Our team of waterproofing experts in the South West were called upon to put there waterproofing expertise to the test with a property in Newquay, Cornwall which had a requirement for a waterproofing system with a difference.
The owners of the property were looking to create a new basement room to complement the existing property and give extra living space in the form of a home cinema. Timberwise were required to provide a specialist waterproofing system to the inside of the newly formed room as well as providing a solution for a green roof. A green roof option was required by the client to ‘mask’ the roof area of the new cinema and to allow it to blend in with the existing landscaping of the property.
A green roof is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional roofing. Green roofs also provide a high degree of insulation and are known to provide an extremely constant temperature throughout the year (Cool in summer and warm in winter). Another key advantage is that green roofing is looked upon favourably in sensitive environments as it allows them to blend in with the surrounding area.
The diagram below shows the various components that make up a green roof system. The concrete roof initially has a liquid waterproofing compound applied. On top of this is then a layer of insulation. A cavity drain membrane system is then fixed in place and finally a root barrier and reservoir membrane. The reservoir membrane (in this case Delta FLORAXX) stores rain water to help during periods of drought. The membrane is then covered with soil and grass seeded providing the perfect base for the green roof to grow.
How a green roof is created
The basement waterproofing solution from Timberwise
Internally as the newly constructed room was to be used as living space a type c waterproofing solution was designed and installed. This waterproofing design involved the use of cavity drain membrane to cover the walls and floors and a drainage channel fitted around the perimeter of the basement area. The drainage channel then went to a discharge point via gravity drainage.
The pictures below show the roof prior to the waterproofing process, the liquid waterproofing compound been applied, the insulation in place and finally the cavity drain membrane and reservoir membrane application.
The basement roof prior to the waterproofing process
The waterproofing compound
The insulation in place
Cavity drain membrane and reservoir membrane
Involving Timberwise with your waterproofing project
If you have a basement waterproofing project that would benefit from the waterproofing expertise of Timberwise don’t hesitate to get in touch! We have a variety of waterproofing techniques at our disposal to make sure that your basement will remain dry for many years to come.
Your local Timberwise office has a trained waterproofing surveyor who can advise on what waterproofing solution is right for you. To find out more about the waterproofing solutions available visit our dedicated basement waterproofing pages.
To help fuel your imagination on what you can do with your basement we have designed our ‘Timberwise 3D Basement Solutions’ package to give you some ideas on what you can convert that cold, damp basement into.
The virtual reality experience allows you to explore 6 fully finished basement waterproofing scenarios, viewing them fully from different angles or allowing the computer to take you on a tour – all at the click of a button!
From a fantastic family kitchen to a luxurious home cinema there is something to appeal to everybody. The list of room ideas featured includes:
Family Room / Guest Bedroom / Home Cinema / Kitchen / Home Office / Wet Room
On your tour of the cinema don’t forget to click on the ticket when you walk in to the cinema!
If your basement tour gives you the inspiration to want your basement dreams to become a reality please don’t hesitate to make contact with us. We specialise in basement waterproofing and turning damp basements in to fantastic dry living space. Have a look at some of our basement waterproofing case studies to see how we have helped turned peoples dreams in to reality!
Arranging a basement waterproofing survey
To arrange a survey of your basement from one of our qualified waterproofing surveyors simply call: 0800 288 8660 or click here to book a basement waterproofing survey on-line
(The tour is best viewed in screen resolution 1024×768. To run the software you will need to download the plug in when prompted.)
A fantastic photo today of a technician giving a basement sump and pump unit a thorough ‘Clean & Check’ service. The ‘Clean & Check’ service is 10 point service to ensure that the unit and the waterproofing system is working to maximum efficiency and is one of the most thorough after installation services available for your basement. This particular basement in a commercial building had 3 sump and pump units installed and was only partially lit. You can also see a variety of different moulds appearing on the walls as a result of the dark, damp conditions and lack of ventilation within the basement.
The importance of servicing your basement sump and pump units
Having invested in a basement waterproofing solution to keep their basement dry people expect the sump pump units to work day in and day out to keep the basement dry.
