Introducing Newton’s Innovative and Proven New Range
Newton 301 AquaProof Metal Construction Joint Water Bar
John Newton & Co have been protecting buildings from the effects of water ingress for more than 160 years and have now included into their portfolio a range of concrete waterproofing solutions using the latest technologies offering the specifier the ability to protect the entire envelope of the structure from below ground base slab, earth retained walls to concrete deck waterproofing solutions, all from a single source.
Combination strategies provide increased waterproofing protection to the structure. The provision of a maintainable waterproofing system is recommended within BS8102:2009 and Newton can provide maintainable options for all three types of waterproofing defined by the British Standard.
Welcoming Derek Wadsworth to John Newton & Company
Newton 304 PolyProof Inject High Grade Hydrophilic Water Bar
To further endorse our commitment to the new System 300 range we are delighted to welcome Derek Wadsworth to the John Newton team. Derek, who will be heading up our concrete waterproofing product portfolio, has worked in the construction industry for 21 years and brings with him a wealth of experience having worked for some of the UK’s most prominent structural waterproofing companies. Derek has experience of bentonite products from his time with CETCO Europe Ltd, cementitious concrete waterproofing technologies having headed up the UK operations of Vandex (UK) Ltd., and most recently Grace Construction Products Ltd., working throughout Central London and the South East assisting key architectural and engineering practices waterproof landmark UK projects.
Derek added: “I’m proud to be working with John Newton & Co and look forward to assisting in the launch of the new range of concrete waterproofing products which, added to the current portfolio, allows us to assist specifiers and our Newton Specialist Basement Contractors (NSBC) to cover all aspects of building envelope protection.”
Newton Registered Installers
Newton Specialist Waterproofing Contractors (NSBC) can offer peace of mind to the designer and the client by taking full design liability on the project, even fulfilling the role of ‘waterproofing specialist’ as recommended by BS8102:2009. In addition they provide a meaningful guarantee for their work, which can be insured on request. For advice on your waterproofing project, ring Newtons on 020 7237 1217 or e-mail info@newton-membranes.co.uk. For a list of registered installers expert in all aspects of waterproofing, including concrete decks, fill out our online form Request Registered Installers
Concrete Show – Free Tickets
Contact us for your free ticket for the Concrete Show!
John Newton & Company will be exhibiting at the Concrete Show in Coventry on February 22nd – 23d. For your free ticket, please e-mail lucinda@newton-membranes.co.uk
For further information or to speak to one of our technical experts, please ring 020 7237 1217. For a list of Newton Specialist Basement Contractors (NSBC) in your area, please e-mail info@newton-membranes.co.uk or fill out our online form: Request List of Registered Installers
What to consider when waterproofing an existing basement - a quick guide
When you are looking at waterproofing an existing basement you have a large variety of products available at your disposal. The key is choosing the right product at the right price to achieve the degree of waterproofing required for the intended use of the basement.
When waterproofing an existing basement, you will either:
attempt to hold water back by applying a cementitious system to the basement or
install a cavity drain system which will manage and expel any water ingress prior to damaging internal finishes.
The existing basement in this Grade II Listed building was waterproofed with Newton System 500
Firstly what needs to be considered is – what are you using the space for? If it is a bike shed then you are not going to insulate it or go to a massive effort to rake out the mortar joints etc. The big cost will be the prep here and of course it will take a while for the render approach to dry. If you are happy with the risk of water ingress coming out on the floor then maybe go for a cavity drain membrane as a damp proof membrane and accept if water comes in you will deal with it then.
If it is going to be habitable accommodation it needs to be totally dry with no water or water vapour acceptable. You have two choices.
A. Waterproofing an Existing Basement – Barrier Option
This barrier will require preparation by a trained waterproofing expert. To make it 100% watertight means 100% workmanship which keep in mind is very difficult to achieve. In all circumstances with an internal barrier, for it to be effective you will need to do not only the walls but also the floors. Make sure you have a good existing slab here or even a new one to make it effective. Bricks on edge or flags on soil will not do for habitable accommodation they will need to be removed and can be re-instated later.
