On a daily basis we field enquiries about the best way to make a new-build basement waterproof. The waterproofing method adopted for a new-build basement requires careful consideration as failure to make the correct decision can have a major impact on the effectiveness of the system and the potential use of the basement. In addition, consideration has to be made for the repair of the waterproofing system if failure were to occur and the consequential loss and the legal disputes resulting from the failure.
Type A (Barrier) protection – A barrier to water ingress is applied to the inner or outer surface of the structure
Type B (Structurally Integral) protection – The structure is formed as a watertight construction and requires no additional protection
Type C (Drained) protection – Water entering the structure is received by planned cavities or voids and safely removed
Grades of Waterproofing Protection:
Grade 1 – Some water seepage and damp is tolerable depending on the intended use. Car parking, plant rooms etc.
Grade 2 – No water penetration is acceptable. Damp areas are tolerable depending on the end use. Plant rooms, workshops etc.
Grade 3 – No dampness or water penetration is acceptable – Ventilated residential and commercial areas such as homes, offices, shops etc.
BS8102 Advice for Ground Water, Design Team & Combined Waterproofing Systems
- Site Investigation Regarding Geology, Hydrogeology and Topography
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, the designer should design both the structure and the waterproofing of the structure to be able to deal with a full head of hydrostatic water pressure – full saturation of the ground. BS8102:2009 is advising that you need to be very sure that your examinations are conclusive and demonstrable before deciding that the risk of water pressure bearing agains the structure is low.
- Inclusion of a Waterproofing Specialist as Part of the Design Team
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. Here BS8102:2009 is suggesting that in most cases the design team is not designing earth retained structures and so would not normally have to include a waterproofing specialist. That team, when encountering a retained structure, will very often not have the experience or expertise to understand and design against the very real risk of water ingress. Bolting on a waterproofing specialist to the design team ensures that a fully qualified person with the required skill-set is now part of that design team.
- Combined Waterproofing Systems
Consideration should be given to the use of combined protection (i.e. Type A plus Type B, Type A plus Type C or Type B plus 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. The decision to use a combined approach of two or more types of waterproofing will always be based up on a risk vs cost calculation. Often other factors will dictate the use of a second or third type of protection, such as ground gasses or aggressive agents found within the ground water.
Newton System 500 is ideal for new-build basements, and it fully conforms with BS8102:2009 regulations
Whether waterproofing a new-build basement or an existing structure, we will always recommend that the preferred waterproofing system be installed by one of our registered contractors. When involved in the design they are able to offer insured guarantees for both the installation and the design of the waterproofing system, 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. NSBCs are able to fulfil the role of waterproofing specialist as suggested by BS8102:2009 and we see that waterproofing contracts run more smoothly and have less issues where one of our NSBC contractors are also the waterproofing design specialist on the design team.
Newton Solutions For All Types of Waterproofing To Reduce Risk
Newton 403 HydroBond is pre-applied to the blinding ready for the forming of the concrete raft and the shuttering (permanent or temporary) for the forming of the walls. The product has a fleece inner surface that the wet concrete absorbs into so that when cured, a permanent mechanical bond is formed. This means that if a defect were to occur in the membrane surface, water can only enter at the defect and is unable to move to the joints and so cannot pass into the structure. If the defect happens to be at a joint, water can still not enter the joint due to the solid uPVC waterbar, Newton 310 eFlex, which is also applied to the shuttering or blinding and also fully bonded to the concrete. In addition, Newton 403 HydroBond has a layer of a hydrophilic polymer that swells when in contact with moisture and so will quickly and permanently seal defects in the membrane. The combination of the self healing and bonded properties makes Newton 403 HydroBond a very safe option where Type A membranes are required. Used in conjunction with the Newton System 300 injectable waterbars, it is possible to include design considerations for all of the warnings cited in the previous page within a Type A plus Type B combined waterproofing system.
Multi-Level New-Build Basement, Edinburgh Newton 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 01732 360 095 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 to consider when waterproofing an existing basement - a quick guide
When waterproofing an existing basement you have a large variety of products available at your disposal. The key is choosing the right product 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 barrier (tanking) to the walls and floor of the basement or
Install a cavity drain system (drained cavity) which receives and then discharges water ingress.
