If you own an older building in Budapest, there's a good chance your basement is damp. This is no accident: most of Budapest's building stock was constructed at the turn of the 19th–20th century, when waterproofing technology was far behind today's standards. Capillary moisture and groundwater have been doing their work ever since.
Why Budapest basements get wet
Capillary moisture: Walls absorb water from the soil — exactly like a sponge. Old brick walls are especially prone to this. Moisture travels upward and can rise 2–3 metres above floor level.
Condensation: In cold basements, humid air deposits moisture on walls. This is especially common with poor ventilation and leads to mould growth.
Cracks and failed waterproofing: Original waterproofing ages over time, and water enters directly through wall cracks.
What doesn't work
Paint-based waterproof coatings: capillary pressure breaks them from the inside. Internal drainage systems: redirect water but don't eliminate the source. This is why many owners have already tried 2–3 solutions before finding a permanent one.
The Kerakoll method: permanent solution
The Italian Kerakoll mineral system works inside the wall, not just on the surface. The special crystallising plaster reacts chemically with wall material and actually seals the capillary channels. This is the only method ConSol applies to wet basements — because it's the only one that works permanently.
| Method | Expected lifespan | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Paint-based coating | 1–3 years | low |
| Internal drainage | 5–10 years | medium |
| Kerakoll mineral system | 25+ years | 120,000–200,000 Ft/m² |
We provide a 10-year guarantee on Kerakoll treatment — not possible with any other method.
How long does the work take?
A typical 30–50 m² basement treatment takes 2–3 weeks: week one for assessment, preparation and surface prep; week two for Kerakoll system application; week three for drying and inspection. The result: a dry, odour-free space that can even be converted to living space.
Frequently asked questions
Typical signs: horizontal moisture and salt stains at the base of walls, flaking paint, musty smell without visible water. If dampness rises from the floor up — it's capillary. From above — it's a pipe or rainwater issue.
Yes. The Kerakoll system is dust-free and odourless, so residents don't need to vacate. However, the treated room itself should not be used during the drying period — approximately 2–3 weeks.
Mould and odour disappear almost immediately after treatment. Full visual drying of the walls takes 4–8 weeks, depending on building age and wall thickness.