At the heart of the majority of waterproofing solutions is the sump pump unit. The pump should be thought of in the same way as the engine of a car or the boiler at home - to keep a boiler working efficiently you have it serviced and the same should be done to a sump pump unit. In the majority of cases the pump would only need to be serviced once a year.
The waterproofing systems used by Timberwise are designed to be serviced with the minimum of hassle. The sump units benefit from easy to remove lids that allow easy acces to the pumps and the perimeter drainage channel features inspection ports that allow the system to be ‘flushed’ clean.
Arranging to have your basement pump serviced
Timberwise recommend basement pump servicing from the Basement Sump & Pump Co. The Basement Sump & Pump Co are experts in the maintaining and servicing of basement waterproofing systems and are a strategic partner of Timberwise. They can be contacted on 0800 019 9949 or by visiting www.basementcare.co.uk
When the University of Manchester had a problem with a damp sub-basement at their historical Sackville Street building Timberwise were called upon to provide an expert solution to their damp problem. The sub-basement suffered with water running down the walls leading to puddles of water on the basement floor. Another problem with the basement was condensation as a result of steam from the steam room above – this then led to an issue with condensation on the staircase.
The solution to the damp basement
The Timberwise basement waterproofing solution involved the installation of cavity drain membrane to the walls. The cavity drain membrane controls any moisture present on the walls and directs it into a perimeter drainage channel – in this instance WaterGuard around the perimeter of the basement and TrenchDrain around the steps. The perimeter drainage channel then leads into a sump pump unit which takes any water present away to a safe drain off point. To give a clean finish to the basement “WhiteWall” was fitted. ”WhiteWall” is a clean, protective finish that comes in 2m high sheets and is fixed onto the cavity drain membrane with special adhesive.
The project took less than a week to complete and the end result was a dry, useable sub-basement area.
Cavity drain membrane with a Super Sump installed. Note the pipework going through the step to the drain off point to avoid creating a trip hazard
Newly fitted "WhiteWall" fitted on top of cavity drain membrane. The "WhiteWall" still has the blue protective covering on it
"WhiteWall" in situ in the sub-basement
Looking for expert basement waterproofing advice?
Timberwise are experts in basement waterproofing and have a wide variety of basement waterproofing solutions at our disposal. From large scale commercial waterproofing projects to domestic properties we are sure to have a waterproofing solution to suit.
If you are looking for waterproofing advice why not “As our Expert” or to arrange a survey of your basement call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line basement survey request form.
Timberwise are experienced on working on specialist waterproofing projects of all sizes. From small Victorian cellars to larger commercial waterproofing projects we have a waterproofing solution to suit all different needs. Here we look at a recent basement waterproofing project in Bradford, West Yorkshire for a nursery and children’s centre.
The cause of the leaking basement
Undercliffe Lane Community works and Children’s Centre was due for a program of alterations and partial refurbishment during the summer break of 2010. Part of the works involved the installation of a lift facility and the provision of through access into a basement class-room. The existing access to the class-room consisted of a damp, untidy basement hallway which needed waterproofing to provide a safe, dry environment.
The waterproofing system designed by Timberwise
The waterproofing project was on a tight site-program and Timberwise was invited to design a waterproofing solution for the basement hallway. Working with the architect and the contractor Timberwise designed and insulated a Type C (drained protection) waterproofing system with little preparation and the facility for the contractor to dry-line over the waterproofing system which reduced wet-trades in the schedule of works. The cavity drain waterproofing system was installed quickly with little or no disruption to the program and the works were allowed to proceed unhindered.
The cavity drain waterproofing system was designed to drain into adjacent large basement rooms which were at a lower level and had submersible sump pumps recessed in the floors.
Attention to detail with designing waterproofing systems is critical – Timberwise technicians ensured that service penetrations through the waterproofing membrane were treated effectively and that fixing points did not create any problems for the contractor. All joists were fully sealed using butyl tape and fixing points were sealed using gasket grommets to the underside of system fixing components.
Timberwise have experience in assisting with waterproofing on projects of all sizes. From small household cellars to larger commercial waterproofing projects we have a waterproofing solution to fit all eventualities. Here we look at a recent basement waterproofing project in Manchester for a large commercial client – Duncan Bannatyne Health Clubs.
