Press/News

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.

The basement area also had a problem with standing water. As experts in basement waterproofing Timberwise installed a sump pump unit and perimeter drainage to remove any standing water that may be present.

A range of ventilation solutions

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.

Basement waterproofing using cavity drain membranes

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.

Watch and learn about basement waterproofing

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.

Turning damp cellars in to dream living spaces!

Over recent years when a homeowner purchases a property, a cellar has been increasingly seen as a valuable storage space or an opportunity to expand.  It is very easy to see the financial reward that can be gained by considering cellar waterproofing and cellar conversions.  Developing your cellar not only adds value to the property, but increases the space and opportunity to create new rooms to fit our increasingly hectic lifestyles.

Timberwise are experts in cellar waterproofing and can design a cellar waterproofing system to make your damp cellar in to a usable living space. Our cellar waterproofing systems utilise cavity drain membranes, sump and pump units and perimeter drainage channel. To see how these cellar waterproofing components come together to create a dry cellar visit our cellar waterproofing video.

What can I turn my damp cellar into?

To help you imagine what your damp cellar could be turned into Timberwise have created our 3D cellar solutions package to give you some food for thought!

Now you can explore a variety of cellar conversions – from a luxury kitchen to a home cinema there are plenty of ideas for you!

Further information and help on cellar waterproofing

Further advice on waterproofing your cellar can be found on our website in our below ground waterproofing section. Here you will find useful waterproofing information and examples of  cellar waterproofing. If you have a damp cellar that you would like waterproofing requesting a survey of your damp cellar couldn’t be easier. Simply complete our survey request form or call 0800 288 8660 and we will arrange for one our our waterproofing specialists to contact you.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

“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:

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.

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