Basement Waterproofing - New Build

Waterproofing is an essential consideration for anyone who is building a basement which they intend to use for storage or habitable accommodation.

Too often basement waterproofing is not given high enough priority and as a result a cheap and inappropriate basement waterproofing option is used to try and get inside an unrealistic budget. This often leads to failure and the resultant consequential losses can be disastrous for the owner of the building or property.

New build basements are often designed and built from well graded and even 'waterproof concrete', concrete block or blocks with concrete infill. A well designed and built structure will generally form the primary resistance to water ingress as the concrete is too dense for water to pass through. However we must always be mindful that where there are construction joints there is risk of failure even if waterbars, hydrophilic/hydrophobic strips are well installed.

With this borne in mind it is always a recommendation that as well as the structure itself, a secondary form of basement waterproofing is adopted even if the structure is new and/or built from 'waterproof concrete'.

When the concrete construction itself is considered to be integrally waterproof this is described as type B form of basement waterproofing.

Where the structure is not considered to be integrally waterproofing then we have 2 options for dealing with the potential for water ingress. One is to Tank it and the other is to waterproof it with a Cavity Drain Membrane.

Tanking a basement means that a product is applied internally or externally and is designed to physically stop and hold back the water. This is referred to as Type A basement waterproofing.

A Cavity Drain Membrane system is applied to the internal face of the earth retaining structure where it can accept the ingress of water depressurise it and manage it to a safe evacuation point. This is referred to as type C form of basement waterproofing.

Tanking as a form of basement waterproofing to new structures has inherent risks. Whether you apply it internally or externally to the structure tanking systems need to be applied 100% defect free to be affective, if water is delivered under pressure against the structure. As dispute and High Court case between two companies Outwing Construction and Thomas Weatherald has set a precedent in the basement waterproofing industry and UK law. The ruling in the High Court of Justice was that it is not reasonable for a tanking or waterproofing system to be applied 100% defect free. What this means is that if you design for or apply a basement waterproofing system to the structure which needs to be 100% free of defects to work and it fails you can be liable for the consequences of that failure. By their very nature all tanking systems need to be 100% defect free to work when tested by water under pressure from the ground.

Most new build basement waterproofing designs that incorporate an external tanking system also include a land drain the purpose of which is to help de-water the surrounding ground areas and reduce the level of water which is delivered against the structure. There are often many associated problems with land drains used in basement waterproofing. A land drain should be positioned on the outside of the structure below the level of the internal slab so that it helps to relieve the volume of water to the full depth of the retained soil. Many times the position of the land drain is shown on a drawing or installed above the internal slab level and therefore could only ever be partially effective.

'The form and feasibility of remedial treatment' is a buzz phrase in the basement waterproofing industry. It means if there is a problem having the ability to get back to something to identify where and what the problem is and then rectify it. This is a problem with both external tanking and land drains as they are often buried under tonnes of earth. The size of the land drain is another issue as who can accurately predict the volume of water which could be expected to come to have at any time in the future? Also as stated the tanking system may rely heavily on the land drain and how can anyone guarantee it against defect or blockage in the future - again the form and feasibility of remedial treatment comes into question.

The BS8102:2009 (British Standard code of practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground) recommends a maintainable basement waterproofing system. A buried external tanking system and land drain are not easily often maintainable.

Building a strong basement structure to form the primary resistance against water is a good idea but where there are construction joints we must expect that water ingress could occur at some point. Therefore a more reliable form of secondary waterproofing other than the structure itself is a cavity drain membrane system or Type C basement waterproofing.

Before the recent revision of the BS8102:2009 the previous code of practice BS8102:1990 stated that Type C form of construction and waterproofing was the most 'trouble free and effective'. Now the BS8102 says that Type A, B and C together is the most effective which probably goes without saying but as a stand alone basement waterproofing system type C cavity drain membrane is still more reliable that the others.

Cavity drain membrane basement waterproofing systems take into consideration the following points:

• Where earth is retained against a structure we must consider that water will enter the fabric of the building at some time in that structures life.

• When water enters a structure and finds an air gap it depressurises and looses its potency.