A. Waterproofing an Existing Basement – Barrier Option
The existing basement in this Grade II Listed building was waterproofed with Newton System 500 (Cavity Drain)
Application of barrier (tanking) membranes requires either considerable preparation to provide a bond capable of withstanding water pressure, or a loading layer to hold the membrane to the surface so that it is not de-bonded by water pressure. Preparation is time consuming and expensive whilst a loading layer will waste valuable internal living space.
To be effective, a barrier membrane must be 100% defect free, which is often difficult to achieve. Where a barrier membrane has been loaded, getting at the membrane to make repairs is very difficult as the loading layer needs to be removed.
Barrier membranes need to lap from wall to floor to like a tank (hence tanking) and require the structure to be physically capable of resisting the increase in water pressure. Many barrier systems fail due to movement of the structure due to water pressure exerting forces to the walls and slab.
B. Waterproofing an Existing Basement – Cavity Drain Option
Newton System 500 is ideal for waterproofing an existing basement
This would be the recommended solution as the chance of failure is dramatically reduced.
A well designed cavity drain waterproofing system forms voids created by the cuspated (studded) membrane and the drainage channels that receive the water at the points it enters the structure.
The System 500 membrane is mechanically fixed walls using Newton MultiPlugs (water tight fixing incorporating a waterproof seal that can also receive screws or brick ties). The walls are then lined with a variety of suitable finishes such as dry-lining or block walls or alternatively directly plastered or rendered with the meshed variants of the membranes.
Newton Basedrain drainage channel is placed at the joint of wall and slab and connects to either a pumping system or to safe gravity drainage to allow for water to be safely removed from the structure.
Option A – Barrier -
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.
Many barrier membranes are mixed with water which can result in extended drying times for the system which can significantly impede a building programme, especially when it comes to decorating the finished project.
Some barrier membranes such as sheet membranes or asphalt require loading to prevent them de-bonding when resisting water pressure. The loading erodes valuable habitable space.
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
Damage to the membrane when fixing items such as shelving. Once punctured, this weakness in the membrane can be difficult to repair. Even professionally installed fixings create a weakness to the barrier.
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
Disadvantages - Unless safe gravity drainage, that discharges to a point below the basement floor, is available a pumping system is required which will mean ongoing maintenance.
Installation and Approved Contractors
The basement is now completely dry and protected by Newton System 500
So as you see there are some very important things to consider when choosing your basement waterproofing technique. The most important thing is to make sure whatever system you use you need to get a professional waterproofing contractor to undertake the works. Newton Specialist Basement Contractors (NSBC) are an elite group of professional waterproofing contractors who work in partnership with John Newton & Company to provide the specifier and their clients with the highest quality products, design and installation available in all aspects of domestic and commercial waterproofing. Request List of Registered Installers In Your Area
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 01732 360 095 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
For further information or to speak to one of our technical experts, please ring 01732 360 095. 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
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.
What is BS 8102: 2009 and what does it mean to specifiers of structural waterproofing projects?
BS8102 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 » » » »
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
In the current climate converting an existing below ground cellar or basement for use is a cost-effective way to gain space and add value to your property. This is why more and more people are creating subterranean spaces below their properties. With the added advantage that it avoids complications with planning permission it has become a really viable alternative to a loft conversion or extension. In some cases the whole footprint of the ground floor is replicated in order to achieve an entire new level below the ground.
Whether its an existing space or one that’s been newly created, waterproofing or cellar tanking will be required to ensure that the area remains dry. When a structure is built below the ground it naturally becomes at risk from water and dampness from the surrounding earth. In this scenario cellar tanking becomes crucial no matter what height the earth is at i.e it could be the full height of the basement/cellar or it could be as little as a few centimetres.
Situations Where Full Cellar Tanking Is Necessary
Basically the rule is that if there is any earth bearing against the outside of the structure and it is higher than the internal floor level then potentially ground water can pass through it and therefore cellar tanking is a must.
