Safeguard Europe has upgraded its basement waterproofing system designs to include a new cavity drain membrane that is made from 50 per cent recycled plastic.
The new membrane – Oldroyd Xv Eco White – includes 50 per cent recycled plastic, largely sourced from discarded or scrap fishing nets; both reducing the need for virgin materials in its composition and improving the marine environment. Also, the membrane is manufactured in plants where 98-100 per cent of their electricity comes from renewable resources, largely hydroelectric, practically eliminating embodied carbon from the product. And the new production facilities are close to a port, thus reducing the number of road miles involved in distribution.
Basement builds are complex so, seeking to simplify understanding of basements and their installation, Safeguard offers four types of system designs that are suitable for the most commonly encountered basement scenarios.
The four basement designs offered are:
- Newbuild Reinforced Concrete;
- Basement Underpinning Existing Structure;
- Piled Wall with Sprayed Concrete;
- Existing Basement Refurbishment.
A consistent theme when tackling basements is that expert input at an early stage is essential to get the waterproofing right – and adhering to BS 8102: 2009 Protection of below ground structures against water from the ground.
BS 8102 defines three types of waterproofing system: Type A which provides a physical barrier to the water either internally or externally; Type B which sees the waterproofing integral to the structure; and Type C, drained protection, which involves installing a membrane which channels water to a low point from which it is usually pumped out.
Types A or C can be applied to refurbishment and extensions, with the choice depending on the fabric and condition of the building and the level of water present. All three types can potentially be used in new-build situations. As the British Standard points out, sometimes a combination of systems will be the best solution, either to provide redundancy, or – in the case of a renovation project – to maximise the space available.
In order to make these types and system design accessible to both specifiers and contractors, Safeguard has created Basement System Packs. These include easy-to-understand technical illustrations, key design considerations such as continuous linking between waterproofing and damp-proof courses; jointing; service penetrations and pumps, drainage and their maintenance.
The packs also go on to explain the relevant legislative requirements for each basement type; and provide CAD drawings, and NBS and CAWS Clauses for both details and the complete system.
