Saving a Failed Double Basement, Notting Hill

Summary

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  The completed rear deck with the new basement level beneath

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  The new lower basement provides a dry, safe space for the client

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  The completed wine cellar located beneath the rear deck

Newton were approached by the desperate client at this large terraced property in Notting Hill, having had a second basement level excavated beneath the existing basement and the front and rear gardens.

Unfortunately, bad waterproofing design and workmanship meant the basement had flooded immediately upon completion – the builder ceased trading and, following a legal case, the architect and structural engineer were found culpable.

The Project

Newton recommended our experienced specialist contractor, Stonehouse in order to assess the failure and propose a comprehensive solution.

The experts at Stonehouse identified a litany of issues, from the weak, permeable structure to the lack of continuous waterproofing between levels, the inadequate pumping system, the blocked cavity drain system, and the non-existent external deck waterproofing and drainage, amongst others.

The Solution

Once structural reinforcement had taken place, Stonehouse proceeded by:

• Reinforcing dry pack joints with HydroCoat 313-WP and HydroCoat 103 2K
• Sealing voids and structural weaknesses with Newton Injection Resins
• Preparing all internal surfaces before spraying HydroCoat 103 2K
• Adhering insulation beneath soffits, providing an integral vapour barrier
• Installing a full Newton CDM System with a dedicated Titan-Pro sump chamber, dual NP750 pumps and Victron battery backup protection
• Waterproofing both decks with Newton’s liquid primers and membranes, overlaid and protected by a NewSeal 408 DeckDrain membrane

The Result

Stonehouse delivered an exceptional waterproofing design and installation for the client, who now has a watertight and guaranteed two-level basement beneath their home. Finally, they can enjoy in full for the first time in many years.

"This was probably the most technically challenging project Stonehouse have ever undertaken. But with clients who wanted no future risk of water ingress, we were able to design and intall a robust, durable solution utilising the full range of Newton waterproofing products to prevent water ingress from all conceivable directions. As a result, the client can finally enjoy the vast space below their house with the reassurance of our long-term guarantee." Graham Stone - Managing Director, Stonehouse