Newton System 500 is ideal for waterproofing an existing basement
B. Waterproofing an Existing Basement – Cavity Drain Option
This would be the recommended solution. A drained cavity system is ideal. When waterproofing an existing basement with this system you will have a series of dimpled sheet membranes (usually 8mm in depth) which are mechanically fixed back to the building fabric using a waterproof MultiPlug (plug with a waterproof seal which acts like a rawl plug that you can fix into) then depending upon the finish required either a plain 8mm membrane with battens on plugs or a frame work tied back into the plugs or a meshed dimpled sheet which you can render onto. These systems act as water management system in your existing basement, moving any moisture or water behind the dimples and down to a internal drain which are installed at the wall floor junction. The drain can then either feed out to an open elevation or to an existing drain or a sump and pump.
Prior to using either system here’s a quick guide to the pro’s and cons of both.
Option A – Barrier -
The basement is now completely dry and protected by Newton System 500
Disadvantages - Any applied system will need preparation to the substrate prior to application which can prove very disruptive and messy and a real problem in general. Depending upon the substrate you may have to rake out the mortar joints, sand blast, scabble, hack off to get back to the substrate and prepare it ready for the applied barrier.
Another disadvantage is that wet trades are introduced, as you are potentially making a wet project even more damp by introducing a wet solution. This introduces problems with the waterproof barrier in terms of drying times. Drying out times are one of the most frustrating elements of the barrier approach this can significantly impede a building programme especially when it comes to be able to decorate the finish project
A final disadvantage here is the inability to fix things like shelving units into the barrier without puncturing the barrier. This will also invalidate any guarantee that was offered by a professional installer.
Advantages - The biggest advantage with the barrier is if placed perfectly it will negate the need for installing any form of sump system which saves on future maintenance costs.
Option B – The Internal Drained Cavity System
Advantages – The drained cavity has many advantages the main ones being:
Minimal surface preparation required, if any
Can be installed with no wet trades or drying out times
Can be decorated quickly if an independent dry lining frame is used
Does not push water to other areas of the project – as could happen with a barrier
Can be used on all Listed Buildings as it is fully reversible – barriers are not
Newton System 500 is maintainable – a requirement of BS8102:2009
The integrity of the system is not dependent on100% defect free workmanship, which conventional tanking is
Disadvantages - The biggest disadvantage is that if you are below invert level you will need to use a pump which will mean ongoing maintenance.
So there you are some very important things to consider when choosing your basement waterproofing technique. The most important thing really is to make sure whatever system you use put into the budget to get a professional waterproofing contractor to undertake the works. Contact the manufacturer and check that they know the installer and can recommend them. This way you will have a course of action should the system be installed poorly.
The Alternative – A Combined System Option
At John Newton and Co. we believe that where possible the best waterproofing solution would be a combination of Type B and Type C ( defined by the BS8102:1990 Code of Practice for The Protection of below Ground Structures from Water From the Ground). In basic terms design and build the structure as strong as possible to form the primary resistance against water ingress but expect that some leakage may occur and install a contingency plan in the form of a Newton Cavity Drain Membrane System. As such we have the capability to design both a Type B waterproof structure and Type C internal waterproofing or a combination of both to suit the specific project requirement using our comprehensive product range.
Christopher Newton is presented with the BBA Certificate for Newton 201 RubberFlex
John Newton & Company are delighted to announce that Newton 201 RubberFlex has been awarded the BBA Certificate. RubberFlex is a single part, cold applied liquid waterproofing product which forms an elastomeric polyurethane membrane. It is ideal for waterproofing balconies and terraces, flat and inverted roofs, podium decks and high traffic areas.
David Bucknell, Technical Director, explains: “We needed a high quality roof and podium deck membrane to fill a gap in our product range. Newton 201 RubberFlex is the result of 18 months of development and testing. Being awarded a BBA Agrément Certificate allows us to provide a 25 year system that has demonstrable third party accreditation, giving our customers the confidence to specify this very important part of the overall waterproofing scheme.”
