When a prestigious hotel in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, needed a waterproofing solution they could trust they turned to Timberwise to provide the ideal waterproofing solution to suit their needs.

The Harrogate based Rudding Park Hotel is in the process of extending the fantastic facilities that they already offer by building a new bedroom wing, a spa are as well as a gymnasium. Timberwise were appointed as waterproofing experts to waterproof the new construction.

The waterproofing solution involved the use of  a Bentonite waterproofing membrane. Bentonite membrane benefits from a unique surface Bentonite impregnation which makes for an exceptional waterproof barrier with impermeable lap joints. A continuous layer of natural Sodium bentonite is sandwiched within the waterproof membrane. Sodium Bentonite expands when wet and absorbs several times its dry mass in water. The membrane gives basement waterproofing protection to grades 2, 3 and 4 as defined in BS8102 making for a totally dry basement.

Timberwise are experts in waterproofing and can help convert dark damp cellars and basements in to usable living space and have an extensive range of basement solutions available. From the design of the basement waterproofing solution through to the installation of the waterproofing solution  you can have peace of mind that your property is in the hands of the waterproofing experts – Timberwise. For more information on our range of waterproofing solutions visit our basement waterproofing solutions section.

Not only are Timberwise experts in rising damp, damp proofing and fungal decay such as dry rot but we are also able to provide expertise in basement waterproofing. Timberwise are partners of Basement Systems, leaders in basement waterproofing technology and experts in keeping basements clean and dry.

Basements leak due to high water tables, poor existing drainage,  previous failed basement waterproofing systems and after severe winters when there has been much snow the snow thaw can also be a contributing factor.

To help explain how the Basement Systems basement waterproofing products work below is a short video that shows a failed basement with various points of water ingress leading to an unusable, damp basement. The Basement Systems range of waterproofing products include WaterGuard, a perimeter drainage channel, sump and pump units that pump water away from the basement and cavity drain membrane that is hung on walls and floors.

For expert basement waterproofing advice trust the experts, Trust Timberwise!

On our website we have dedicated pages that give advice and information on how best to deal with a damp, leaky basement. From information on our range of sump pump units to perimeter drainage channel and cavity drain membrane you are sure to find out every thing you need to know about waterproofing your basement!

When a shop in London required a totally dry basement Timberwise were called upon to provide a perfect waterproofing solution

Browns the clothiers

The Basement Waterproofing Problem

Traditionally Barrel Vaulted Basements are affected by moisture from all directions. Within the shop four-sub high street Barrel Vaults had been waterproofed previously. Unfortunately, as a result of traffic vibration, substrate failure and the inability of the existing cement based system to accommodate for differential movement water seepage had occurred leading to dampness. The client required the vaults for a designer display of high quality “Cat-Walk” fashion goods and accessories. It was therefore imperative that the basement was dry and free of all dampness. 

Vault showing cracking and water ingress

Vault in need of waterproofing

The Basement Waterproofing Solution

The Waterproofing Solution consisted of an 8mm floor Cavity Drain Membrane, an 8mm Wall Cavity Drain Membrane, including a full barrel vaulted application, a full perimeter drainage system(Waterguard) installation and a sump and pump facility(Supersump). The waterproofing solution achieved the highest grade of Basement waterproofing (Grade 4) under BS 8102 making the basement fully damp/water and vapour proof.

Cavity drain membrane used in vault

Basement Waterproofing from Timberwise

It has become increasingly popular to convert basements within properties in to habitable living space. Timberwise are experts in basement waterproofing utilising a range of basement waterproofing solutions. Watch our video to find out more about converting a basement into a dry room using the latest in basement waterproofing techniques.

More information about basement waterproofing and our range of waterproofing solutions.

The Property Care Association (The PCA)  have drawn up a new code of practice relating to basement waterproofing systems. The new technical guide relates to drained cavity waterproofing systems – commonly referred to as type C waterproofing systems which are predominantly used within basement waterproofing and provide ideal waterproofing solutions for home owners.

The use of type C waterproofing systems

Drainage channel and cavity drain membrane

These systems allow water to flow freely through a cavity between the exterior and interior walls of a basement. Using perimeter drainage channel the water is channeled into a sump, from where it can be safely drained or pumped away.

Guidance for the Service and Maintenance of Drained Cavity Waterproofing systems (Type C waterproofing) has been drawn up by the technical experts at the PCA and highlights the need to undertake regular maintenance of these systems. The waterproofing guidance also covers the need to design and install maintainable features and looks at the elements of the waterproofing system that should be examined and maintained. (To learn more watch our basement waterproofing video)

Why has the basement waterproofing guide been created ?

The guide acts as a point of reference for PCA basement waterproofing contractors as well as specifiers, homeowners and property managers who install,control or own type c waterproofing systems.

