Any home would benefit from having a cellar since it provides additional storage space as well as a safe and secure place to keep your belongings. However, adequate coverage is necessary to guarantee that it stays dry and functional. By covering your cellar with the appropriate materials and methods, you can keep moisture, pests, and temperature changes out of it.
There are several ways to cover a cellar, and each has benefits and things to consider. Making an educated choice that fits your budget and unique needs will be made easier if you are aware of these options. The longevity and usability of your cellar can be improved by making the right decision, regardless of whether you want to use contemporary materials or conventional techniques.
The greatest ways to cover a cellar will be discussed in this article along with some useful advice. You will find all the information required to maintain the best possible condition for your cellar, from insulation materials to waterproofing techniques. Let’s explore the various techniques and supplies that can assist you in creating a cellar area that is both effective and well-protected.
Covering Material | Advantages |
Bitumen | Waterproof, durable, easy to apply |
Concrete | Strong, long-lasting, resistant to moisture |
Rubber Membrane | Flexible, waterproof, easy to install |
Plastic Sheeting | Lightweight, inexpensive, effective moisture barrier |
Clay | Natural, breathable, effective at preventing water seepage |
- Preparing to build a cellar cover – preparatory work
- How to protect your cellar from moisture with your own hands
- We are planning to cover the cellar – general tips
- What types of cellar ceiling structures are used
- How to make a cellar ceiling in the form of a monolithic slab
- We form a cellar ceiling in a garage from prefabricated panels
- We make a floor in a basement from wood
- We are constructing a ceiling in the cellar from rolled steel
- We insulate the ceiling for the cellar
- Video on the topic
- HOW TO MAKE A CELLAR CEILING the easiest way
- Building a cellar – Part 3. Making a cellar ceiling.
- Cellar ceiling from slate
- CELLAR ROOF CONSTRUCTION. How to build a cellar with your own hands. BUNKER.
- Cellar ventilation. Preparing for winter
Preparing to build a cellar cover – preparatory work
A garage is a common location for the grown crop’s storage area. When preparing to construct a basement yourself out of a garage, it’s critical to consider every detail:
- make sure that there are no utilities below the ground level at the work site. This requirement is especially relevant in the city limits, where various highways may be located. If it is possible to go deep into the soil up to three meters, you can proceed to solving the next task;
- carry out survey activities aimed at determining the depth of the aquifers and assessing the quality of the soil. Professional surveyors will carry out research and present an official conclusion. With increased moisture saturation, drainage and reliable protection of the walls and floor should be provided;
- develop an optimal layout of the basement taking into account all the features. You should pay attention to the shape and dimensions of the basement, which in size should correspond to the contour of the garage space. It is important to choose the right material, as well as the technology for building the foundation.
It’s crucial to consider the following factors in order to create a cozy microclimate:
- ensuring reliable moisture insulation. Under normal humidity conditions, dampness will not develop;
- performing effective thermal insulation. One of the main tasks in this case is the correct insulation of the ceiling in the cellar;
- construction of a ventilation system. Thanks to air circulation, comfortable conditions will be maintained.
Once all of the issues on the list have been resolved, you can organize the garage’s cellar ceiling.
How to protect your cellar from moisture with your own hands
The basement can be shielded from moisture saturation by waterproofing it. It is generated using the subsequent algorithm:
- Plaster the wall surfaces with a moisture-resistant cement mortar.
- Glue sheet roofing felt to the surface of the plaster.
- Build the brickwork by pressing down the waterproofing material.
Pour a crushed stone-sand mixture onto the floor and compact it to a thickness of 15-20 cm to waterproof the floor.
We are planning to cover the cellar – general tips
After the walls are constructed, the base is concreted, and waterproofing is completed, the basement ceiling is constructed. There are several things to think about:
- choose the material for making the ceiling;
- study the technology of performing work;
- calculate the amount of required building materials;
- determine the overall level of costs;
- prepare tools and building materials.
It is important to take the hood’s design into account in order to maintain a comfortable humidity level. Air exchange is done in a number of ways:
- natural. Ventilation is provided using a supply line and an exhaust pipe due to temperature differences;
- forced. To increase the efficiency of circulation, a small-sized fan unit is used.
You can save a lot of money if you handle every task yourself.
What types of cellar ceiling structures are used
A basement ceiling is constructed using a variety of methods:
- solid concrete slabs reinforced with reinforcement;
- precast reinforced concrete ceilings made of standard elements;
- beam structures made of wood;
- strong beams made of rolled metal.
Let’s go into more detail about the characteristics of each choice and building technology.
How to make a cellar ceiling in the form of a monolithic slab
Making sure the ceiling structure is sturdy is crucial when considering do-it-yourself cellar construction. A solid reinforced concrete ceiling is preferred by many.