Key Benefits of Newton 201 RubberFlex:
Durable – Has 25 year ETA certification
100% waterproof, but allows vapour diffusion
Flexible – Resistant to movements and fissures in substrates
Excellent adhesion to most substrates
Resistant to impact, abrasion and completely UV stable
Excellent resistance to water born micro-organisms
Applied with airless spray squeegee, brush or roller
Resistant to temperature variations maintaining its characteristics between -50ºC & 90ºC.
Excellent resistance to chemical agents (cleaning products, etc.)
Newton 201 RubberFlex is ideal for waterproofing balconies and terraces
Typical Applications
Balconies and terraces
Flat and inverted roofs
Podium decks
High traffic areas: Stairs, Stadium concourses etc.
New Build Basement Waterproofing – Design Strategy
On a daily basis we field enquiries and queries about the best way to make a new build basement waterproof. The waterproofing method adopted for a new build basement is indeed a very prudent and essential consideration as failure to make the correct decision can have a major impact on the effectiveness of the system, the potential use of the basement, the risk of consequential loss and avoiding liability dispute.
The type or types of construction and waterproofing i.e Type A (Barrier) protection Type B (Structurally Integral) protection Type C (Drained) protection
Expect and design to expect a full head of hydrostatic water pressure where comprehensive site investigation regarding the geology, hydrogeology and topography both current and historical in relation to the below ground structure are not possible or the results are inconclusive.
A “Waterproofing Specialist” should be included as a part of the design team so that an integrated waterproofing solution is created. All design decisions made by others that might have an impact on the waterproofing design should be brought to the attention of the waterproofing specialist/designer or installing contractors. Final decisions and any recommendations should be approved by the specialist.
Consideration should be given to the use of combined protection (i.e. Type A and Type B, Type A and Type C or Type B and Type C) where in a single system: a) the likelihood of leaking is high. b) the consequences of leakage is unacceptable. c) additional vapour checks are necessary for a system where unacceptable water vapour transmission could otherwise occur.
Newtons Recommendations for New Build Basements
Newton System 500 is ideal for new build basements, and it fully conforms with BS8102:2009 regulations
At John Newton and Co. we believe that where possible the best combined system for a new build basement would be a combination of Type B and Type C Newton cavity drain membrane. In basic terms design and build the structure as strong as possible to form the primary resistance against water ingress but expect that some leakage may occur and install a contingency plan in the form of a Newton Cavity Drain Membrane System. We would advise against external impermeable membranes as a waterproofing element on their own or as part of a combined system which does not include a Type C element for new build basements for the following reasons:
The use of external impermeable membranes may also be considered but with the important caveat that it potentially conflicts with the performance of water- resisting concrete. It is important to note also that, apart from the significant cost of membrane systems, their success depends on the highest quality of workmanship. The quality of the concrete surface, especially with bonded membranes such as bitumen sheeting, is critical and is not easy to achieve’ – IStructE document for ‘Design and construction of deep basements’.
The judgement in the overview of the High Court case ‘Outwing vs.Weatherald’ agrees that ‘it is not reasonable or realistic to expect a bonded sheet membrane to be applied without any defects at all‘. Therefore if you incorporate a system which needs to be 100% defect free to work in your design and it fails you may be accountable.
‘Leaks caused by defects in external membranes are practically impossible to locate and repair, since the water invariably enters the structure internally through cracks or other vulnerable points, such as any movement joints, at some distance from the external defect‘.- IStructE document for ‘Design and construction of deep basements’.
Because consideration should be given to the ‘form and feasibility of remedial work’ which means if there is a problem the ability to get back to the structure to diagnose and determine the cause and location and then rectify the problem. -BS8102 :2009
Because consideration should be given to providing a ‘maintainable’ waterproofing system. – BS8102 :2009
There are of course other details in construction of a below ground structures like Podium Decks, Pile Caps, Intermediate floors etc which will require specific detailing with a combination of products and techniques all of which can be successfully dealt using products from the Newton range.
