A brief overview of basement Water Proofing of wall and floors
New construction sites: have a separate set of waterproofing problems, compared with an existing building, which have a history of resisting water. In a new building, you are excavating into the unknown as there is lack of below ground water history. This starts with a desk study, followed by a site inspection, which help to create a suitable installation specification.
A combination of Type A and B waterproofing system is preferred. This may be applied to the new structure externally, or as part of the new concrete structure. They may require a land drain installed, to prevent water building up and finding a defect. By combining these, you may create a “tanked” construction which is able to resist water penetration.
Notes:
Type A system: Relies on a coating/or membrane being applied to the wall/floor to make the structure resistant to the passage of groundwater. Normally a land drain is installed. This is to prevent water from finding a defect, in coating or membrane and diverted to a suitable soakaway. Groundwater should not be discharged into a vested sewer.
Type B system: Is the best form of structural water proofing systems, as the wall/floor structure can be made resistant to groundwater penetration.
Type C system: This is a studded plastic membrane which controls any water entering the building. This is used for repairing an area and can be combined with other systems to make them more repairable. The cavity drain system is building failure management system and does not make the structure water resistant. a system of channels needs to be installed to manage any water entering the system to a discharge point.
It is important that the sump pumped groundwater, is not discharged into a public sewer.