Steve Hodgson, Deputy Director of the Property Care Association said,” Type C basement waterproofing systems have developed rapidly over the last 2 decades and PCA contractors have access to some fantastic  products.

Basement waterproofing sump pump unit

“These include, high-density drainage membranes, advanced sealing and fixing systems, purpose designed perimeter drainage channels and state-of-the-art sump and pump packages.

“Most pumping systems now incorporate back-up pumps and batteries and an audible alarm – and it is even possible to install a system that will call people on their mobile phone if it detects a fault.

“However, the need to service and maintain the drainage elements of type c waterproofing systems is paramount to their long term success.

“This is already highlighted in BS8102, the Code of Practice for Protection of Structures Against Water From The Ground, and the PCA code of practice for ‘Remedial Waterproofing of Structures Below Ground’ – as well as information from the distributors of products and equipment used to create waterproof basements.”

Maintaining your Type C basement waterproofing solution

To remain effective your basement system needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly as advised in the guidelines from the PCA - in most cases this is only once a year.
With a Timberwise waterproofing solution the system is designed so that it can be serviced easily. The sumps benefit from having easy to remove lids which allow easy access to the pumps whilst the perimeter drainage has inspection ports fitted to allow the system to be ‘flushed’ and any mud and silt removed
With a 10 point basement ‘Clean & Check’ you will have the peace of mind that your basement waterproofing system is working efficiently. If left unchecked silt and deposits along with limescale can decrease the effectiveness of the pump and the waterproofing system. The picture below shows a basement sump unit that had been neglected:

A neglected sump unit prior to servicing

Our sister company, The Basement Sump & Pump Co, are experts in the maintaining and servicing of basement waterproofing systems and are a strategic partner of Timberwise. They are also registered with the Property Care Association giving you peace of mind that your basement is in the hands of the waterproofing professionals. Click here To find out more about what is involved with a pump service.
To arrange a survey of your basement simply call 0800 019 9949 or visit www.basementcare.co.uk

Timberwise are experts when it comes to designing and installing basement waterproofing systems but there is more to keeping your basement dry than just installing the correct waterproofing solution.

People presume that their basement waterproofing system will keep their basement dry day after day, year after year without any attention. Without an annual inspection of the waterproofing system though can you really rely on your sump and pump unit to keep your basement dry?

At the heart of a Timberwise basement waterproofing system is the sump and pump unit. This is where any water in the basement is collected and then pumped to a convenient drain off location.  Think of the pump in the same way as you would the engine of a car. To keep a car in good running order it requires regular servicing and so does your pump.

To remain effective your basement system needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly – in most cases this is only once a year.
With a Timberwise waterproofing solution the system is designed so that it can be serviced easily. The sumps benefit from having easy to remove lids which allow easy access to the pumps whilst the perimeter drainage has inspection ports fitted to allow the system to be ‘flushed’ and any mud and silt removed
With a 10 point basement ‘Clean & Check’ you will have the peace of mind that your basement waterproofing system is working efficiently. If left unchecked silt and deposits along with limescale can decrease the effectiveness of the pump and the waterproofing system.

The pictures below show a recently serviced sump pump unit. Here you can quite clearly see where mud has collected in the sump chamber and the “sucked” up the impellar. The mud and silt can be seen inside the pump unit and finally a fully cleaned and checked unit ready to be put back in position.

 

From dirty sump pump to clean serviced unit

 The basement waterproofing ‘Clean & Check’ routine comprises of the following:
• Removal of the pump unit from the sump
• Cleaning of the sump (remove lime, shingle etc.)
• Clean the pump unit
• Inspection of the running sequence of the pump
• Inspection of the alarm system
• Checking of the back up pumping system
• Descaling of the sump and pump
• Checking the water outlet for blockages
• Checking the perimeter drainage
• Replacing parts as necessary to maintain effectiveness

The ‘Clean & Check’ service is provided by 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 are also registered with the Property Care Association giving you peace of mind that your basement is in the hands of the waterproofing professionals.
To arrange a survey of your basement simply call 0800 019 9949 or visit www.basementcare.co.uk

 

Basement Waterproofing at Bootham School, York

Timberwise are proud to have been chosen as waterproofing experts for work that is currently been carried out at Bootham School in York. Bootham School is an independent Quaker boarding school in the heart of York that occupies a range of historic buildings situated near the historic York Minster.

The school is in need of converting currently unused space in the damp basements to provide much needed extra usable living space. Timberwise were contacted by the main contractors who needed our waterproofing expertise to help convert the damp basement areas. To create the dry basement the Timberwise basement waterproofing solution comprised of applying cavity drain membrane to the walls and perimeter drainage channels to the perimeters to take any water away to a natural drainage point. Damp proofing works were also carried out to damp sections of wall.

