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.

Built in Summer 1940, the Type 26 pillbox is a 6 ft by 6 ft cube just big enough to house 4 soldiers and their guns. The 1 m thick concrete walls were built to withstand a direct hit from a naval warship. 98 tons of concrete went into creating the pillbox. In the 1980s, the whole exterior was covered…

A group of local artists was chosen to redecorate the walls of the structure with an aquatic-themed mural. The mural would make use of the natural colour of the cement rendered portions of the wall to look like the sea bed and the rest would be painted.

Damp-proofing and waterproofing specialists from Remedial Treatment Consultants were also brought in to carry out the installation works.

Anglia Decor carried out a full investigation of the building and determined that the high porosity and bad condition of the exterior walls was the cause of the problem. The problem consisted of four main elements:

The Problem Due to a combination of extended wet weather and defective pointing, the weather facing walls of the property had been suffering from penetrating damp. This had led to damp patches, blown plaster and bubbled patches of delaminated paint appearing on the internal decorating surfaces.

The Long Eaton Baptist Church in Nottinghamshire is a brick-built church that dates back to the 1880s. Throughout the years, various additions were made to the building and a major reconstruction was carried out in 1955.

Damp patches were showing up on interior walls, spoiling decoration and creating an uncomfortable living environment. Greenwich council wanted to stop the penetrating damp and make sure that the estate was prepared for any similarly extreme winters in the future.

This Victorian semi-detached residential property is located in the large seaside town of Brighton, East Sussex. The house was purchased a few years ago by the owners and has been undergoing general renovations.

The damp patches were not drying out, even during the warm and dry summer months. Crawley Borough Council surveyed the situation.

The Star in Soho is a popular and long established eatery and bar with a vaulted basement meeting room. During the day, it is a bustling traditional café, with a relaxed pre-war aesthetic. Once the evening begins, however, the Star Café becomes The London Gin Club, a stylish table-service gin bar. Both of the Star’s different guises are very well…

Building restoration specialists, Timberwise, were called in to provide a solution to the rain penetration problem. They identified two main contributing factors:

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 Greyfriars Extra Care Housing Scheme is a partnership between Housing 21, North Yorkshire Council, Richmondshire District Council, and main contractors Frank Haslam Milan (FHM). The development overlooks the medieval town of Richmond, North Yorkshire and consists of 39 two-bedroom apartments for older people with a range of care and support needs.

As the clients wished the sandstone block façade of the original dry dock to be maintained, the most obvious solutions (i.e. application of waterproofing slurry, or lining with a cavity drainage membrane) were not possible. Instead, JJ Metcalfe Ltd. proposed reducing the passage of water through the masonry by raking out the mortar joints and replacing the mortar with waterproof…

Liverpool City Council, as “engineering operations” and “change of use” permission was required.

The construction of such a large building on a site containing London clay requires very deep foundations. Due to the high land prices in the central London area it was decided to make use of this space by incorporating a two-storey basement area into the design. The basement was formed using secant piling that was faced with reinforced shotcrete.

“The Quays” is a leisure and residential development forming part of the regeneration of Chatham’s historic dockyard. The development was designed by architects, Wilkinson Eyre, and constructed by the Ardmore Group on behalf of Byrne Estates.

The basement, a retail space in Nottingham’s central Listergate shopping area, had suffered from problems with water ingress. As part of a £2.4 million refurbishment of the building, property consultants, King Sturge, and architects, Chapman Taylor, approached Safeguard to discuss the design of a suitable waterproofing system to upgrade the basement to a level of dryness suitable for a retail…

This was a classic barn conversion project. The new owners wished to renovate the barn, upgrading it to provide a high standard of residential accommodation. The barn dates back to the late 18th Century and had previously been used for a number of agricultural purposes, including grain drying / storage and as a milking parlour. The barn was once part…

These can result in delays and cancellations to the rail services using the tunnel. The situation at the Balcombe tunnel typifies such a water penetration problem. Historically metal sheets were fitted to divert the penetrating water. However the variance in air pressure created by the passage of trains sometimes resulted in the metal sheets being torn from the structure, creating…

Introducing the Drybase Tanking Range. These cementitious waterproofing materials enables above-ground and basement waterproofing jobs.

