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.

The BRE guidance document, BR211 describes two levels of radon protection: basic radon protection and full radon protection. 

In most cases piled retaining walls do not provide adequate resistance to water in their own right so a waterproofing system will need to be applied on top.

The waterproofing of concrete-piled foundations presents a problem for many waterproofing systems – particularly those based on sheet membranes. The majority of these systems cannot be used over pile heads and pile caps because they do not have the bearing capacity to support the applied load.

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”.

Concrete waterproofing products for use in sewers and sewage treatment plants need to be specifically designed to cope with the additional stresses caused by: Continuously changing degree of contaminationEnvironmental effectsFluctuating liquid levelFormation of aggressive microclimates in sealed holding tanks

Tunnels can vary in size from small service ducts to water pipelines to the large-bore tunnels used for road and rail. Waterproofing methods will vary depending on factors such as the construction method used to build the tunnel, the type of ground through which the tunnel is built, and the level of dryness required inside the tunnel. The Drybase range…

Lift pits normally extend below ground / slab level and, therefore, like basements are susceptible to water ingress under hydrostatic pressure. In new-build situations, lift pits are usually waterproofed externally using the same methods employed to waterproof newbuild basements.

To provide a dry environment, any structure built below ground level will require waterproofing. 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 gasses

Old tunnels and arches can suffer from dampness and water ingress because of a failure of the original waterproofing system, or, in the case of the many Victorian railway arches found in the UK, because they were never designed to be occupied. For practical reasons it is usually preferable to apply a new waterproofing system to the inside of the…

Rising land prices and rising car ownership are leading to an acute shortage of parking spaces in the UK. One solution is to build car parks below ground. Choosing to build car parks underground brings a number of benefits.