Waterproofing regulations

The main regulations regarding basement waterproofing is BS 8102 2022 from the British Standards Institute (BSI.). BS 8102:2022 is a set of ‘best practice’ 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 8102:2022 should be followed by 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 8102:2022.

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 a cavity drain membrane system, using perimeter drainage and sump pumps.

BS 8102:2022 also stipulates grades (1A, 1B, 2 and 3) of waterproofing systems relating to their performance and end use. 

Grades of waterproofing protection:

• Grade 1A: Seepage (slow transmission of water) and damp areas (slightly wet but no
  transmission) from both internal and external sources are tolerable, if this does not impact the proposed use of the space.
• Grade 1B: No seepage, but damp areas (slightly wet but no transmission) from internal and external sources are tolerable. This means that free water is not allowed to enter but damp patches may occur
• Grade 2: No water penetration acceptable. Damp areas tolerable, ventilation might be required.
• Grade 3: No water penetration acceptable. Ventilation, dehumidification or air conditioning necessary, appropriate to the intended use.

Section 4.2 of BS 8102:2022 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 in dealing with the type and size of the project 
• Be capable of devising solutions that accommodate the projects needs and constraints
• Provide information and guidance on the design, installation and future maintenance of the project

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

Peter Cox surveyors are CSSW (Certified Surveyor of Structural Waterproofing) 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 get in touch to our waterproofing team at Peter Cox, contact your local branch. Alternatively, you can contact Peter Cox online using our contact form.