The UK government has an ongoing commitment to reduce net carbon emissions by 2050 and as such the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has been carrying out research into retrofit insulation installation. Although there is a large focus by developers to ensure that new buildings are constructed with energy efficiency in mind, experts agree that there needs to…

Safeguard is known throughout the construction industry for providing the highest quality waterproofing and damp-proofing solutions. Our products have been used by national and local contractors for more than 35 years. We are often used on large industrial jobs because our customers know how well tested and effective our products are.

The coating is easily applied to walls using a brush or roller. Once cured, AG-Coat dries to form a clear water-resistant barrier. The coating enables the quick removal of paints and poster adhesives from the wall using a power sprayer. It’s a non-sacrificial coating, meaning that it can be power washed up to 15 times without needing to re-apply.

Stormdry CB Crack Bridging Coat has now been launched as part of Safeguard’s expansion of the Stormdry Masonry Enhancement range. Stormdry CB Coat is a water-resistant coating intended for use on masonry and stone where multiple fine cracking is seen on the wall surface.

Raincheck LS waterproofing liquid provides excellent penetration depth, water repellency and breathability.

The British Board of Agrément has certified Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream after extensive testing.

A new brochure is now available for the Vandex Flextape system. Vandex Flextape is used for the sealing and waterproofing of cracks, construction joints, and expansion joints in concrete structures – above and below ground. The thermoplastic elastomer sealing tape is highly weather-resistant and UV-proof, creating a long-lasting seal for cracks, expansion joints and construction joints. A key area of…

The latest issue of the Safeguard Product Guide is now available in hard copy or PDF. The guide serves as a useful introduction to the product ranges that we sell as well as providing information on training courses. To request a printed copy by post, please contact our technical department on 01403 210204 or submit an enquiry.

We are pleased to announce the launch or Stormdry, a deeply penetrating masonry water-repellent supplied as a ready-for-use cream. Stormdry is the result of over three years research and development, resulting in a product that is: Easy to apply (time-saving one-coat application)Effective on a wide range of masonry substratesBreathable (does not block pores)Deeply-penetratingUV-resistantAlkali-resistant (suitable for application onto freshly pointed walls)…

Check out Vandex product application videos at safeguardeurope.com

27th August 2008 – Two new fixing guides for green roofs are now available for download from this website: Fixing guide for pitched green roofsFixing guide for flat green roofs The guides cover the key steps required to construct a green roof using the Oldroyd Green range of drainage membranes which contain 49 – 70% recycled material. In recent years…

We are pleased to announce that Oldroyd have increased the minimum recycled content of some of the main cavity drainage membranes in their product range – as shown in the table below: MembranePrevious minimum recycled contentNew minimum recycled contentOldroyd Xv Black40%56%Oldroyd Xs40%56%Oldroyd Xv 2040%49%Oldroyd Green Range (Green Roofs)40%49%Oldroyd Gtx Range40%49% It should be noted that these are minimum recycled contents…

Safeguard are pleased to announce the launch of an improved range of sump systems for basements.

Oldroyd’s new Foundations and Basements brochure is now available for download. The new brochure focuses on the use of externally-applied cavity drainage membranes as part of a dual-layer basement waterproofing system. The use of Oldroyd membranes beneath floor slabs to provide moisture protection is also covered. The following products are featured in the brochure: Oldroyd Xv BlackOldroyd XsOldroyd Gtx Range…

The latest version of Oldroyd’s Interior Walls and Basements brochure is now available for download. The new brochure reflects recent developments in the Oldroyd range such as the introduction of the Oldroyd Xv 20 large-stud cavity drain membrane, the inclusion of multi-layer technology across the Oldroyd range, and Oldroyd’s new 50-year product guarantee. One of the most popular uses for…

Oldroyd have produced a product life cycle assessment for their range of waterproofing and drainage membranes.

13th September 2006 – Safeguard are pleased to announce the launch of the new Vandex Rapid Range in the UK.