The cause of the water ingress
The health club is based in the basement of a large grade 2 listed art deco office building in the heart of Manchester. It was within the basement area that the problem with water ingress came to light. The source of the water ingress was traced to two “pavement lights” Pavement lights were designed to allow light into basement areas through prisms of glass. As a result of the water ingress 2 rooms in the basement area were unable to be used – resulting in inconvenience for the clubs clients and a loss of income for the clubs owner. Timberwise Manchester were called in to provide a waterproofing solution whilst providing minimum disruption for the clients.
The waterproofing system
The solution to the waterproofing problem utilised a cavity membrane system, perimeter drainage channel and a SmartSumpsump and pump unit. This system would allow any water that entered the room to be channeled into the perimeter drainage channel and taken to a convenient drain off point. As part of our commitment to causing minimum disruption our team of waterproofing specialists worked through the night. To get to the rooms that needed waterproofing our waterproofing team had to protect the next door nail bar – covering all soft furnishings and carpets to protect from any dust and dirt created during the waterproofing process. At the end of each night shift the nail bar then had to be put back into a usable state ready for clients to use during the day.
The photos below show the installation of the SmartSump system (in the corner of the room) along with the drainage channel and cavity drain membrane. The complete waterproofing job from Timberwise involved the fitting of the sump and pump, perimeter drainage and cavity drain membrane system that ran from ceiling to floor. On top of this was also added plasterboard and a skim finish. The false ceiling in the 2 rooms was also replaced and the rooms then decorated back to the original specification required by the health club. The whole project was completed within two weeks.
Water ingress was caused as a result of leaking pavement lights
All public areas had to be protected from dust and dirt during the waterproofing process
The SmartSump is ready to have the pump installed - to the right of the picture is a heavily protected marble sink
The finished SmartSump unit ready for operation. The perimeter drainage and cavity drain membrane are also clearly visible
What should I do if I have a leaky basement?
If you are looking to waterproof an unused basement area and turn it in to extra living space the first thing you need to do is have a survey of the basement carried out by a waterproofing professional. Following the survey the best form of waterproofing for the basement will be determined.
To arrange a survey of your basement or cellar contact Timberwise on 0800 288 8660 or arrange a basement survey on-line.
When Timberwise Cardiff were working recently on a dry rot problem for one of our clients at there Victorian town house in Newport our surveyor was asked the question by the client about what could be done with the unused cellar. The cellar had the same footprint as the ground floor and would make fantastic extra living space as it would give an extra 3 rooms to the house.
Following a survey of the basement it was identified that there was lateral penetrating damp. Lateral penetrating dampness normally occurs on external walls where the external ground levels are at a higher level than the internal floors. As a consequence of this the dampness within the soil bearing against these walls penetrates the fabric of the walls. Basements are a typical example of lateral penetrating damp.
The solution to the dampness was the installation of a cavity drain membrane to the walls. Applied from ceiling height to ground level the membrane would provide an ideal barrier to prevent the dampness spoiling any interior decorations. Following the introduction of cavity drain membrane to the walls plasterboard was applied and finally a skim finish leaving the basement dry and in a position for the client to decorate, safe in the knowledge that the dampness would not comeback!
The pictures below show the various stages in the waterproofing process used:
The cellar area suffering with lateral penetrating dampness prior to work commencing.
Cavity drain membrane is applied to all the walls within the cellar area.
Following the cavity drain membrane plasterboard is fixed in to place. The cavity drain membrane will prevent dampness 'spoiling' the plaster board.
A skim finish is applied.
Following the waterproofing done by Timberwise the client was then able to decorate safe in the knowledge that the dampness would not return!
What should I do if I want to convert a cellar?
If you are looking to convert an unused cellar or basement area in to extra living space the first thing you need to do is have a survey of the basement or cellar carried out by a waterproofing professional. Following this the best form of waterproofing for the basement will be determined.
To arrange a survey of your basement or cellar contact Timberwise on 0800 288 8660 or arrange a basement survey on-line.
When a client of Timberwise Manchester wanted to convert her damp unused basement into a home office area the local Timberwise team were on hand to provide an ideal waterproofing solution to keep the dampness away and create a totally dry basement area.
