Press/News

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 SmartSump sump 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.

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.

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.

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