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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!

To visit our 3D Basement Solutions simply click here

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.)

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.

Under the Code of Practice which dictates waterproofing design (BS 8102:2009 – The code of practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground) it is critical to design and consider future maintenance into a waterproofing system. Timberwise designed into the specification and installed cleaning ports to allow future maintenance of the waterproofing system and if required inspection of the cavity drainage system at the Community Works Nursery & Children’s Centre.

The nursery and childrens centre

Cavity drain membrane, drainage channel and inspection port

Fixings in cavity drain membrane

What should I do if I have a leaking Read More →

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.