Basements are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, but it is important that they are properly waterproofed. This seminar looks at the different waterproofing options available and assists the specifier in choosing the correct system for a given construction type and location.

With Tibby Singh and YDC Basements, Safeguard waterproofed a basement at an end of terrace home in Leeds using Drybase Tanking System.

The Vandex BB75 was applied by trowel the next day and allowed to cure. On the third day, a 3:1 sand:cement finishing coat was applied. Vandex BB75 waterproofing slurry was also applied to the floor (following surface preparation). A screed was then poured on top.

Depending on the type of piles used, reinforced concrete or sprayed reinforced concrete will need to be applied on top of the piles to consolidate them and provide a suitable surface for the waterproofing system. The waterproofing system used could be a cavity drainage system (Oldroyd Xv 20), a crystalline active water-proofer (Drybase Crystalline Active Tanking Slurry), or preferably a…

Drybase Crystalline Active Slurry offers a solution to this problem. Because it penetrates into the concrete pile head or pile cap rather than forming a waterproof layer on top, the waterproofing material can support the loads from subsequently poured ground beams or foundation slabs. An example of a typical application is shown below, however, because piled foundations vary widely in…

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.

Drybase Tanking Slurry has been designed to provide protection in these demanding environments. Used in conjunction with Drybase Active Crystalline Slurry, these products can be used to waterproof sewers and sewage treatment plants in new construction and refurbishment projects. 

The Drybase range of cementitious waterproofing products and the Oldroyd range of cavity drainage membranes both have tunnel waterproofing applications. Solutions are also available for the refurbishment of existing tunnels.

In refurbishment situations, the waterproofing options are more limited than those available when refurbishing basements. This is primarily because working conditions are usually very confined. Cementitious materials such as Drybase Crystalline Active Tanking Slurry and Drybase Universal Mortar are therefore usually preferred over cavity drainage systems.

Choosing the most appropriate waterproofing system will depend on a number of factors including:Newbuild or refurbishmentDepth below ground levelConstruction type / materialSoil typeProposed end useSoil contaminants / ground gassesOur technical department are able to provide information on the most appropriate waterproofing system for a given project. On larger projects, site visits can be arranged.This website provides further information about waterproofing…

Dampness may affect old tunnels and arches due to a waterproofing system failure or because they were not designed to be occupied.

Underground car-parks range from a single space below a house to large municipal car-parks. However, like all underground structures, they need to be protected from water-ingress. Because concrete is the favoured construction material for underground car-parks, Drybase Crystalline Active Tanking Slurry usually offers the most cost-effective water-proofing solution, however, Drybase Tanking Slurry can also be used. On floor areas, Drybase…