Client: Domestic
Our client, a homeowner in Bristol, contracted Timberwise to both design and install a basement waterproofing system to prevent water ingress in a storage room outside their home. This property was a basement-level flat of stone construction, and was both inhabited and furnished at the time of our inspection. The weather conditions were overcast but dry.
Challenges
As this property was located on the basement level of a building with limited street access, great care would be required to ensure the health and safety of both our team and pedestrians during the renovations. Hazards such as material transport across the public pathway would require careful consideration to prevent any potential accidents. It was also crucial to factor in the size of materials to ensure that they could be delivered into the basement level successfully while reducing the possibility of damage.
Observations
Our surveyors first completed an initial assessment of the property. This storage room was based outside the main property, and had suffered from damp ingress for several years prior to our visit.
Moisture profiles were identified on the ceiling and walls. Most notably, the rear elevation and roof showed signs of a persistent leak, with visible water marks running down to the base of the wall. This water had collected in a large puddle on the flag stone floor at the base of the wall.
The existing render on both the walls and ceiling had also eroded away over time, leaving masonry partially exposed. This was likely due to previous ingress or the build-up of historic salts. These salts draw moisture back into the plaster after it dries, weakening it and causing it to slough or crumble away.
Solutions
Our surveyor designed a basement waterproofing system that would make the storage room watertight. All our basement waterproofing systems are designed in adherence with the BS8102:2022 code of practice for protection of below-ground structures against water ingress.
Timberwise considers a Type C Waterproofing solution to be the ideal solution for all basement waterproofing projects. This involves creating an entirely watertight solution that prevents water ingress, but also protects against hydrostatic pressure behind the wall. In this case, our technicians installed Cavity Drain Membranes on the floors, walls, and ceiling. These membranes are installed over existing masonry, and prevent moisture from entering. A chipboard layer was then installed over the membranes, which would prevent damage from the other side of the membrane. In living spaces, these chipboard walls can then be decorated to a customer’s wishes once work had concluded.
Unlike other methods, cavity drain membranes allow moisture to continue flowing naturally, rather than holding water back and risking damage from continuous hydrostatic pressure. Instead, the water runs down the membrane, where it collects into a pump chamber or channel at the base of the wall to be drained away. This system is also removable, making it an ideal solution in period properties where the existing materials can remain.
However, in this instance, the drainage channel has been omitted due to budgetary requirements, and the flagstone floor was not disturbed. This concern is also valid for heritage properties, where it is integral to maintain as much original material in the building as possible. Instead, an exterior outlet pipe was installed to channel any water to a surface drainage point that was already present outside the vault.
As a final touch, our technicians replaced the existing timber door and frame, ensuring that the storage area was protected from the elements and our client’s belongings would be protected.
Results
Our client was delighted with the work completed by Timberwise to create a waterproof storage space for their home. They were satisfied with our surveyor’s attention to detail, ensuring that they created a plan that both solved their concerns and suited their budget. They were also satisfied that our team would reattend to perform future work, such as fitting the cavity drainage system or installing a plaster coat over the chipboard and membrane walls, when our client’s budget allowed.
Do You Want Help with a Waterproofing Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in Bristol are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0117 322 6512, or you can request a survey online.
