Press/News

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.

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 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.