Newton Basedrain allows water to be drained away from the new build basement
Whether waterproofing a new build basement or an existing structure, we will always recommend that the system be installed by one of our registered contractors. If they are involved in the design work early enough and then undertake the work they will ultimately be responsible for both the design and the installation which means that they will give meaningful, insured installation guarantees for the work they undertake and with most of our contractors having suitable PI allowing you to delegate the full design liability for the waterproofing aspect of the project to them. They are approved installers of a number of waterproofing products an as such will, without bias, put forward a design using the system or systems which they feel will be the most suitable trouble free and effective in the given circumstances. As stated above the BS8102 calls for a waterproofing specialist to consult as part of the design team and this can be a Newton Specialist Basement Contractor.They are aware that it is usually not possible to nominate the waterproofing specialist in a competitive tender situation but still would appreciate the opportunity to put forward their design and costs at an early stage.
Structural Waterproofing Design Strategy CPD
Click here to read more about our RIBA Approved CPD, and to book online. The presentation will provide an insight into the successful techniques that are now being utilised in the waterproofing industry.
New Build Waterproofing Case Studies
Multi-Level New Build Basement, EdinburghNewton System 500 Allows For Highest Level of Waterproofing Protection in the UK
Multi-level new build basement, Edinburgh
This New Build basement was split onto two levels and was constructed from reinforced concrete panels bearing off a structural raft. The construction was cut into a sloping site, so that the back elevations of the project were earth retaining. Newton Specialist Basement Contractor, Richardson and Starling curtain hung Newton 508 cavity drain membrane to the concrete panels using Newton MultiPlug fixings. Newton Basedrain was installed in a horseshoe formation, ensuring that any water entering the structure would be diverted. The installation of the Newton System 500 water management system allowed for the highest level of waterproofing protection in the UK, and Richardson and Starling were able to offer full design and installation guarantees for this major new build basement development. The design fully complied with BS8102:2009 regulations.
Residential new build basement: Newton System 400 used externally, Newton System 500 used internally
This expansive new build basement was designed to become an integral part of a historic manor house. Newton Specialist Basement Contractor, Gulliver Timber Treatments used Newton 410 Geodrain as a drained waterproofing layer underneath the slab. Newton 902 Primer was then painted on the vertical walls as a Type A waterproofing protection. Adjacent to the footings two 110 perforated land drains were installed wrapped in Newton Geofabric to act as a filtration layer. The secondary system installed was the internal Newton System 500 drained cavity system. The installation of the dual Newton System 400 and System 500 means that the structure itself is kept dry and the external drained layer moves any water away from the structure before it comes into contact with the retaining walls. Gulliver Timber Treatments were able to offer full PI on design and offer peace of mind to the main contractor and client with insured backed guarantees. The design fully complied with BS8102:2009 regulations.
Further New Build Basement Waterproofing Advice and Registered Installers
Please do not hesitate to contact us at Newton on 020 7237 1217 or info@newton-membranes.co.uk for any technical advice you may have or if you require a list of Newton Specialist Basement Contractors in your area for a new build basement, or for waterproofing an existing basement.
What is BS 8102: 2009 and what does it mean to specifiers of structural waterproofing projects?
BS 8102 is a design document whose purpose is to inform the designer of the various methods of waterproofing available and to assist in the correct specification of those systems. Although other documents are available, BS 8102 is THE document that you should be familiar with. Although not UK law, failure to use BS 8102 could result in the designer having a difficult time in a court of law in the event of litigation following a waterproofing failure. It is almost certain that this code of practice will be used by the prosecuting expert witness.
The New British Standard BS 8102:2009 came into effect 30 November 2009 and supersedes BS 8102:1990
A number of new recent developments are addressed which are important when specifying, designing and constructing below ground structures including: Continue reading » » » »
Newton 201 RubberFlex flexible liquid waterproof membrane is one of Newtons innovative new products
After two years of extensive product development and testing, Newton are proud to launch our new range of structural waterproofing products. Having historically focused on cavity drain waterproofing we can now supply a full range of additional products to complement our range.
