Waterproofing regulations

The main regulations regarding basement waterproofing is BS 8102 2009 from the British Standards Institute (BSI.). BS 8102:2009 is a set of ‘best practise’ guidelines for all facets of structural waterproofing including;

• Waterproof barrier materials that are applied to the surface of the structure
• Integrally watertight design and construction
• Drained internal cavity construction, with or without sump and pump.

These guidelines are not UK law, but BS 8102:2009 should be followed any reputable waterproofing contractor.

In the waterproofing industry contractors usually categorise waterproofing into three “types” (A, B and C). This relates directly to the definitions laid out in BS 8102:2009.

Types A, B and C are as follows:

• Type A Waterproofing: Barrier Protection (Tanking)
• Type B Waterproofing: Structurally Integral Protection
• Type C Waterproofing: Drained Protection, Cavity Drain Membranes and Construction Drained Cavities

Regarding waterproofing services on offer at Peter Cox; Type A would be basement tanking, Type B would be a basement waterproofing integrated into a construction project and Type C would include the most common waterproofing work we carry out – the installation of wall waterproofing, basement floor drainage and sump pumps.

BS 8102:2009 also stipulates grades (1, 2 and 3) of waterproofing systems relating to their performance and use. 

• Grade 1: Some moisture ingress is acceptable. This would be fine for Car parks etc.
• Grade 2: No moisture ingress is acceptable but small areas of damp areas are
  tolerable. This would be fine for industrial boiler rooms, workshops etc.
• Grade 3: No dampness or water penetration is acceptable. This is when an area
  needs to be completely watertight and dry e.g. domestic basement conversions,
  offices, shops etc…

• Section 4.2 of BS 8102:2009 lays out some guidelines for anyone hiring a basement waterproofing contractor. The Guidelines recommend that a waterproofing specialist should be included as part of any underground structural waterproofing design plans and they should meet the following criteria:
• Be suitably experienced
• Be capable of devising solutions that accommodate the projects needs
• Provide information and guidance on the design, installation and future maintenance
  of the project

With more than 30 years of waterproofing experience, Peter Cox fulfil all these criteria. understand all the problems that may arise throughout your basement waterproofing works. Not only that, we are also approved by Which?, the Property Care Association (PCA) and the British Structural Waterproofing Association (BSWA).

Peter Cox surveyors are CSSW qualified and among the most knowledgeable and skilled in the industry.

If you want to turn your basement or cellar into a dry and functional part of your property then you need to book a survey with Peter Cox.

To speak to the waterproofing team at Peter Cox, call us today on 0800 633 5712 or contact your local branch. Alternatively, you can contact Peter Cox online using our contact form.