Basement Tanking and Structural Waterproofing

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Complying to BS8102:2009, we design and specify Structural Waterproofing elements using a Type 'A'(External), Type 'B' (Structural) or Type 'C' (Internal).To minimise the risk, quite often a combination of two types are specified. Once designed, we then move on to install and Guarantee.

Chemical Damp Proof Course

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Masonry walls built before 1875 were constructed without any form of D.P.C. However, early damp proof courses were either sand and Bitumen  or single course slate. These and even later designs are often compromised by bridging or simple breakdowns.

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For more information see: BS6576:2005 or BS8481:2006

Cementitious Tanking

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This heading covers a large number of products. From water proofing additive through to pre bagged renders. Further information on these will be provided upon request. The generally accepted products are pre bagged formulations that are brush or sprayed on.

 

There are two basic types. Crystalline growth products and basic coating products. These can be used for Type 'A' and Type 'C' tanking but also on kicker and day joints for Type 'B'. See BS 8102:2009.

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Before using these products, surface preparation is essential. The basic tanking slurries are both brittle and strong (35 to 40 newton). Therefore, the background they are placed onto must be as strong or stronger additives can be included to make the coating more flexible but this limits the over coating options.

Penetrating Damp Treatment

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The building most prone to this problem are of solid construction. Random granite walls were designed to allow damp to penetrate, however, a more modern solid block wall should remain dry. However, they have often been rendered with a waterproof render, these crack and allow water ingress. This is often compounded by impervious paint coats. 

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Specialist Re-Plastering

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Correct re-plastering following the installation of a remedial damp proof course or Dry Rot Sterilisation is essential. This is because the plaster must be capable of holding back salts. These will be either from the beach sand used for the original mortar or salts from the ground brought up by the rising damp.

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If the plaster is not able to control these salts then they will migrate to the surface of the plaster and spoil the decoration and is hydroscopic which causes damp patches to appear.