Whatever ones view on the causes of climate change, the extremes we now often witness do put added stresses on a structure and particularly below ground.

Most new structures- before ground is even broken – will have had a soil report conducted on the site. This will inform a structural waterproofing specialist about the immediate geology, soil condition and type of ground.

In addition, a structural waterproofing surveyor will also look at the report to see if any contaminants are present in the soil or things like Radon gas. Contaminated ground often exists on brown field sites, this needs consideration to stop any potential leaking of contaminants into a structure.

But moving on to the challenge of climate change and assessing a structures waterproofing needs is getting more complex when one has to take into consideration things like levels of rainfall and the ground the structure sits in and its location.

With unpredictable weather, a structural waterproofing strategy must take account of increased water levels and the loading on a structure. We can build and waterproof for today, but what will the future hold in terms of climate and weather?

Considerations must be given to areas like storm drain capacity, surface water levels both now and in the future? Its part of building in capacity to handle events that we may not have yet witnessed in a particular location, but where we can identify increased risk, we design for increased risk.

What is the surrounding ground likely to do if saturated at any point, how will the structure react? Will the soil type mean perched water – where water sits trapped in areas underground when fed by rain & surface water – could this become an issue at a later date if rainfall levels increase and therefore results in more potential stress on the structure below ground.

Planning a waterproofing strategy whilst allowing for possible extreme climate events later is now a critical part of structural waterproofing thinking, along with other aspects of the structures design and construction.

It makes good sense to waterproof at the formwork stage. Our new partnership with PERI means that we can now offer a combined approach where the formwork is erected, and the waterproofing dealt with at the same time.

Using the latest technology and industry leading materials from BPA Germany and supplied by PERI allows us to provide a seamless solution that means the design, detailing and installation are all considered with the formwork design and set up.

The process is very cost effective and of course results in any on site issues being quickly dealt with before they cause problems.

When using pre-applied waterproofing membranes and the unique and quick fitting Cemflex system to make waterproof joints, you get a faster and robust approach.

Working with PERI and their BPA waterproofing systems we can help with your next project and remove many of the waterproofing risks that can occur at the construction phase and with sequencing.

Whatever the size and type of project our new approach with PERI will give you an easier to control waterproofing solution at the concrete pour stage.

We have several projects we are currently working on and looking at where we are now providing this joined up thinking and service. Get in touch and we can show you how we can make it work on your next project – whatever its type.

PERI and BPA offer a wide range of waterproofing solutions, both pre and post applied, all backed up with a comprehensive range of waterstops and other waterproofing solutions and systems. Here at SWS we highly recommend them as part of our design and installation service.

A question often asked. In reality, well designed and well-placed concrete should be waterproof. However, waterproof concrete is often requested by insurers as one of the forms of waterproofing. But it’s not always 100% effective.

Waterproof concrete is significantly more expensive than its ‘non-waterproof’ counterpart, but like any concrete, and if badly placed, it can still crack. Whether concrete is waterproofed or not, a crack is still capable of letting in ground, perched, or surface water.

The commonest issue with all types of concrete is bad placement at site with bad compaction, honeycombing and poor joint detailing being a source of water ingress after placement. Other factors such as weather and temperature during placement and curing can also play a part in causing faults.

With construction budgets under pressure like never before, careful consideration needs to be given to whether its best to use waterproof concrete below ground or perhaps the consideration of other Type A solutions using a barrier method to seal either external and/or the internal faces of the concrete.

Depending on the type of structure and its location and environment, it may be that some or all waterproof concrete could or can be omitted, potentially saving construction costs. Ground conditions vary hugely across the UK with different soil types and ground make up. Some soils drain well, some do not. If there is also a rock stratum to consider, chalk or granite with a high degree of perched water, these all can have a bearing on whether a waterproof concrete should be employed.

Ultimately a structural engineer will decide on the concrete specification and design, but by working early with a structural waterproofing expert possible savings can be made at the planning and pre-construction stage.

On a final note, many admixes that are added to concrete to make it waterproof do have the ability to self-seal when water finds a fissure or crack, but there are limits. Anything over a 0.2mm crack width is putting a potentially unrealistic demand on its watertightness. And again, if the concrete is not well placed, problems can still occur.

Structural Waterproofing Services offer a full structural waterproofing design and expert installation service from simple residential basement conversions through to multi deck basements in commercial, infrastructure and industrial settings. Whatever the structure, if its concrete and below ground, you should look to find the right expertise and advice when it comes to sealing against water ingress.

Structural Waterproofing Services can work on your behalf with all the UKs leading structural and new build insurers.

Get in touch with regards your next project and we can demonstrate how best to handle the risk of leaks in any concrete structure. Structural Waterproofing Services are always happy to offer initial advice at the outset of a new scheme or project.

Floodproofing a property or other structure requires a lot more than simply waterproofing. It’s a bit like comparing a water-resistant watch with a waterproof divers watch. Both will perform as described, but a water-resistant watch will eventually suffer water ingress if submerged for any length of time.

Now more than ever, and with environmental and weather pattern changes becoming more extreme and unpredictable, and with many properties and other structures being built in potential higher flood risk areas, it makes sense to look at protection against flooding and the overall waterproofing of a property or structure.

Structural waterproofing alone will not prevent flooding to a property structure

Think of structural waterproofing as a good rain coat, it’ll keep rainwater out but if you jump into a swimming pool, you’ll get wet! When a structure is suitably waterproofed, it’s about managing and keeping relatively low levels of water ingress out. Obviously with modern techniques, anything below ground  (examples such as a basement that could  be habitable space, car park or plant room) will be appropriately sealed at the construction phases, or if an existing below ground area, suitable ways of sealing and collecting any water that enters may be employed.

But flood risk is a very different proposition. If you are building anything that is liable to, or has an increased risk of flooding – due to its location – from say a storm surge, river overflowing or surface water run off, then the flood prevention and structural waterproofing need to be considered together.

Currently there is no construction methodology or building regulation that says the areas of structural waterproofing and flood prevention should be considered together.

But of course, any structure that is liable to an increased risk of serious flooding such as we often see where a ground floor of a property is completely submerged needs a suitable approach where the flood prevention is the first part of the defence and the structural waterproofing the second.

If you have a project where you are building or upgrading a property or structure and are working with engineers and architects to devise a design to keep flood water at bay or to prevent its entry, then the next consideration is the structural waterproofing. Its likely this will need to be robust as accounting for groundwater conditions can mean even the best laid flood defence plans can still be compromised.

In simple terms; a design strategy should allow for the fact that something may fail. To that end one designs with that in mind. Where something can fail down to incorrect installation or system failure, consideration should be given to what will be required to reduce risk of water entry. And that applies whwether we’re talking about flood risk or structural waterproofing.

Structural Waterproofing from domestic through to infrastructure &industrial situations -and across the entire construction envelope

Structural Waterproofing Services Ltd (SWS) provide complete structural waterproofing, damp proofing, chemical and pollution containment solutions for all types of buildings and infrastructure.

With professional engineers, surveyors and skilled installation technicians they work in partnership with clients such as Civil Engineering Companies, Architects, Builders, Housing Developers, Structural Engineers, Sub Contractors or Main Contractors to achieve reliable results and to the highestindustry standards. Their clients highly value their level of skills and quality workmanship. SWS provide solutions in some of the most demanding conditions and environments;providing design, installation and inspection services to meet their clients exacting standards, demands and needs.

Using the latest time saving, reliable and proven solutions

SWS are skilled at working with many of the world’s leading waterproofing and sealing technologies. They alsouniquely have access to some of the most advanced award winning membranes, water-stops and coating technologies available from Germany and Switzerland. They have close relationships with several manufacturers who can further add value to theirin depth technical expertise.

A full professional and connected service from beginning to end

From initial survey and ground inspection through to carefully considered detailing and system design, they collaborate closely with the client’s design and engineering teams to achieve consistent and reliable – suited and ‘fit for purpose’ solutions. SWS are on hand throughout the construction process to advise on areas like timings of installation of systems and checks on related work connected with the successful sealing of the structure.

More than simply waterproofing

Whether above or below ground and whether water or another series of contaminants need to be kept at bay, the wide variety of systems used by SWS will ensure that the right products are used for the situation. BS8102 makes clear stipulations about level of waterproofing and containment. SWS of coursework to and often exceed these standards.

SWS have expertise in working in industrial and critical infrastructure situations where fluids or contaminated water may need keeping in as well as out.

SWS will work with the client to ascertain and advise on current and potential future possible risks such as rising water tables due to climate or local environmental changes.

Understanding what is being protected

SWS think beyond the building or structure that needs protecting. It may be the things that a structure or building contains that are of high value or critical to a service or business. SWS can help with risk assessment.

As an example; A water pumping station that is insufficiently protected against the elements can fail leading to 000’s being without water. When a switch control room or below ground area containing business critical plant fails, the results can be catastrophic. SWS are there to advise on the best levels of protection both now and for the structures future.

Whatever you are trying to protect and from whatever elements; talk with SWS

From simple basement protection schemes through to multi deck below ground structures in prestige domestic properties and through to tunnelling and other complex infrastructure and industrial settings; SWS have the knowledge and expertise to solve the complex and apparently insurmountable.

The quality of waterproofing systems and products has improved dramatically in the last few years. Newer chemicals, plastics and polymers are all helping to seal structures more effectively and for longer than ever. However, and when fitted incorrectly, they will fail like any that has come before them.

Correct and skilled installation without damaging things like membranes and water-stops is still key to successful sealing. SWS technicians think about what and where they are installing and the risks of damage before products are covered or hidden within the structure.

All work undertaken by SWS is Fully insured and Guaranteed for total peace of mind.

If you’d like an initial discussion with an expert at Structural Waterproofing Services Ltd;contact them on+44 (0) 845 170 0731 or email your details and initial area of interest:info@swservicesltd.com.

SWS Ltd. Are members of The Basement Waterproofing Association.

Why choosing a Structural Waterproofing expert is critical – at Structural Waterproofing Services Ltd we understand the entire building envelope

Whatever the structure type, at some point the issue of structural waterproofing will need to be considered. Although mostly concerned with out of sight areas and below ground; all areas of a structure need to be carefully considered when it comes to effectively sealing against water and other possible contaminants.

At Structural Waterproofing Services Ltd we specialist in dealing with all kinds of structures whether below or above ground.We cover domestic, commercial, industrial, civil or utilities situations.

Our complete service and consultancy offers advice, design and installation by trained on system technicians.

SWS are used to dealing with structures in challenging and extreme environments and use the latest technologies that will deal with current conditions and adapt to unpredictable changes in climate, water table or pollutants.

Our extensive areas of structural waterproofing and sealing work cover:

• Basements from simple one floor to multi deck designs in prestige domestic settings
  • Green roof design and sealing
  • Effective sealing and waterproofing of joints in concrete
  • Cementitious and other slurry based coatings

• Industrial locations and works
  • Sealing of tanks and bunds
  • Holding pens and areas
  • Chemical containment in holding areas to prevent contamination of water table
  • Polyuria systems for chemical holding tanks

• Utilities
  • Reservoir sealing
  • Sewer and main drainage sealing in urban and rural locations
  • Water channel design and sealing
  • Effective sealing of plant rooms and pumping stations

• Civil works
  • Tunnelling and related sealing
  • Railways
  • Highways
  • Bridges
  • General infrastructure

All design and installation work undertaken by SWS Ltd is carried out to BS8102 by qualified personnel.

All work is guaranteed for both materials and installation failure by a full industry backed insurance scheme. This can be extended to cover sequential loss for commercial situations if required.

Getting professional and correct advice is critical to the successful sealing of a structure. Whatever area of the structural envelope you have responsibility for and whether you are an:

• Architect
• Structural Engineer
• Quantity Surveyor
• Specifier
• Main or Sub Contractor
• General builder
• Civil Engineering Business
• Utilities company
• Home owner

Ge in touch with your requirements.

If you’d like an initial discussion with an expert at Structural Waterproofing Services Ltd; contact us on +44 (0) 845 170 0731 or email your details and initial area of interest:info@swservicesltd.com.

SWS Ltd. Are members of The Basement Waterproofing Association.

What we do:

Here at SWS we take on and manage the whole structural waterproofing envelope for our various clients, whether they be:

• Architects
• Engineers
• Civil Engineering companies
• House builders
• Contactors & Sub-contractors
• Other infrastructure specialist construction businesses
• Utility companies
• Industrial plants

We provide a complete consultancy, advice, design, detailing and installation service and all our work is carried out & completed to BS8102 by expert and fully trained – on materials – technicians

• Type A. Tanked/Membrane Protection
• Type B. Structurally Integral Protection
• Type C. Drained Protection

 

• Grade 1     Seepage and damp patch tolerable solutions
• Grade 2     Non seepage and vapour tolerable solutions
• Grade 3     Complete dry environment structures such as habitable basements

 

• Site inspection services
• Remedial and new structure combination system design and solutions
• Bespoke basement solutions for passive or challenging terrains and ground types
• Multi deck basement solution for prestige domestic properties
• Chemical and pollution containment and barrier systems
• Advice and installation and the successful homogenous connecting of:
  • membranes
  • Water-stops and injection systems
  • Cementitious coatings
  • Drainage systems
• Extreme environment solutions
• Radon and other gas barrier systems
• Latest concrete repair systems
• Basement ventilation advice

Expertise you can count on

Our surveyors, Engineers and installation technicians have worked in a variety of situations and challenging environments, and site types over many years. Whether we are sealing a new simple one floor basement in London or working on a critical piece of infrastructure; the same care and attention to detail goes into every project.

• Our CSSW (Certificated Structural Waterproofing Surveyor) will work with your design team and engineers at the inception of the project advising on fit for purpose solutions and the required detailing
• Our surveyor will oversee our involvement and advise on timings and fitting windows to ensure that other trades can get on with their work without damaging what we install
• Our trained on product installation technicians will make sure that everything we have recommended is installed to the highest industry standards

Areas of specialisation and experience in sealing

• Simple and complex multi floored basements in city and rural locations
• Infrastructure projects for the energy and transport sectors
• Industrial sites requiring water and chemical containment
• Utilities: Water, Gas and Electricity
• Highways and tunnelling

We always design and install to BS8102

All our work is carried out to the exacting standards that BS 8102 requires. The standard is there so that you can be sure that all work we carry out is fully compliant with current best practice and regulations.

And all our work is guaranteed

This also means we can provide project specific insurance to cover for failure and remedial work if required. In addition to this andIf required for structures that contain valuable plant, artefacts or business or operationally critical assets;we can also provide consequential loss cover should a building or structure become either unusable or uninhabitable as a result of water or chemical ingress due to installation or system failure.

Technologies for a changing environment and designing for the future

We work with industry leading manufactures to ensure that whatever we or you specify is best in class and will cope with the demands made on it. Many products we use are unique to us and are approved by organisations such as German Railways for up to an 80-yearlife and beyond.

We use:

• Technologies such as membranes and water-stops that will cope with the current environment and can adapt if the climate or local environment changes
• Technologies that will adapt and evolve with the structure
• Technologies that can cope with rising or variable water tables
• Sealing systems that are flexible and resistant to pollution

If you’d like to find out more about the complete SWS Ltd turnkey serviceand how we can fulfil the structural waterproofing needs of your next project – whatever the sizeand structure type– get in touch. Call us on: +44 (0) 845 170 0731

or email your details and initial area of interest: info@swservicesltd.com.

The short answer? At every stage of the waterproofing process.

As I’ve mentioned before, correctly recommending and understanding what a client or customer requires takes good research and product knowledge as well as a sixth sense. If there’s a chance that water or moisture can penetrate a structure after protective work has been carried

The chart above demonstrates  that a fluid approach is best – one size does not fit all. Its not so much a question of a belt and braces design as understanding how the structure lives and the variable environment it may well have to work and cope with. Unsurprisingly, there’s never a neat cut off between grades of waterproofing. It will depend on the structure type, the

ground conditions and ultimately; what it is being used for.  The methodology is of course the same, whether its an industrial setting or a luxury basement. Structural waterproofing and protection should be considered like any other construction specialisation and treated as exactly that.

When you waterproof/upgrade an existing structure you may lose wall or floor space, floor areas may become deeper. It may be that certain other construction priorities and consideration need to be dealt with before, after or during the installation of the waterproofing system and its components? The need to avoid damage by other trades during the construction phase should also be a consideration. It may even affect what products are used or chosen because of the uniqueness of the project and the construction site conditions.

Finally of course, if everything has been considered correctly, you’ll have the safety net of both professional indemnity insurance on the recommended waterproofing design and specification and the reassurance of an industry recognised insurance backed guarantee.

If you’ve already got enough on your plate, choosing the right structural waterproofing expert will remove many things you no longer need to consider, apart from; What are we using this structure for? Its the starting point we need, the rest we can recommend, design and install.

Structural Waterproofing Services Ltd is a London-based structural waterproofing specialist that offers a full design and installation service. The company considers that its membership of the Basement Waterproofing Association underpins its professional approach to tanking underground structures.

The SWS Business Development Manager, David Shoolheifer  says, “We work on all kinds of structures and below ground situations from domestic single or multi floored basements through to commercial work in the most demanding of environments. We have a wealth of experience in building new basements and in waterproofing existing cellars. Our spread of work types and experience on a wide variety of projects is invaluable to our customers, whatever the project size, ground conditions or specific cient needs”.

SWS states that it is committed to ensuring all design and build work runs seamlessly and that it complies with BS 8102:2009.

The Middlesex-based Company promotes its Strengths as;

• Having a trained team of engineers, project managers, supervisors and installers with over 30 years experience.
• Having Quality Management Procedures in place
• Providing a highly professional and cost-effective service – that offers real added value
• Having the facility to offer Insurance-backed installations

“We are happy to work directly with Clients, Architects, Builders and Engineers or other specifiers” David continues, “and we pride ourselves on offering the all-important advice at the inception of a new project.  We are driven by our customers reply to one simple question; What is the intended use of the structure, for now and for the future?”.

Services offered by Structural Waterproofing Solutions Ltd. include;

Complete advice, design and implementation of below ground structures:

• Type ATanked/Membrane Protection
• Type BStructurally Integral Protection
• Type CDrained Protection
• Grade 1:Seepage and damp patch tolerable solutions
• Grade 2:Non seepage and vapour tolerable solutions
• Grade 3: Complete dry environment structures such as habitable basements
• Site Inspection service
• Full application and fitting
• Concrete repair services
• Remedial and new structure combination solutions
• Bespoke basement sealing solutions for passive or challenging terrains and ground types
• Chemical and pollution containment

Advice and installation and the successful homogenous connecting of:

• Waterstop membranes
• Waterstops and injection systems
• Cementitious coatings
• Drainage systems
• Extreme environment solutions
• Detailing and drawings

When does 3 become 4 or vice versa? Waterproofing conundrums and how to simplify them

With grades from 1 – 4 for measuring dryness of the waterproofed basement and with grade 3 being described as dry and grade 4 as very dry you may be forgiven for asking what the difference is, and how dry is dry and why you might want to ask?

Apart from the use the basement is being put to – and that’s assume it’s habitable or houses precious, valuable and important things – it comes down to what’s being stored or placed in the area and if its a grade 4; probably the addition of some means of  mechanical ventilation to remove humidity. If the humidity is too high, then the effect can be just as disastrous as incoming seeping damp patches or water – lets not forget; Grade one under the British Standard 8102 allows for small amounts of this; acceptable in an area like a car park.

So going back to Grade 4 and possible humidity being the cause of moisture.Then the following information should be considered.

The reasons for high humidity are numerous, but understanding the reasons and why this can occur should all be considered as part of the design by all concerned. If ignored, you could be left high but not entirely dry!

So whether you are an architect, engineer, surveyor or specifier  looking at a type A, B or C system or a combination thereof; Implementation of the correct type (A, B or C), system and grades (1 to 4) is driven by; the Internal environment required. Successful planning, design and implementation means looking at;

• Ground conditions: Are they highly permeable , variable, or does the ground contain boulders, rocks? These can all be problematic for waterproofing if ignored
• Groundwater conditions including water pressure and chemical content: high groundwater pressure will require a more robust waterproofing scheme and aggressive ground can affect the suitability of the waterproofing methods
• The depth and method of construction of the basement
• Whether the substructure is to be constructed within an existing building or next to it
• What architectural finishes are required or desired? Some methods of waterproofing can affect situations such as fixing to the internal
• face of the wall
• Possible imperfections or reduced space associated with the waterproofing method

Any one of these considerations and points could render a waterproofing method inappropriate for use on the project. Never assume that because a method has worked in one situation it can automatically be applied to another. The prevailing environment is unlikely to be exactly the same just because the use the basement area is being put to is the same as a previous one.

So to get back to and summaries a Grade 4 ( and its difference to a grade 3) basement; Its function is purely driven by the requirements for the internal environment and the need to provide ‘special’ conditions for things like archiving, storage of historical papers, sensitive equipment or items where high humidity can cause irreversible damage etc. A ‘dry’ basement can be achieved by creating a Grade 3 environment. The same basic waterproofing methods and systems may be used for both Grades 3 and 4 with the difference coming from the ventilation/heating system for Grade 4.

So to give a good example; a grade one basic utility level may be perfect for an everyday underground car park, but if you are perhaps storing valuable vintage cars, then grade 4 will be what is required.

At SWS we like to think of the reassurance our thorough approach gives long after we’ve moved on to the next demanding project.