Q. How do Newton waterproofing systems work?
A. Newton waterproofing systems are designed to accept water that enters at known weaknesses in the structure by strategically placing voids at known points of water ingress. Newton Basedrain is placed at the wall/floor junction and Newton Floordrain is placed above horizontal construction joints. The voids created depressurise the ingressing water and divert it to safe forms of drainage such as Newton pumping systems or gravity drainage downhill of the slab/raft. Newton waterproofing wall and floor membranes are installed to the walls and floor to create a separation layer between the wet/damp outer structure and the dry habitable area.
Q. Which membranes are available as part of the Newton System 500 waterproofing system?
Newton 508 Mesh is ideal for accepting plaster or render
A. Newton 508 is the membrane mostly used to both walls and floors as part of the waterproofing system. Newton 508 is an opaque membrane with a in-line pattern of 8mm studs. It is fixed to wall by Newton Multi-Plug and is loose laid to the floor. Sealing of the wall to the floor is done with Newton Overtape.
Other wall membrane options are:
- Newton 508 Mesh
For receiving plaster, lime mortar, renders or dabbed plasterboard directly to the meshed side of the membrane - Newton 503
3mm studded membrane used where space is at a premium - Newton 503 Mesh
For receiving plaster, lime mortar, renders or dabbed plasterboard directly to the meshed side of the membrane where space is at a premium
Other floor membrane options are:
- Newton 601 Slimline
Flat loose laid high grade flooring membrane - Newton 603
3mm loose laid flooring membrane - Newton 603 Mesh
3mm loose laid flooring membrane with meshed surface
Your Newton Specialist Basement Contractor (NSBC) will determine the correct membrane to use for the installation.
Q. What is the advantage of using Newton System 500 over conventional “tanking” methods?
A. Newton System 500 requires minimal surface preparation and is not introducing wet trades into a potentially wet environment.
- It is easily repairable, unlike external or internal tanking systems where it can be almost impossible to locate defects.
- The system does not increase the water pressure on the structure.
- The system is fully maintainable via access ports.
- It does not rely on 100% defect free workmanship as does conventional tanking.
- Can be applied with care and precision in all weather conditions.
- It is recognised by the British Standards and industry experts as the “least likely system to fail”.
- It is simple and it works.
Q. What type of finish can be applied to Newton System 500?
Newton MultiPlug
A. The Newton 508 membrane has in-line studs of 8mm depth which when placed against the wall form an air cavity to allow potential water ingress to depressurise within. The membrane is fixed to the walls with Newton MultiPlugs which are hammered into a hole formed by a 10mm drill bit. The material will need a finish established in front of it which will either be an free standing or fixed frame or a free standing of tied-in block work wall. Timber battens, fixed metal dry-lining systems or wall ties can be affixed directly into the head of the Newton MultiPlug without compromising the system (a waterproof rawl plug!). All services and insulation can be hidden within the frame work or cavity created by the new wall finish.
Q. Can I achieve a rendered/plastered finish to Newton 508?
A. No. You will need to use Newton 508 Mesh. This material has a mesh integrally bonded during the manufacturing process which provides a direct key for plaster/renders or dot and dab plasterboard (See technical guidelines for finish specifications). Newton MultiPlugs must be fixed at 250mm to 300mm centres vertically and horizontally to take the weight of the finish.
Q. What is the minimum build up on the Newton 508 Mesh membrane. I am extremely tight on space?
A. We suggest 2 x 6mm coats of plaster or render with a 3mm skim coat to finish (minimum 15mm). Alternatively 12.5mm plasterboard with dabs can be used.
Q. Other trades on site have damaged the material how can I fix it?
A. Newton 508 can be easily fixed if damaged on site. As the membrane is not holding back water pressure, a simple patch repair using our Waterseal Tape or Overtape is all that is required. If a fixing does not take and needs to be removed, insert a small piece of Newton Waterseal Rope into the hole and then cover with a patch of Overtape.
Q. Do I need to incorporate drainage on this project? It’s not wet?
A. Yes most definitely. The system is not designed to hold back water – it is a water management system. The designer must assume that water may enter the building at some point in the structures life (BS8102:2009), and we need to include means of removing the water when it enters. If the client does not want to use drainage ensure that you have documented proof of their decision.
Newton NP 400 Pump
Q. A sump and pump! Its overkill, it’s never going to even turn on, we don’t need it?
A. If your project is fully retaining i.e. you have no safe way of removing the water from the structure, then you will need to incorporate a sump and pump. Our pumping systems are highly robust, and depending upon which pump used they can also deal with water from dishwashers, sinks, showers and even toilets (Consult your NSBC Contractor for advice on pumping stations). In many cases the project requires a pumping system for removal of water from the lightwells, and this pump system can also receive the water from System 500.
Q. Can I use under floor heating within the cavity drain system?
A. Yes most definitely, contact Newton technical or your NSBC contractor for design assistance.
Q. Can I use the membrane system on a flat soffit?
A. Only if a fall can be created to the soffit allowing water to drain tothe walls. Options are available and we suggest speaking to a NSBC contractor or our Technical Department for assistance.
Q. Can I use a Newton System in a lift shaft?
A. Yes, but this will require a sump for the water to collect into. Many designers do not like to use sumps in lift shafts, but many are installed after the alternative method of waterproofing has failed. Again, options are available and we suggest speaking to a NSBC contractor or our Technical Department for assistance.
Q. Can I or my builder install the Newton System 500?
A. Newton System 500 should be installed by a Newton Specialist Basement Contractor (NSBC) who can offer full PI on design and installation ofour system and provide the client with a meaningful underwritten guarantee for the waterproofing. For details on the NSBC network click here to be taken to the NSBC contractor area of our site.
Q. Why I am using an internal system? Do you offer an external system?
A.Newton and our contractor network advocate the use of internal maintainable waterproofing systems. We do have an external drained system called Newton Geodrain which we would recommend as a “belt and braces” approach.
Q. My proposed development has some difficult detailing issues can you assist?
A. Absolutely, John Newton offer free technical support and our in-house CAD team can produce technical details in all drawing formats required by specifiers. In addition, Newton has Technical Managers throughout the UK who are available for on site consultation and support.
Please call 020 7237 1217 or e-mail info@newton-membranes.co.uk for any further help and assistance.
