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Waterproofing

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Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing is the first step to transforming a damp or leaking space below ground into a functional room that will add value to your property.

Our basement waterproofing guide will outline the three main types of waterproofing systems and products used to solve damp basements and create the perfect environment for your needs, including basement tanking and tanking membrane and drainage systems.

Our team provide specialist advice and guidance to help keep any domestic or commercial basement dry and free from water ingress or flooding. Contact our team on 0800 0121 437 or fill in the contact form below and we will get back to you.

How basement waterproofing works

Given that basements are susceptible to a lot of hydrostatic pressure from water built up in the surrounding ground and earth, it is no surprise that this pressure can lead to cracks, leakage, and damp problems. Applying the correct waterproofing solution will stop this water from getting into your basement.

To create a livable space beneath your home we offer three main solutions. Cementitious tanking which forms an impenetrable barrier to moisture ingress, installing damp proofing solutions during the construction of the building, or a Cavity drain membrane solution that channels water away from your property using a combination of membranes, drainage channels and pumps. We can combine systems if that creates the best solution.

Ways to waterproof your basement

Those in the industry tend to discuss three different systems, type A, B, and C.

We will outline each of the different systems below, but it is important to know that a combination of the three may be used and that the specific solution used to best fit your basement or cellar will be determined after a thorough site inspection visit by one of our qualified surveyors.

Type A Waterproofing - Barrier System

This is where a physical barrier is applied to the basement or cellar walls to prevent water ingress.

Type A waterproofing is commonly referred to as ‘Tanking’ and typically involves the application of damp proof membranes or waterproof cement or ‘slurry’ to walls below ground level.

Type A External Waterproofing: In new constructions, the tanking barrier membrane or slurry is applied to the external wall of the structure to prevent ingress from groundwater

Internal Type A System: post-construction or during the refurbishment of a building, type A waterproofing can be installed on the internal basement walls.

Type B Waterproofing - Integrated Systems

This refers to waterproofing solutions that are installed during the construction process, and as such are integrated into the structure of the building. Generally, Type B waterproofing involves a reinforced concrete build, alongside a water control mechanism to prevent ingress at construction joints (such as a hydrophilic waterbar).

Naturally, our waterproofing specialists would have to be involved from the design stage of the project for a Type B system to be installed in your property.

Type C Internal Waterproofing

This is the most modern method to waterproof a basement or cellar. It consists of a mixture of structural waterproofing membrane, basement floor drainage and a sump pump to remove any water securely and efficiently.

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 material like waterproof floorboards or tongue and groove flooring.
  • Sealed systems are used in conjunction with a cavity drain system or sump pump where there is active water or flooding.
  • Ventilated systems are used where there is no visible water and in situations where conventional damp proofing methods are inappropriate.

Both of these systems can be designed to comply with BS8102, which is the code of practice relating to waterproofing underground structures.

What basement waterproofing system is best?

Commonly our team are asked to ‘retrofit’ damp underground flats or in preparation for a basement conversion. In situations like this, we tend to install Type C water management systems where damp proof membranes are used in conjunction with drainage channels and sump pumps to ensure water cannot gather in the property and it is safely removed while keeping the room safe, dry and habitable.

In other cases such as waterproofing new build properties or in construction projects then our specialists will often provide cementitious tanking solutions sometimes referred to as tanking slurry, along with integrated waterproofing measures to stop water travelling up building materials via capillary action, or through the concrete wall itself.

To find the best waterproofing fix for your requirements then we would suggest contacting a specialist and certified waterproofing team to conduct a property survey to determine the best fit for you.

Does waterproofing a basement increase home value

Put simply, yes. There are several reasons why it is worth it to waterproof your basement or cellar.

  • Creating an extra livable room in the home.
  • Making your storage space usable and free from dampness and mould.
  • Preventing dry rot or wet rot problems from taking hold.
  • Add considerable value to the price of your house.

Your local basement waterproofing specialists

Rentokil Property Care offers a range of basement and cellar waterproofing and tanking systems that can help any domestic or commercial basement conversion become a reality. If you are interested in getting the best from your basement or cellar, give our team a call on 0800 0121 437 or fill in the contact form below and we will get back to you.

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