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Basement Waterproofing

Designing Basement Waterproofing Systems

Basements are susceptible to the ingress of moisture and contaminants from the ground. For this reason, a waterproofing system will usually be required. Guidance on the requirements for basement waterproofing systems is given in BS 8102:2022 “Code of practice for protection of below-ground structures against water from the ground”.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

A contractor measures a cavity drainage membrane in an existing membrane.

Designing a Basement Waterproofing System

The choice of waterproofing system will depend on a number of factors such as the method & type of basement construction, the depth below ground, and the proposed end use. The example designs on this website are intended to demonstrate how BS 8102:2022-compliant solutions can be achieved for some of the most common basement waterproofing scenarios.

Ventilation

In addition to dampness from the ground, basements are also commonly affected by condensation issues due to moisture-laden air within the basement structure. For this reason, the waterproofing systems described in this guide will usually need to be supplemented by mechanical ventilation. A waterproofing design specialist (see below) will be able to advise on suitable ventilation options depending on the proposed end use (e.g. car parking or document storage)

Design Specialist

A waterproofing design specialist with a CSSW qualification should be consulted at the design stage. Please contact our technical department on 01403 210204 or find a specialist for details of suitable basement design specialists in your area.

Type-A, Type-B or Type-C Waterproofing?

According to BS 8102:2022, basement waterproofing system materials fall into 3 main categories (referred to as ‘Types’).

Safeguard Basement Systems are combination Type A and C waterproofing systems. This means that there are multiple barriers to water ingress. In the unlikely event that one system should fail, there is always a supporting system to prevent water ingress.

Type A – Barrier Protection

The Drybase Tanking Range provides BS 8102-compliant Type A waterproofing.

Type C – Drained Protection

Type C waterproofing collects groundwater through a cavity membrane and cavity drainage system. The cavity membrane controls the flow of groundwater. The cavity drainage system carries it away from the basement and disposes of it away from the below-ground structure.

Drybase Flex Membrane and the Oldroyd range of Cavity Drainage Membranes provide BS 8102-compliant Type C waterproofing.

Safeguard Example Type A and Type C Basement Systems

New build basements specification diagram with a completed basement in the background. Version 1.

New-Build Basements

Safeguard Basement System 1

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System 2 basement 5x4

Dig-Out Basements

Safeguard Basement System 2

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A diagram of a System 3 Basement.

Piled Retaining Wall Basements

Safeguard Basement System 3

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An example of a system 4 basement design. Basement photograph background.

Basement Refurbishment

Safeguard Basement System 4

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Get it Done

Drybase Crystalline Active Slurry (25Kg) A cementitious, ready mixed in-depth waterproofer for concrete surfaces only.
£75.99
Oldroyd Xv20 Cavity Drainage Membrane (2m x 15m Roll) High flow-capacity 2m x 15m cavity drainage membrane with 20 mm stud profile.
£285.29
Drybase Flex Membrane (1.2 m × 15 m) A watertight low-profile sheet membrane for protection against dampness in walls without the need to drill and install plugs
£161.99
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