Client: Domestic
Our client, a homeowner in Oxford, tasked Timberwise with developing a waterproofing solution to protect their property from the risk of flooding. Having dealt with several cases of flood damage in previous years, our client was seeking a permanent solution that would prevent floodwater from finding their way into the sub-floor beneath their lounge and dining room.
Challenges
Our client lives in a low-lying area that is near a large system of rivers. This puts their property at a high risk of flooding as these rivers often swell in torrential weather. As the client’s sub-floor is built beneath the outside ground level, this provides easy access for ground water from the rivers to ingress into the property under hydrostatic pressure. Water flows through the path of least resistance, and gravity encourages water to flow downwards through permeable materials like soil. However, it only takes one small defect in a foundational wall or for water to meet a less permeable clay or sediment barrier to allow water to force its way into a basement or sub-floor, rather than harmlessly filtering away.
Observations
Upon our surveyor’s visit, it was quite clear that the property had suffered from several instances of flood damage in recent years. Notably, several sections of the timber floor were damaged and sinking underfoot. This indicated that the timbers currently had a high moisture content within them.
A further inspection by our surveyor underneath the floorboards revealed that flood water had been present in their sub-floor void under this section of their house. This excessive moisture had also led to the growth of wet rot fungus on the floorboards and adjoining wall plates. This had resulted in the weakened floorboards and had brought into question the structural integrity of both the floor and the property. You can find out more about identifying similar cases and what causes this damage on our Wet Rot page.
Our client was concerned that further flooding would risk damaging their property and furnishings further and were seeking quick and effective remediation work to protect their property.
Solutions
Considering the current conditions and the property’s surroundings, our surveyor recommended a Type C internal waterproofing system, conforming to BS8102:2022, for use in the sub-floor void. Type C waterproofing means that no water ingress or damp is acceptable. Installing a full waterproofing system would ensure that damp could no longer penetrate the sub-floor void under any conditions and prevent the risk of wet rot decay or flooding in future. Our Basement Waterproofing page has more information on Type C waterproofing solutions and how they eliminate moisture ingress within a cellar or sub-floor environment.
To accomplish this, first a reinforced concrete slab would be laid within the sub-floor void. This is standard practice in situations like these, as it provides a solid foundation from which ideal waterproofing solutions can be installed.
Once cured, a full waterproofing system could be installed over the concrete and masonry foundation. This includes a cavity drain membrane as a barrier to prevent water ingress, a perimeter drainage channel to catch any water dripping off the barrier, and a pump system to drain collected water and pump it into the local sewer system. This combined system is specifically designed for use in below-ground installations and will not allow water to build up enough to cause wet rot decay or moisture damage to the floor above.
Once the work in the sub-floor void was complete, our technicians would then remedy the living spaces of the property. This includes removing the rotten timber joists, floorboards and wall plates, replacing these with new treated timbers. These timbers are resistant to rot and fungi and provide an additional layer of protection against future wet rot outbreaks. This would also restore the structural integrity of the floor, ensuring that our client could once again use the space without fear of damage to their health or their property.
Results
Our client was delighted with the solution provided by our surveyor, and upon completion of the work, highlighted the efficient resolution of our technicians, ensuring the works were completed to plan, on time, and to a high quality. Our client was also provided with peace of mind, both by Timberwise’s 10-year waterproofing guarantee, and by the post-installation assessment, clean and check of their new waterproofing system.
Do You Want Help with a Waterproofing Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in Oxford are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 01865 389 720, or you can request a survey online.
