Client: Cordonier Architects
Timberwise was called to this site to assess and discuss the potential installation of a flood prevention system.
This project came to the attention of Timberwise in early August of 2024, when a site visit to the external elevations only was conducted, and a brief proposal put to our technicians with regards to an external application of a waterproofing system to the two buildings. Since then, and following subsequent conversations with the client, Timberwise was informed that the foundry building would need to be worked from the inside whereas the Markham Quay building would be largely carried out externally with minor areas done internally.
Surveyors visiting the site saw that there were many ramifications and weak points whereby even carrying out these works water could still come to bear. There were multiple door and window openings which would require fully sealing externally in a very robust manner. In addition to that any other source of easy ingress should be nullified such as removal and blocking up of weep holes to the cavities and blocking up of old service routes for pipes. Preparation would be the key to this project as there would be a vast amount of preparation to be required before works could be started on the site.
Last year a flood incident occurred with the nearby river adjacent to the foundry building overflowed with water encompassing the area of the site buildings and entered them, causing internal flooding. The foundry building experienced the worst levels of ingress which stands to reason as with the lie of the land being at a lower point with the river directly behind. The foundry building although prominently a new build, the riverside wall is original brickwork.
The Foundry Building
Surveyors saw that the project walls were mainly of block work construction to the newer section with brickwork to the rear sections and riverside. The damp proof membrane already present was spotted extending from beneath the floor and up into the block work wall presumably acting as the DPC. It was not possible for our technicians to make an application of our waterproofing products at the time of the visit as the damp proof membrane was loose, baggy, torn and damaged in places. It was relayed to our technicians that this layer could be cut away so that it would be recessed within the wall and not protruding under the floor, allowing the application of products to the substrates.
Markham Quay Building
Timberwise noted steel framework within the building which had various gaps between the back of the steel on the face of the walls. Where there was sufficient space behind the steels we would run our products straight through where the space is tighter. These spaces would need to be pre-filled with mortar and recessed back at least 10mm from the face of the steels to facilitate the installation of future products to the area. In addition, multiple steel door frames and windows in places the cavity wall is exposed would require preparation works. As already discussed with the client, these sections would need to be filled with expamet mesh and an application of a render coating.
There were overflow pipes coming out from the building to the outside. These were planned to be re-routed and the holes pre-filled by outside contractors from the client. There were also areas where metal angle brackets were to the rear walls, which would need to be sealed, as well as the door frames and metal lining systems in close proximity to the walls. Electrical sockets and services fixed to the walls .
Works to be done by Timberwise
Timberwise are to install a waterproof peripheral fillet detail at the wall floor junction around the building using Koster repair mortar plus, applicable to the Foundry building and the entranceways in the Markham.
Timberwise are to apply a sealant detail around the metal and steelwork frames and linings, which should have been prefilled behind mortar by the client. Two coats of Koster NB1 tanking are also to be applied to the internal walls of the Foundry building approximately 1150mm high from the existing slab level extending down over the fillet detail. On Markham Quay this would be 700mm above the external path but extending over the foundation.
Results
Timberwise conducted a thorough survey of the property, discovering several external defects, moisture ingress and a slight woodworm infestation. Technicians expertly advised the client, pulling from more than 50 years of industry experience.
Do You Need Help with a Waterproofing Solution?
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