For many years Timberwise have been offering the residents and businesses of York property care services from basement waterproofing to woodworm and damp proofing and everything else in between! We have been involved with many prestigious projects in York, such as basement waterproofing for Bootham School and waterproofing in the National Railway Museum but our latest waterproofing project in York is set to be one our largest in the city. Timberwise Leeds are delighted to have been chosen as waterproofing specialists on the building project of the West Offices scheme in York which will become the new home for City of York Council. Work has started to transform West Offices which will blend old and new architecture to create an innovative and impressive new building. The project which is costing £32 million pounds is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
The need for a dry basement
The basement area of the new City of York Council building is to be used for storage and archiving and as such needs to be a dry environment. Using our expertise in basement waterproofing Timberwise have specified a Type C waterproofing system that utilises cavity drain membrane along with perimeter drainage and sump pump units in line with the guidance given in BS8102. This waterproofing system will ensure that the basement area and it’s contents remain dry.
Looking to convert your damp basement? Consult the basement waterproofing specialists
Timberwise are experts in Basement waterproofing and converting damp unused cellars in to bright, dry living spaces. Check out our page that shows the steps in a basement conversion or why not look at a video showing a basement conversion in action. To speak to a waterproofing specialist for advice call Timberwise on 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line basement waterproofing survey request form.
Here we have an example of a clients property with a water ingress problem. Water was leaking into the clients basement car park causing damp related problems. Following a survey Timberwise identified the source of the water ingress: the floor slab was cast on to a permanent metal form work and leaks were found at the edges, particularly where the terraces abutted a concrete piled wall and where there was a change in levels. There had been previous remedial efforts using a sticky sheet membrane over the terrace decks above but these had failed. The client asked Timberwise to produce a waterproofing proposal that would deal with the problems of the water ingress once and for all.
The Timberwise Waterproofing Solution
It was clear that water was getting in at the edges . The floor slab was laid level and the existing drains were only collecting surface run-off. As a result water was ponding on the sheet membrane and running to the edges.
Timberwise proposed that the terraces be stripped of pavers and sheet membrane and that the facing bricks and concrete infill were removed. Once this was done , a screed laid to a 1:80 fall toward the apartments could be laid. Our waterproofing solution consisted of a liquid applied hybrid bitumen and cement coating to be trowel applied across the screed and into the floor to wall junction (with fillet details). The coating is flexible and tough when cured and can be applied to damp substrates. To protect the primary waterproofing layer, we then proposed that a geotextile covered horizontal cavity drainage layer be laid. This directs water to the edges, where it can be drained off and acts as a sound base for paving sand etc. To collect the water we used ACO freedeck drain channel. This has entry slots in the side as well as the usual top grid. We also sealed the concrete piles and the dwarf wall where the terrace levels changed.
The result of this waterproofing design? A dry basement car park and a very satisfied client!
Sticky sheet membrane showing standing water
Coating the screed floor to wall junction
Overlaid with drainage layer
The completed paving
Do you have a waterproofing problem you need help with?
If so talk to our waterproofing team at Timberwise. We have experience in waterproofing many different types of structure and with a wide variety of waterproofing tools and knowledge at our disposal we are sure to be able to help. Call 0800 288 8660 or request a waterproofing survey on-line.
When a retail chain realised they had a flooding problem with the basement in their Swansea store our waterproofing specialists at Timberwise Cardiff were called in to provide a solution. The basement, although not used for storage of goods, houses electrical equipment so there was a need to remove any water that may be within the basement.
Due to problems of flash flooding in the basement the typical waterproofing solution of a floor cavity drain membrane and perimeter drainage channel would not be enough to handle the volumes of water coming in to the basement so another solution had to be designed and implemented. The picture below shows the flood water during the installation process. The perimeter drainage channel can clearly be seen around the edge as well as the TripleSafe sump liners.
The waterproofing solution for the flooded basement
Ultimately the system employed involved the construction of a plinth area around the electrical equipment to offer some protection from water. Around the perimeter of the basement a perimeter drainage channel was incorporated that fed the water into three strategically positioned TripleSafe sump and pump units . This solution was designed to allow efficient drainage of flood water ingress that may occur in the future. The picture below shows the sump pump units in situ and the concrete plinth. The white discharge pipes that remove the water from the basement are also visible.
What to do if you have a flooded basement
If you have a basement that suffers with water ingress don’t panic! – Timberwise are here to help.
At Timberwise we like to think of ourselves more as waterproofing system design specialists rather than basement damp proofing specialists, tailoring each waterproofing solution to suit the specific needs of you and your basement.
If you want to find out more information regarding our basement waterproofing solutions, contact your local Timberwise office on 0800 288 8660 or request a site visit from one of our waterproofing team using the on-line waterproofing survey request form.
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.)
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.
For many years Timberwise have been offering the residents and businesses of York property care services from basement waterproofing to woodworm and damp proofing and everything else in between! We have been involved with many prestigious projects in York, such as basement waterproofing for Bootham School and waterproofing in the National Railway Museum but our latest waterproofing project in York is set to be one our largest in the city. Timberwise Leeds are delighted to have been chosen as waterproofing specialists on the building project of the West Offices scheme in York which will become the new home for City of York Council. Work has started to transform West Offices which will blend old and new architecture to create an innovative and impressive new building. The project which is costing £32 million pounds is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
The waterproofing solution for the flooded basement
What to do if you have a flooded basement