Waterproofing at Bootham School, York

Timberwise are experts in basement waterproofing and have a wide range of basement solutions available to create dry living spaces from damp basements. From the design of the basement waterproofing solution through to the installation of the waterproofing solution  you can have peace of mind that your property is in the hands of the waterproofing experts – Timberwise. For more information on our range of waterproofing solutions visit our basement waterproofing solutions section.

When Channel 5 programme Cowboy Builders needed help with a bodged basement waterproofing job Timberwise were on hand to provide a perfect solution!

Cowboy Builders focuses on the owners of properties that have suffered at the hands of unreliable workmen. Timberwise were delighted to help with a house in Plymouth which had suffered a failed waterproofing system.

A young family who were extending their house with a two storey extension to their three bedroom bungalow. The creation of a lounge and dining room with a large playroom downstairs would give them the extra living space they craved.

When presenters Melinda Messenger and Dominic Littlewood looked at the disastrous extension they found damp patches in the basement area along with water soaked walls which led to the involvement of Timberwise to provide a waterproofing solution.

To learn more about the waterproofing systems available from Timberwise click here.

To learn more about Cowboy Builders visit the Channel 5 website

The importance of basement pump servicing

Timberwise are experts when it comes to designing and installing basement waterproofing systems but there is more to keeping your basement dry than just installing the correct waterproofing solution.

People expect their basement waterproofing system to keep their basement dry day after day, year after year but without an annual inspection of the waterproofing system can you really rely on your sump and pump unit to keep your basement dry?

At the heart of a Timberwise basement waterproofing system is a sump and pump unit. Think of the pump in the same way as you would the engine of a car. To keep a car in good running order it requires regular servicing and so does your pump.

To remain effective your basement system needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly – in most cases only once a year.

With a 10 point basement ‘Clean & Check’ you will have the peace of mind that your basement waterproofing system is working efficiently. If left unchecked silt and deposits along with limescale can decrease the effectiveness of the pump and the waterproofing system.

With a Timberwise waterproofing solution the system is designed so that it can be serviced easily. The sumps benefit from easy to remove lids to allow easy access to the pumps whilst the perimeter drainage has inspection ports fitted to allow the system to be ‘flushed’.

The ‘Clean & Check’ routine comprises of the following:

• Removal of the pump unit from the sump
• Cleaning of the sump (remove lime, shingle etc.)
• Clean the pump unit
• Inspection of the running sequence of the pump
• Inspection of the alarm system
• Checking of the back up pumping system
• Descaling of the sump and pump
• Checking the water outlet for blockages
• Checking the perimeter drainage
• Replacing parts as necessary to maintain effectiveness

The ‘Clean & Check’ service is provided by 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.

To arrange a survey of your basement simply call 0800 019 9949 or visit www.basementcare.co.uk

Summary of Basement Waterproofing

For many years now Timberwise have specilaised in property care and basement waterproofing – here is further information on the basement waterproofing services that Timberwise can offer:

Basement Waterproofing

No longer should the basement be viewed as a dark damp space at the bottom of the property. With the expertise of Timberwise and our skills in basement waterproofing we can turn it into a useful dry space.  For some useful ideas on basement waterproofing and what can be done with a basement conversion visit our 3d basement solutions. Basement waterproofing adds value to your home and valuable working space to commercial properties.

We have teams of basement waterproofing experts UK wide and a variety of basement waterproofing solutions at our disposal. Your local Timberwise basement waterproofing expert will perform a thorough survey of the basement or cellar and provide you with a detailed specification on the best basement waterproofing solution to suit your needs. Timberwise are registered installers of Basement Systems products and as such are able to offer basement waterproofing solutions of the highest quality.

The best basement waterproofing solution comprises of a cavity drain membrane (CDM) a perimeter drainage channel and a sump and pump unit to safely take the water away from the basement or cellar. As members of the BSWA you can be sure that Timberwise are basement waterproofing experts. Timberwise also offer long term guarantees on basement waterproofing solutions for added peace of mind.

We are proud to announce a strategic partnership with The Basement Sump & Pump Co for the provision of Clean & Checks to our domestic and commercial clients basements.

Why you should have your pump checked anually.

Keeping your pump running can be an expensive business. The longer you’ve had it, the more chance that it will need a Clean & Check. Wear and tear can mean your pump system is running less effiectivley than it should be. In turn, this increases the chance of pump failure which can lead to hefty repair costs and damage to property should it fail altogether.

That’s why Timberwise recommend you have your pump cleaned and checked every year to keep it safe and ensure it operates in peak condition.

Arranging a Clean & Check couldn’t be easier – simply click here and complete the on-line request form.

To find out more about the professional service that The Basement Sump & Pump Co can provide please visit their website.