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Above: Newton Waterproofing Systems were used to waterproof 193 houses and apartments in a Crest Nicholson housing development in Sunbury-on-Thames. Insert: Newton 403 HydroBond installed to provide Type A (Barrier) protection.
Implications of British Standard 8102 for Waterproofing A New-Build Basement
In deciding the method for waterproofing a new-build basement it is advisable to follow the recommendations within BS 8102:2009 ‘Code of Practice for Protection of Below Ground Structures Against Water From the Ground’. The standard advises on the types of waterproofing available and confirms the performance grade to be achieved:
The different grades of waterproofing: What is a dry basement?
Site Investigation Regarding Geology, Hydrogeology and Topography
Where a comprehensive site investigation is 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 – or in layman’s terms, full saturation of the ground.
It is also important to consider that ground investigations are a snap-shot in time of the ground water levels, and many factors can influence these levels. One such example is a perched water table that only occurs after heavy and prolonged rainfall, or during a water-pipe burst. It is therefore always safer to assume that a full head of water pressure will come to bear at some point, and at Newton, all of our waterproofing specifications are designed to deal with fully saturated ground and full height water levels.
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 waterproofing designer/contractor.
Consideration should be given to combining two or more of the Type A, B and C waterproofing systems, where in a single scenario:
“I use Newton Waterproofing Systems because of the friendly and efficient service that we get – nothing is ever too much trouble. The products are excellent and I like being part of the research and development of their products to the ongoing benefit of the waterproofing industry. In addition I like the fact that my company is associated with the market leaders in structural waterproofing.” Ian MacLennan, MacLennanUK, Newton Specialist Basement Contractor
When designing the waterproofing for other structural elements that require protection, for example on podium decks, pile caps etc., in all such situations these building elements can be successfully waterproofed using Newton products, often using a combination of systems.
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 Professional Indemnity, this allows you to delegate the full design liability for the waterproofing aspect of the project to them. Newton Specialist Basement Contractors are able to fulfil the role of waterproofing specialist as suggested by BS 8102:2009 and we see that waterproofing contracts run more smoothly and have fewer issues where one of our NSBC contractors are also the waterproofing design specialist on the design team.
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Our staff are able to provide guidance for projects of all sizes, whether you require some general advice about damp or waterproofing, or support with technical drawings and specifications.