Damp Proofing London South

Damp Proofing London South Membrane Systems

Damp Proofing London South Membrane Systems for Basement or Cellar

In many properties particularly in cities, there are unused lower ground floor/basement or cellar areas, where externally high ground levels to the perimeter, typically to the main front elevation will encourage dampness to penetrate laterally.

When considering the very high cost of property in this region, and with living space at a premium, inevitably it would be considered cost effective to successfully damp proof the basement or cellar area, to form part of the living accommodation, and this would involve internal remedial structural water proofing and associated damp proofing works and replastering.

During any basement or cellar inspection arranged, our surveyor will advise to this regard and specify one or a number of different types of systems which are available depending on circumstances, to successfully eliminate dampness, including considering the most widely used systems involving either a cementatious type chemical vertical membrane or 'tanking' application, or perhaps a cavity drain membrane system, which is becoming more popular, involving less initial destruction and preparation works.

The cementatious systems normally require plasters and renders internally to be removed back to the original masonry, and it may also be necessary at the same time to consider incorporating within the cementatious system (or the cavity drain membrane system) a chemically injected damp proof course depending on the external ground levels or adjoining property levels which will be taken into consideration by our surveyor during his inspection.

Generally cementatious systems such as Vandex BB.75 or Triton TT.55 waterproof slurry, require a render coat of washed sand and cement to be applied to the prepared clean brick or stone masonry with the cementatious membrane applied to the surface of the new render as per the manufacturers recommendations in a minimum of two coats (green on green) with suitable overlap detailing between the vertical membrane of the walls with any proposed horizontal membrane depending on floor construction or proposals.

The cavity drain membrane systems, such as Tritons Isola Platon System, provides an alternative to conventional cementatious tanking systems (see Basement Tanking). Cementatious systems work by physically holding the water back, the cavity drain membrane system works on the principal of allowing water to continue to penetrate the structure, but controlling the dampness in the air gap and diverting it to a suitable drainage point. Depending on circumstances this could involve the installation of a suitable sump pump which may incorporate a backup and failure warning system. This system does not allow pressure to build up against the internal construction, and the air gap behind the membrane allows the structure to breath 'and to some extent dry'. Membranes are of plastic, type, and are fixed to the masonry using sealed brick plugs along with sealing tape and rope, with overlap detailing at junctions, which involves minimal preparation required to the substrat. It is usually a requirement when installing cavity drain membrane systems however as mentioned earlier, to incorporate within the programme the installation of a drainage sump pump system which may include a back up pump and failure warning alarm.

Water Based Epoxy Coating.
-Two coat system comprising primer and top coat
-Epoxy based waterproof coating for walls and floors
-Suitable for use as a damp proof finish
-Water based formulation is safe and is usefull in combination systems such as for flat soffits where cavity drain membranes are inappropriate for use or headroom is an issue.

Product can be applied to most building substrates and to damp surfaces. When fully cured product resists petrol, oil and mild chemicals. Application can be by brush or roller.

Damp proof membrane and water vapour suppressant
A solvent free, two part epoxy resin coating, typically used as a surface damp proof membrane and a water vapour suppressant. Well suited for use as a water and water proof barrier, beneath raised access floors, in plant rooms and bunded areas. It is also suitable for application on damp surfaces, such as sand/cement and cement floors subject to rising damp or containing residual construction moisture. Product can be used as a general purpose coating for surfaces subject to foot and light wheeled traffic. Product can be applied using a brush or medium pile roller onto sound, clean surfaces.

NB: New concrete subfloors or sand/cement screeds should be left for a minimum of seven days to cure before applying this product.

Want to create greater living space in your damp basement or cellar? Why not contact Damp Proofing London South on 0207 498 2837 or 07912 306337.