The Waterproofing System
The waterproofing system used in this instance incorporated a cavity drain membrane system that was applied to the walls and the floors, a perimeter drainage channel that channeled water from the basement to a sump pump unit. The sump pump unit is designed to pump the water away from the basement to a convenient drain off point. This system does not stop the flow of water coming into the basement but instead controls the flow of water.
The video below shows the various stages in the waterproofing of the basement – from start through to the final skim of plaster going on the walls.
Could you convert your basement?
Many Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have basements lend themselves to having basement or cellar conversions. Timberwise are experts in basement waterproofing and have experience in converting basements of all sizes into dry living space. If you have a basement that you are thinking of converting don’t hesitate to get in touch. Timberwise can carry out a basement survey to identify the best basement waterproofing system for your basement conversion. For more information on basements visit our basement waterproofing pages on this website.
When Timberwise were contacted by a fast food chain to help improve the air quality in one of their restaurants in Liverpool our specialist air quality team, Envirowise, were up to the challenge! The brief was simple: they needed a system to remove the stale air and odours from a basement area and replace it with fresh filtered air. Due to long periods of inactivity the air had a habit of becoming “stale” so a system was need to ensure clean fresh air was delivered constantly.
A perfect solution for stale air using a mechanical ventilation system!
Our Envirowise team had just the solution! A heat recovery mechanical ventilation system was prescribed to banish the stale air from the basement. The mechanical ventilation unit is designed to import clean fresh air over long distances whilst extracting the stale air away from the building. In this case the unit had to carry air over 35 meters away to and from the basement area. The mechanical ventilation unit was installed by our air quality team in the plant room of the restaurant and using discreet ducting filled the basement area with clean air.
The picture below shows the mechanical ventilation unit clearly showing the air in and air out ducting.
Externally, the only sign that the unit had been fitted to the building were two discreet air vents – one for bringing fresh air into the building and the other for the extracted air.
Our Envirowise team have a variety of ventilation solutions to cope with all manner of air quality issues. From kitchen fans and bathroom fans through to whole house ventilationand solutions for air quality problems in commercial properties – Envirowise have a solution for you!
If you have concerns over the air quality in your property don’t hesitate to contact us. Simply call 0800 288 8660 or complete our survey request to arrange a survey of your property.
Time and time again Timberwise are called upon to provide waterproofing solutions for clients wishing to turn cold, dark basement spaces into warm, dry habitable living space. One of the waterproofing systems that we utilise is cavity drain membrane systems. Cavity drain membrane is by far the most popular method of basement waterproofing as it is a clean, dry system that gives guaranteed results. Cavity drain membrane as well as been tough is also very flexible as our photos below demonstrate when it came to waterproofing a vaulted arch in a basement we were recently working on.
The first step in the basement waterproofing process was to membrane the wall and floor surfaces within the basement. This would then allow any moisture to still enter the basement (as opposed to cementitious tanking systems that “stop” the moisture). The moisture is controlled in the air gap which diverts any moisture to a convenient drain off point via a perimeter drainage channel. The air gap behind the membrane also allows the structure of the building to “dry out”. Cavity drain membrane is fixed to the walls via special fixing plugs (the blue fixing plugs can be seen within the window arch) and sealing tapes to make the entire space water tight. The membrane can then be plastered on directly to allow decorative finishing.
Here we can see the first coat of plaster going onto the membrane. Ultimately there will be several skims of plaster going onto the waterproof membrane.
Now that plasterboard is in place and a 3rd coat of plaster has been applied the finished basement is beginning to take shape.
Finally, the plastering in the basement is complete and ready for decorative finishes to be applied. The client is now left with a totally dry basement that utilises a Timberwise cavity drain membrane to the walls and floor along with a perimeter drainage channel that takes any moisture to a convenient drain off point.
To explain how cavity drain membrane waterproofing systems work we have an easy to understand video below that looks at the various parts of the waterproofing system. Further videos looking at basement waterproofing can be found on the PropertyCare Expert channel on YouTube.
Basement waterproofing from the basement waterproofing specialists
As experts in our field you can trust Timberwise to find a basement waterproofing solution suitable for the trickiest of damp basement areas. With a variety of specialist waterproofing solutions at our disposal your damp basement could soon be a thing of the past! To arrange a basement survey call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line basement waterproofing survey request form.