So the way a cavity drain membrane basement waterproofing systems like System 500 works is to provide air gaps and therefore depressurisation zones on the inside of the structure which relieve the water pressure. This is done firstly with an 8mm studded membrane applied to the walls. The stud profile serves to hold the product slightly away from the structure to which it is applied. Any water entering through the walls is depressurised within the air gap provided by the studs of membrane, losses its potency and falls to the wall/floor junction. A perforated drainage conduit is situated at the base of the wall either in a recessed channel in the slab or on the slab with a layer of closed cell insulation. The drainage conduit serves 3 main functions. The first is that it collects and delivers water to an appropriate drainage outlet to be evacuated from the structure. The second is that it acts as a form work at the wall/floor junction which serves to maintain an air gap and therefore depressurisation zone at the point where water enters or ends up in most structures i.e. the wall/floor junction. Thirdly it allows future maintenance and testing of the system via rodding/inspection ports situated in the ring main of conduit and this in turn conforms to the recommendations in BS8102. Another feature of some suppliers drainage conduit is a separated fin design on the back face of each section. In some basement waterproofing designs where it is applicable this deals with the risk of condensation forming on the dry side of the membrane and also with the risk of imperfections (small tears/holes/rips in the membrane) by maintaining an open wall/floor junction.

The drainage conduit is connected to either passive or powered means of evacuating the water. Passive means drained naturally by gravity to an existing drainage outlet, open elevation or designed in drainage. Powered is where none of the aforementioned options is available or feasible and a sump and pump is used.

A floor membrane is applied across the floor area as a vapour barrier and linked to the drainage conduit or wall membrane to complete the basement waterproofing system.

Almost any wall and floor finish required can be achieved on top of a Cavity Drain Membrane System.

The advantages of using a cavity membrane system are:-

• There is often little or no preparation

• They are flexible and can move with the structure.

• They are not vapour permeable.

• They are considered to be sympathetic to the structure and reversible

• They can cater for less than adequate workmanship and interstitial condensation.

• They can be maintainable.

• They can be applied in less than ideal site conditions so will not hold up a project programme.

• They can be tested prior to installing fixtures and fittings.

• 10 year insured guarantee's can be obtained when installed by a suitable specialist.

• Full design liability can taken by certain specialist basement waterproofing contractors

Toby Champion is National Sales Manager at John Newton & Company, the leading provider of basement waterproofing and damp proofing solutions in the UK. John Newton & Company have provided basement waterproofing solutions for thousands of properties in the UK, including new build and listed buildings

Basement Waterproofing - 3 Unique Options For a Dry Basement

If your home has a basement you should be sure that you know about basement waterproofing. Basements are extremely susceptible to flooding, especially when the moisture and rain fall levels are high (like when the snow melts or in areas of the country where torrential downpours are common). Basement flooding can also be caused by water problems inside the house like leaking pipes. With your basement under the constant threat of water damage, you should be very interested in basement waterproofing methods.

The first step to waterproofing a basement after a leak occurs is to find out the exact source of the leak. External and internal basement waterproofing methods are effective and seem similar but they aren't completely the same. Leaks that stem from structural integrity problems will have different solutions than leaks from household pipes or other internal sources.

There are three basic kinds of basement waterproofing. Interior sealants, interior water drainage and external waterproofing. You should look into each method of basement waterproofing to learn how best to ensure that your home isn't at risk of severe water damage.

Interior Sealants aren't technically basement waterproofing materials, but they can help you make do while you are working on other waterproofing methods. Usually an interior sealant is used to keep the atmospheric humidity levels in your basement down. The sealant can keep moisture from getting absorbed into the walls and floors of the basement. It can keep the moisture from spilling into other areas of the house as well.

Interior Water Drainage. Like interior sealants, interior water drainage isn't technically a method of basement waterproofing, but it is usually used to help deal with basement water levels so most people have come to think of it as waterproofing. Usually interior drainage systems drain away most interior water by moving the water through the footers of the foundation and then out from underneath the basement floor. If you have a sump pump you can usually do this all by yourself. Just make sure that the drainage system will still be operational if the power goes off or if the sump pump fails temporarily.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing is the best method for basement waterproofing. This is the only basement waterproofing method to be recognized by the International Building Code as efficient enough to keep water from doing any intense structural damage to a building or home. Exterior waterproofing makes use of polymers or membranes that are used to waterproof the basement walls. These polymers can last thousands of years so they are seen as the best option for waterproofing.

