Basement Waterproofing

The Problem

Many houses have basements, cellars and vaults that were never designed for modern living. They can suffer from rising damp and penetrating damp and even flooding, and as a result are not used to their full potential. Structural waterproofing below ground is a highly specialised operation and must be undertaken by contractors and designers who have the requisite levels of skill, understanding and experience. All too often we have had experience dealing with failed waterproofing systems & tanking systems, resulting from inadequate specifications and poor workmanship, where project designers made such assumptions, only for these to prove incorrect, with this resulting in costly remedial work for the customer.

BS8102 - What does it mean?

BS8102 - BS8102 is the Code of Practice for Protection of Below Ground Structures Against Water from the Ground. Anyone surveying or specifying basement waterproofing should ideally be a fully qualified waterproofing surveyor, who has attended the ‘British School Of Waterproofing’, and is knowledgeable in BS8102. We have already mentioned that structural waterproofing is a highly skilled operation. Therefore, we recommend that it should not be carried out by a builder or by any other designer. Nothing within the construction industry is without risk, and perfection does not exist, and when a basement is subjected to a head of water, that water will find even the slightest defect and permeate the structure. Even when soil investigations show low water tables, an allowance should be made for hydrostatic pressure, because water tables change, drains can block up, and heavy rain can cause localised ground saturation. By understanding the principles involved in waterproofing a basement, the risk of failure can be avoided.

Why choose Basement Excellence?

We offer a range of waterproofing and tanking systems that can transform a damp basement into a dry habitable living space. Our surveyor is fully qualified having passed the 'British School Of Waterproofing' examination, and is knowledgeable in BS8102. BS8102 is the Code of Practice for Protection of Below Ground Structures Against Water from the Ground. Our surveyor will inspect your basement and consider firstly, the existing form of construction, secondly, the existing ground conditions, such as the height of the water table, before designing a suitable waterproofing system for you. We would normally recommend a Cavity Drain Membrane System as this is normally the most reliable method of waterproofing. Cavity Drain Membranes utilise a studded membrane to line the walls and floors to provide a dry internal surface. The walls can then be dry lined or plastered, and the floors can be screeded or overlaid with chipboard or tongue and groove flooring. Sealed systems are used in conjunction with drainage or sump and pumps where there is active water or flooding. By employing Basement Excellence you will have the benefit that the work is backed by a guarantee, which can also be insurance backed, if you so require.