Need a moistureproof alternative to drywall in basement.

[notahandyman]

Until we can afford to have our basement waterproofed, we have a wall in the basement that is currently drywall and needs to be torn down. The wall serves as a sound-barrier to a music studio. We just had a heavy storm that left over 9 inches of water in the basement (lucky the band gear was not downstairs at the time) and now the drywall is swelling and turning moldy. Is there an alternative that won't break the bank that can handle another possible basement leak that can also be somewhat effective for soundproofing? We got a quote for $17,000 to waterproof the basement, but we just can't manage to do that right now and really need to replace the wall asap.

Thanks in advance...

[cyfreeney]

Waterproof wall systems

Your best option in this case is to use a basement wall system. They are usually all-in-one solutions, and can be installed without framing, insulation or vapor barrier and most are either sound absorbing or sound proof. Just look them up on the internet.

The only problem with that, as I understand from your post, is that you do have some sort of water seepage through the walls. If you install any panels, or even any wall, you will still need to provide some sort of drainage system to collect the water that will seep through behind whatever wall that is in place and divert it to a sump pump system to get it out of the basement, or you will have a wet floor.

I'd suggest you shop for an internal perimeter drainage system, which is a more effective, less expensive and hassle free way to waterproof a basement (as opposite to digging out the foundations).
A good waterproofing contractor will give you a free estimate, will not try to sell more than you need and will offer payment options that will allow you to pay for the job in a way that makes sense to you.