I've read all of the posts here and am now very confused as to which process I should use. I have few troubles with water, but occasionally (a few times a year) I get a damp corner. I think this will be corrected this week when I have my downspout fixed. I'll also check the grade outside to make sure this isn't the problem.
My basement was once finished (long story), so now it has heating vents, open studwork and conduit in place. I have a brick foundation that is from 1876. The mortar was probably touched up in the early 80's-90's but is missing in spots, and there is a lot of efflorescence. Is this because an unheated brick wall is facing a heated room? I'm trying to save money where I can but will need pros for most of it. I want to make sure I'm not getting taken to the bank for work I don't need. Especially since I'm female. From everyone's posts, it seems like I should do or have someone else:
1. Brush and vac efflorescence off bricks.
2. Have bricks tuckpointed.
3. Have bricks sealed? Is this harmful to the brick/unecessary?
4. Have non-VB insulation installed behind studwork and pipes.
5. Have a vapor barrier facing inward between studs and insulation.
6. Have drywall hung on walls and ceiling.
7a. Lay tile over thinset on concrete slab floor. Do I need a VB first? How would I put this down?
or, if I spent a lot more:
7b. Install VB on floor, lay insulated underlayment and then floating floor. Any brand recommendations?
or, if tile is a very bad idea for some reason:
7c. Seat pool table legs on top of individual, unseated ceramic tiles to provide guard against dampness and install indoor/outdoor carpet that's bound to room measurements and pieced around pool table to allow lifting out without disturbing table.
What do you think? Is this the right order? Any recommendations for flooring? Is tuckpointing or sealing the wall bricks necessary? Also, is the floating floor worth the extra money? It will end up costing me 4 or 5 times more per square foot. And if I'm going to spend that much, what about cork? Could that tolerate any water exposure at all?
Any help is most appreciated. Thanks!
