Waterproofing systems

Waterproofing is a term used to describe multiple ways of weatherproofing and keeping water out of your home. Whether that is in a room above ground, or the application of waterproofing solutions and tanking systems in a basement or cellar space.

When construction industry professionals and waterproofing contractors talk about basement waterproofing systems they generally break them down into 3 different types. Type A (Barrier Protection), Type B (Structurally Integral Protection) and Type C (Drained Protection). Type C basement waterproofing usually involves managing any water ingress inside the property and is the most modern method of basement waterproofing.

The waterproofing systems specialists at Peter Cox can design practical and effective waterproofing systems for anything from basement conversions to earth retaining walls in new build properties.

The three different types, A, B and C, relate directly to the definitions laid out in BS 8102:2022. The British Standards Institute (BSI) provide 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.

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

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.

Tanking with a waterproof cement or slurry is a traditional method of holding water back from underground spaces. This method creates a physical barrier between any external water ingress and the walls and floor of your basement or cellar. It can still be very effective and there are situations where it is even the recommended option.

Integrated waterproofing systems are installed during the construction of buildings. This usually means a build of reinforced concrete supplemented with a method of controlling water ingress at construction joints (such as a hydrophilic waterbar).

Waterproofing experts like Peter Cox would be have to be involved at the waterproofing design stage to aid in the implementation of Type B Waterproofing.

Type C waterproofing systems work by draining water ingress away from a property, so rather than creating a barrier to hydrostatic pressure in the surrounding earth, water ingress is instead permitted to enter the property and then channelled back out. This process uses a mixture of structural waterproofing membrane, basement floor drainage and a sump pump to remove any water securely and efficiently.

Type C waterproofing systems guarantee that the basements or cellars in your property will remain dry without any risk of cracks and leaks from external water pressure.

The design and installation of a Type C waterproofing system requires skill but they will often only take a couple of days to install and in most cases they are very easy to maintain afterwards. There is also no need for any costly excavation around the basement or alterations to the structure of your property.

After the installation of the wall membranes, drainage and pumps, these can all be “hidden from view” and easily integrated into a domestic basement conversion or office, making Type C waterproofing systems very versatile.

Also, for complete peace of mind, our Type C waterproofing systems come with a 10 Year guarantee.

To keep water out of a basement or cellar, then it will be necessary to waterproof the concrete foundations. The most common and effective method of concrete waterproofing is to apply a Type C waterproofing solution that includes a bitumen slurry coating, application of damp proofing membrane and a cavity drainage system. In some cases, this will be installed alongside a sump pump to drain away the collected water.

Foundation waterproofing is not only installed during the construction of the building, Type C systems can also be retrofitted to solve damp basement problems.

The British Standards Institute’s BS 8102:2022 code of practice has an entire section dedicated to the importance of a waterproofing specialist in any project below ground level.

The BSI recommends a "team" approach i.e. having the customer, architect and waterproofing expert start together at the design stage. This should allow a successful and cost-effective waterproofing system to be realised.

The BSI also insists that the waterproofing specialist should be, “suitably experienced, capable of devising solutions that accommodate the various projects constraints and able to provide the design team with information and guidance that assists with and influences the design, installation and future maintenance of the waterproofed structure”

This highlights the importance of involving qualified and accredited experts like Peter Cox. Regardless of whether you are building or refurbishing, a waterproofing expert should always be involved.

From the initial design phase to installation Peter Cox will cater for your specifications - making sure that the waterproofing system chosen for your project is safe and fit for purpose.

Peter Cox design and install basement waterproofing systems that comply with BSI BS8102 standards and carry a 10-year guarantee, thereby creating habitable spaces in existing damp and dark cellars as well as in new-build properties.

While every care has to be taken in installing a retrofit waterproofing system, it is in the new-build area where important industry standards have been introduced, because of previous poor design and installation.

Peter Cox is the market leader in property preservation and is at the forefront of structural waterproofing.

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 fulfills all these criteria. understand all the problems that may arise throughout your basement waterproofing works. Not only that, but we are also approved by Which?, and the British Structural Waterproofing Association (BSWA).

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

We understand the importance of dealing with a waterproofing contractor that you can trust. We are the market leaders in identifying the problems that underground spaces in buildings face and installing the correct waterproofing system to solve them.

If you have a question for our waterproofing experts regarding your property, or just want some advice on structural waterproofing, call Peter Cox today or contact your local branch, or fill out our online contact form and one of our experts will get back to you.