A portfolio of cementitious products to complement Newton System 500, including a high quality flexible waterproofing membrane, an SBR additive, a rapid setting waterstop and fast setting mortar for creating angle fillets. These products enable the specifier to use Newton products for other areas of the overall inclusive waterproofing scheme such as lift shafts, flat soffits and externally to difficult details such as retained slabs and ring-beams. Continue reading » » » »
Newtons is proud to offer 108 Stopaq, a unique swelling sealant compound which provides a waterproofing solution for the notoriously difficult service pipe penetrations which can eventuate in below ground waterproofing applications. This tried and tested technique is extensively utilised within marine engineering and sealing of oil pipes.
108 Stopaq Product Features Include:
Requires minimal surface preparation
Adheres on wet and dry surfaces
Fast and easy to apply
Has no shelf life and does not become hard
Can resist up to 0.3 bar of pressure
Water and gas impermeable
Non toxic and environmentally friendly
Long term protection with no ageing of the product
Key Benefits of 108 Stopaq:
Rapid water stopping – no curing time needed
Single component
Does not demand special tools for application
Adjusts to movements in pipes and cables
No fumes, no chemical reactions
Works under hydrostatic pressures
The sealant remains flexible and the material can be reused so no product wastage
Typical Applications Include
Wall inlets below ground water level
Sealing of running water leaks
Wall penetrations inside of buildings
Sealing of multi pipe and cable inlets
Watch The Video
This video demonstrates how incredibly quickly 108 Stopaq can be applied and can hold back hydrostatic pressure.
Over the years we have seen many changes in the industry – some good and some bad! One of the most recent changes has been the revision of the BS8102 1990 at the back end of 2009 resulting in the document being retitled BS8102 2009 Code of Practice for Protection of Structures Against Water from the Ground.
There are other guideline documents available to be referenced regarding structural waterproofing but this is the one considered to be ‘the bible’ for anyone considering building in the ground and has been used very effectively by expert witnesses in cases of dispute to condem bad designs.
As a professional waterproofing company we are largely governed by the content and recommendations of BS8102 with regard to producing and advising on specifications and giving general technical advice. Continue reading » » » »
Newton 508 Mesh used to treat damp in the Royal Courts of Justice
Tanking is a generic term used to describe various mediums which are used to deal with water entering a below ground building. Tanking membranes are really barriers which is applied to the structure to physically hold back water ingress and are the more traditional method of dealing with water from the ground. At John Newton and Co. we feel that there is a more modern, reliable and risk free alternative to tanking membraneswhen we have actual or the potential for water ingress in to a structure . The alternative is Cavity Drain Membrane Systems, and this article explains why it is the best approach
Tanking membranes are applied to a building in order to provide a physical barrier to prevent to ingress of water. They can be applied either internally or externally. Examples of tanking membranes include:
Basement tanking systems are traditionally bonded membranes or applied systems externally to stop the entry of water into your property. So why the change to an internal basement waterproofing approach?
Simple. It is nearly impossible to achieve one hundred percent workmanship to get external basement tanking system to work. Thousands of basements in the past have had external basement tanking systems like bitumen, asphalt or even a bonded sheet applied to a new build basement prior to backfill many too have a land drain adjacent to the footings to “take the water away” before it reaches the structure. Of course I would recommend getting rid of the water in the first place but through experience realise that this can be impractical and in some circumstances impossible so you need to do something about it. Plenty of external basement tanking systems are there and I would like to put forward the view that they are not failing because… they are not being tested! If they were then the workmanship issue may come into the equation and if it is poor then you may have significant problem “water” and then the next problem arises – how am I going to fix this?
The answer? It’s extremely difficult to deal with the problem from an external perspective
Concrete Show – Free Tickets
