The Timberwise team in Chester were contacted by a home-owner who had suffered from a failed cavity drainage membrane, as a result of the alarm on the sump and pump unit failing to go off. This resulted in water pressure building up behind the membrane, the membrane lifting and eventually allowing water into the basement and flooding to occur. Resulting in damp flooring and plaster, black spot mould and musty smells as a result of the dampness.
As the basement is obviously below ground our waterproofing specialists were aware that the property was also susceptible to ground water penetration. The current waterproofing system, which was over 10 years old, did not contain a perimeter drainage channel to channel the flow of water in the basement to the sump pump unit. Perimeter drainage creates a neat space between the floor and the wall to drain any wall seepage, without allowing dirt and debris from the to enter the channel. Ultimately, the channel controls the flow of water under the basement cavity drainage membrane.
The owners of the property explained that they wanted to use the basement for storage. Our surveyor, therefore, suggested the best solution for these requirements was to re-install a type “C” cavity drainage system. Our specialists would install our cavity drainage membrane to the walls and a harder wearing cavity drainage membrane to the floor. Added to this there would also be a perimeter drainage channel and a replacement basement sump-pump system. To improve the air flow within the basement a positive pressure system was installed.
Positive pressure ventilation system
The principle behind the positive pressure system is simple: If the moisture-laden air is can be replaced with clean fresh filtered dryer air any evaporation that subsequently takes place can be absorbed into the internal atmosphere and washed out by the positive pressure system unit before condensation has the opportunity to reform on any cold surfaces.
For the system to work it requires an air supply from an external source that is then ducted to the positive pressure system. The system is designed to deliver an air flow directly from the main unit into the basement.
The importance of servicing your basement sump and pump units
Having invested in a basement waterproofing system to keep the basement dry people expect the sump pump units to work day in and day out with the minimum amount of hassle. The waterproofing systems used by Timberwise are designed to be serviced annually to keep them operating with the minimum of hassle. The sump and pump units benefit from easy to remove lids that allow easy access to the pumps and the perimeter drainage channel features inspection ports that allow the system to be ‘flushed’ clean. An annual ‘Clean and Check’ with the Basement Sump and Pump Co also tests and alarm system that may be fitted to give peace of mind that should there be a problem the alarm will sound.
Need the advice of a specialist to make your basement dry?
Timberwise have been keeping dampness at bay for over 50 years, and are specialists in basement waterproofing. To speak to one of our qualified waterproofing surveyors or to arrange a survey with one of our Welsh, Scottish, or English team members call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line survey request form to speak to your local office.
