We moved into our home last year. Its located in the the mountains (overseas), with cold snowy winter climate. So frozen ground in winter and lots of moisture in spring.
We have a cellar, its built half into the mountainside, so one side is effectively on the ground floor which is where theres a door to access. The other side is built into the hillside, so likely there is just soil behind it. It was built in 1950s, before proper cellar tanking existed.
Now some of the walls are crumbly on the plaster. Its mainly on the side that is built into the hillside, and a bit around the bottom elsewhere. Its obviously damp from over time.
I don't want to tank the whole cellar. Its only used half for heating system, oil tanks and water tanks, and the other half I want as basic storage for bikes, skis, and tools. I just want it to be a bit tidier and cleaner as currently, the crumbly bit are fairly dusty, and painted dark green.
I have been reading up, and apparently, its best to not seal the moisture in to old houses, but to allow the walls to breathe. So no wall sealant etc. It seems like a lime based plaster with a lime wash paint could be the best way forward
Does anybody have any similar experience or recommendations?
thanks