The one-day course is priced at £140 plus VAT per attendee (£164.50 inc. VAT). If the course is booked at the same time as our Oldroyd cavity drainage membrane practical application course the price is £230 plus VAT for both days (£270.25 inc. VAT) – a saving of £50 + VAT. 2005 course dates are as follows: Vandex Practical Training…

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.

It is possible to construct floor slabs from waterproof concrete complying with BS 8007. However to achieve this grade, a considerable amount of extra steel reinforcing is required, greatly increasing the cost of the slab. An alternative approach is to use standard concrete of the required strength in conjunction with a coating or membrane to protect the slab from water…

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.

Construction joints are a particular weak points in basement structures through which water can penetrate. Therefore, joints between components, including day work joints, should be durable and watertight and include appropriate waterstops (Vandex Expaseal) or hydrophilic strips. Kickers, usually cast as part of the slab, should be used to form the joint between floors and walls (NHBC Chapter 5.4).

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”.

The use of Drybase cementitious waterproofing products is often associated with civil engineering applications such as reservoir waterproofing. They also provide a cost-effective waterproofing solution for ponds and water features.

In many industries bunds are widely used to act as secondary containment vessels to protect against the consequences of the failure of a primary containment vessel (e.g. storage tank, drums, IBCs). In recent years, legislation passed by the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has made it mandatory for most oil storage facilties to include a secondary…

As well as waterproofing properties, products designed for protecting water-retaining structures for drinking water applications need to meet additional requirements.

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

The Drybase Tanking range of cementitious waterproofing products provides a number of options for the waterproofing of water-retaining structures. The choice of waterproofing system will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of water (e.g. potable water or effluent) to be retained and the construction type / material used to build the structure. Our technical department are…

After a flood has occurred, many things need to be established prior to remedial works taking place. Firstly, what caused the flood? For example, the way in which you approach remedial works will be different depending on whether the flood was caused by a failed sewage system, or was due to a river overflowing. The possibility that the water may…

Owners of buildings in flood risk areas may wish to upgrade their properties to improve their performance in the event of flood – minimising the cost of repairing flood damage and enabling faster reoccupation of the flood affected building. The first thought that comes into most people’s minds is to take measures to prevent flood water from entering the property…

After a flood has occurred, many things need to be established prior to remedial works taking place. Firstly, what caused the flood? For example, the way in which you approach remedial works will be different depending on whether the flood was caused by a failed sewage system, or was due to a river overflowing. The possibility that the water may…

Correct waterproofing of concrete planters is important to ensure that they remain aesthetically pleasing. Without proper waterproofing, water can migrate to the outside surface of the planter, causing decorative spoiling.

Converting a damp cellar or basement can be a surprisingly inexpensive way of increasing living space and can substantially increase the value of a property. Waterproofed cellars and basements can be converted into kitchens, bathrooms, wine cellars, living rooms, studies, or even recording studios. You are limited only by your imagination. In commercial premises, common uses for basements include, extra…

When constructing a new basement, it is possible to apply the waterproofing system to the internal (negative) or external (positive) side of the basement wall. In many cases, combined systems are specified to provide enhanced protection and these are encouraged in the latest NHBC guidance (NHBC Chapter 5.4). Examples of new-build basement waterproofing options can be found on our CAD…

The construction of basements underneath existing houses has been growing in popularity since the late 1990s driven by increasing property prices and demand for increased living space in city centres. The trend was originally limited to the most desirable parts of London, however, rising property prices mean that “dig out” basements can now be cost effective in most areas of…

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.

The use of contiguous / secant piling and diaphragm wall construction techniques to construct retaining walls is common in large commercial basement projects and often an efficient and cost-effective solution. The nature of these construction techniques is such that the only practical option is to apply waterproofing systems to the internal face of the retaining wall in order to reduce…

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

When manufactured to the correct specification, reinforced concrete is an extremely durable construction material. However, most of us will be aware of so-called ‘concrete cancer’ and other forms of damage to concrete. The most common causes of concrete damage are: Carbonation caused by CO2De-icing saltsInsufficient steel coverPoor concrete quality

Damp rising through concrete floor slabs is fairly common, causing damp issues on carpets and floor coverings.

Penetrating damp is the process of moisture moving from the exterior wall of a building to the interior.

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…