Structural Waterproofing

Waterproofing has becoming increasingly popular as property prices remain high. Converting a damp cellar or basement can be an inexpensive way of increasing living space while substantially increasing the value of your home.

Waterproofed cellars and basements can be converted into kitchens, bathrooms, wine cellars, living rooms, studies or just extra storage space. 

Water penetration into buildings is extremely damaging to the structure itself. Our CSSW* Surveyor offers design advice and guidance, allowing our contract teams to carry out the waterproofing installation and our construction and fit-out teams to refurbish to your specific design.

There are several waterproofing systems which Air Construction Limited use:

Cavity Drain Membranes
By far the best and most used method is Cavity Drain Membranes. These are high density polyethylene (HDPE) sheet materials, which are vacuum formed to produce domes which, when the sheet is fixed to the walls and/or floor, create a cavity between the sheet and the substrate. Any water leaking through the structure is then diverted through the cavity to preformed drains or sumps. The water is then allowed to drain away naturally, or is pumped away. The membrane is finished by applying an appropriate plaster system, or dry lining.

Multi-Coat Renders
These are cementitious renders and screeds modified with chemical additives. The modified mortars are applied by conventional rendering or screeding techniques in several layers. The number of render layers and final thickness are dependent on the conditions. They are used for waterproofing basements or water retaining structures by external or internal application. This rendering can be applied in very wet conditions.

Cementitious Coatings
Cementitious coatings are premixed compounds comprising cement, graded aggregates and chemical additives. They are supplied in powdered form to be mixed with water on site and applied by brush, trowel or spray. They are used for waterproofing basements or water retaining structures by external or internal tanking, and for sealing hairline cracks in concrete structures.

Liquid Applied Membranes
Liquid Applied Membranes are one or two coat systems, as a paint or brush on application. There are various materials used and most need a loading coat to keep them in place, although epoxy systems can be applied directly onto the substrate and either left as it is or rendered over. Liquid Applied Membranes tend to be vapour barriers, and are mostly used on floors. 

*CSSW (Certified Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing)