cassie Posted September 20, 2009 Share Posted September 20, 2009 We have just received a C. U. to convert an atelier (4walls and a roof in O.K. condition) to a building for habitation. However soil is stacked against the exterior walls of the property....up to the ceiling level of the ground floor in some parts.Shall I hire a mini digger to remove the soil or will this weaken the structure?or Shall I tank interior walls.... how and what with? Shall I leave it as it is and assume the rest of the building (granite stones bonded by clay) will "breathe out" the moisture?Also, whilst I am on the subject, what is the best material for insulating walls and roof...... mineral wool/PIR/ a.n.other.How many millimeteres of PIR are equvalent to 200mm of mineral wool? and what are their relevant prices... and where is the best place to buy?All help gratefully appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
La Guerriere Posted September 20, 2009 Share Posted September 20, 2009 The answer may well depend on whether the building was built into the hillside (whatever) or the soil was built up against the walls after construction. Some pictures would help if you can manage it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
La Guerriere Posted September 20, 2009 Share Posted September 20, 2009 Oh, and I think that 100mm of PIR is about the same as 200mm of Rockwool or Glass Wool (very roughly). Not much PIR about though in France. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandaz Posted September 20, 2009 Share Posted September 20, 2009 One of my walls have earth up against it [maybe 3 foot] and I have no damp in the house but maybe I will dig it out when I have the time...Leave it till another day... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG MAC Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 The soil itself is insulating to an extent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunday Driver Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Half of my sous-sol is underground and I have no damp problems at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Ah but do you use it for habitation?Habitable areas tend not to have terre battu floors and bare brick/parpaing walls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG MAC Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 The damp starts when you seal the area up and heat it. a good insulated floor slab and very well insulated walls along with good waterproofing (to the dry lining rather than the wall itself) helps. Ventilate the resultant airspace betwen the membrane and the wall. then you will have cool air where you want it and the walls moisture level unlikely to change over much while retaining a warm dry room to occupy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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