The steps involved in creating a monolithic concrete surface are as follows:
- Determine the dimensions of the solid block, cut the material for making the formwork.
- Assemble the panel formwork, securely fasten it with strong vertical supports.
- Check the tightness of the wooden structure and, if necessary, seal the cracks.
- Tie the spatial reinforcement grid using steel rods with a diameter of 1–1.2 cm.
- Ensure the immobility of the frame, as well as a fixed distance to the edge of the formwork of 40–50 mm.
- Fill the assembled formwork with concrete mortar without stopping until the volume is completely filled.
- Remove air bubbles from the liquid solution using special vibrators or reinforcing bars.
- Ensure the immobility of the hardening concrete for a month, then disassemble the formwork.
The following conditions must be satisfied in order to guarantee the stability of the structures being built:
- ensure the distance between the horizontal beams of the formwork of 0.5–0.6 m;
- maintain a constant interval between vertical posts of 1-1.5 m;
- maintain a step of 15–20 cm between the reinforcement bars;
- form a solid reinforced concrete slab with a thickness of 18–20 cm.
Steel telescopic racks can be used as the supporting structure, and moisture-resistant plywood can be used to construct the panel frame. The formed reinforced concrete slab must have at least 15 centimeters of clearance from the basement walls.
We form a cellar ceiling in a garage from prefabricated panels
You can use prefabricated monolithic technology to create a flow. Standard reinforced concrete panels made under industrial settings are used in this process.
A few challenges come up during work because of the slabs’ substantial mass and size:
- for transportation, lifting equipment is required and the involvement of professionals who will install the ceiling for the basement;
- the dimensions of the room must correspond to the dimensions of the slabs. Standard reinforced concrete panels are 9-12 meters long;
- slabs must be ordered in advance and delivered to the work site in a timely manner;
- the basement width must be a multiple of the panel width, taking into account the gaps that must be carefully concreted.
The steps involved in putting up a precast monolithic structure are as follows:
- Lay the slabs with a minimum gap on the upper plane of the walls.
- Seal the joints with thermal insulation material.
- Fill the gaps between the panels with concrete mixture.
- Glue roofing felt to the surface of the slabs using mastic.
This approach has the benefit of being less expensive and having the capacity to shorten the time needed to finish the task.
A cellar must be adequately covered to keep out moisture, temperature changes, and possible structural damage. You can use a variety of materials, such as waterproof membranes, concrete, and specialty paints. Every option has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s critical to select the best one for your cellar’s particular requirements and financial constraints. With the help of this guide, you will be able to cover your cellar with the best practices that will guarantee its long-term durability and safety.
We make a floor in a basement from wood
A basement floor that is organized using a wooden beam structure is a tried-and-true layout.
The order in which the works are produced:
- Impregnate the wood with an antiseptic.
- Waterproof the supporting surfaces of the beams with roofing felt.
- Install the beams on the end surface of the walls, fix them.
- Attach the boards to the beams, lay the thermal insulation material.
- Cover the thermal insulation with sheet roofing felt.
- Fill the resulting structure with soil or pour a thin layer of screed.
Installing the beams in grooves that have been previously prepared is crucial for ensuring the structure’s rigidity.
We are constructing a ceiling in the cellar from rolled steel
You can quickly create a sturdy structure with an I-beam by completing the tasks listed below in the correct order:
- Install the profiles, secure them with steel rods.
- Assemble the panel formwork and secure it with vertical posts.
- Lay the waterproofing, fill the formwork with concrete mixture.
- Evenly distribute and compact the concrete.
This kind of construction can support heavy loads.
We insulate the ceiling for the cellar
Different materials are employed to insulate rooms from heat:
- mineral wool;
- foam;
- polystyrene foam.
Wood sawdust mixed with cement is acceptable when applied to the surface in an even layer.
Maintaining the structural integrity of your cellar and shielding it from moisture and temperature changes requires appropriate cellar covering. Your cellar’s longevity and usability can be greatly impacted by the materials and methods you choose.
Think about materials that offer superior moisture resistance and insulation when selecting a covering. Robust protection is provided by options like bitumen, concrete slabs, and specialty waterproof membranes. Every material has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Making sure your cellar has enough ventilation is also crucial. Proper ventilation aids in keeping moisture and mold growth at bay. You can keep your cellar healthy by installing vents or a mechanical ventilation system.
Maintaining the best possible condition for your cellar requires routine inspections and maintenance. Look for any indications of damage or water infiltration, and take quick action if necessary. You can make sure your cellar stays a dry, useful, and important part of your house for many years to come by following these steps.