface ready for decoration. Ventilation was improved with a mechanical extract system.
The Result
The basement has been completely dry since completion, even through the wettest months. The clients now have a fully functional home office and utility room, adding significant value to their property. The sump pump has only activated twice during exceptional rainfall, exactly as designed.