It is important to make sure that your basement is waterproof because your basement forms the foundation to the rest of your home or building. It is the best place for mold and mildew to start their growth process. Mold and mildew can do expensive damage to your home and it is difficult to remove most mold and mildew spores. Basement waterproofing is the best method to keep your home warm, safe and dry.

You can find out more about Basement Waterproofing as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement and foundation waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com

Basement Waterproofing - When Should You Start?

Is your basement leaking? Do you think it is time to start basement waterproofing to keep it from leaking anymore? So when should you start waterproofing so you do not have to deal with a leaky basement anymore? This can be a very difficult decision to make, especially if your basement does not have major leaks or it just leaks once or twice a year. Here are some things to consider when making the decision.

If you are building a new home, then this is the perfect time to have your basement waterproofed. Sure it will not leak for the first few years, but eventually the basement is going to start to get cracks in the concrete and water will be able to leak through. If you have it done early, then it is one less thing to worry about later on and it will be much easier for the contractor as well. However, do not go with a french drain around the outside because it can clog with soil and end up not doing its job.

Another choice when building a home, which works great for waterproofing, is to go ahead and finish the basement. Not only will it be waterproofed, but you will have more livable space that you can use as a game room, an extra bedroom, or whatever you decide you want your basement to be.

If you are considering selling your home, then it is a great time to get that basement waterproofed. This can be a big time deal breaker, especially if you go to show the home and it rains causing your basement to be wet. This could break the deal or at least bring the value down. Plus when you do have the basement waterproofed you can use that as a selling point and tell the potential buyers that it was just done so they will not have to deal with a leaky basement in their new home.

If you plan to use the basement of your home for storage, then you must waterproof it first. Could you imagine storing all types of things in the basement that you cherish only to find out that a month later when the basement floods your belongings are ruined. This would be horrific and it can be prevented by using basement waterproofing to protect your things before you store them.

If you live in a state, like Florida, that has a specific rainy season, then you need to get your basement waterproofed before the rainy season comes in. It will save you from having to get our the squeegy, move all your belonging to higher grounds, and deal with your basement flooding. You will already be protected and you can rest easy knowing that your basement waterproofing has already been done.

Get the Basement Waterproofing you desire and stop your basement from flooding here"

Basement Waterproofing

An Introduction to Waterproofing Systems

Many homeowners find it necessary to invest in a waterproofing system for their home, especially if their home has a basement or cellar. In modern home developments, it is often required by state or local regulations to have a waterproofing system installed before the completion of the home. Without the proper installation of a waterproofing system, your home is at risk for water damage. In some areas, black mold is a frightful health concern. A good waterproofing system can help minimize water damage and the growth of black mold in prone areas. Other factors to consider when implementing a waterproofing system are the climate, landscape, weather and terrain of the area.

Why do basements leak? Basements can leak for a multitude of reasons. Water can build up because of cracks in walls or the floor, improperly installed or no footer tiles, pressure build up from the floor or walls, leaks from sweating basement pipes and leaks from basement windows, and for many other reasons as well. Mold is a dead giveaway that your basement has leakage or condensation problems. In cases of mold, it is imperative that you seek a professional installer for your waterproofing system.

Roof leakage is another common reason to turn to waterproofing. Spray polyurethane waterproofing is a popular method for waterproofing roofs and has been a top choice in roof maintenance for more than 35 years. Waterproofing/leak prevention and insulation value, better compressive strength, lightweight, durable and long lasting effects are why many homeowners choose the spray polyurethane waterproofing method.

Polyurethane foam is sprayed in the cracks and crevices of your roof. Once applied, the foam expands to more than 30 times its normal size and dries into a very hard compound. The foam dries in a short time and provides a long-lasting, weather resistant coating. Because it is a very lightweight material, many homeowners and contractors recommend it for both large and small jobs.

Before applying a spray polyurethane-waterproofing compound, it is important to prepare your roof for the application. Your roof needs to be clean, dry and free from any environmental contaminants in order for the foam to be properly applied. Most modern polyurethane waterproofing foams are long lasting. You can expect a properly applied coating to last anywhere between 10 and 15 years. In some cases, it has been reported that this foam has lasted for up to 50 years.

Waterproofing Info provides detailed information on waterproofing systems, including injection waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, deck waterproofing, basement waterproofing, and waterproofing basement walls, as well as waterproofing contractors and consultants. Waterproofing Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.