Basement Waterproofing Specialists

Basement conversions are an extremely popular way of turning an unused space into a habitable room, making it a visible way to increase the amount of living space without having to move. They can also be used as a personal gym, or as extra storage, freeing up space elsewhere. Converting a basement will not only give you extra space, it can add value to your property making it a valuable investment.

Basements are below ground structures which means they are susceptible to water ingress, especially in areas at risk of flooding or with a high water table. This means it's essential to choose a waterproofing system that offers full protection, and that it is installed correctly by trained professionals.

Peter Cox has CSSW (Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing) qualified surveyors who will tailor the waterproof design and installation process to suit your needs, offering robust systems designed to the industry standard for waterproofing, British Standard 8102.

BS8102:2022 is the code of practice for Protection of Below Ground Structures against Water Ingress, which gives guidance on waterproofing systems and when to use them.

In order to fully understand the extent of the basement system required, a CSSW qualified surveyor will perform a waterproofing survey of the basement, assessing the ground levels, flood risk and other risks associated with basement waterproofing.

The surveyor will inform you of the options available to transform the base basement or cellar into a liveable space, which will be provided in a detailed survey report.

To create a habitable space beneath your home, Peter Cox can provide two types of waterproofing, a barrier protection (known as Type A) and a cavity drain membrane (known as Type C). When waterproofing a property for a habitable space we combine both these waterproofing systems, as BS8102:2022 guidelines state two forms of waterproofing are required to be considered secure.

Deciding on the best basement damp proofing system will be dependent on the end use of the below ground space in question and the building’s construction, something a CSSW qualified surveyor will discuss with you when designing your specification.

Tanking is known as barrier protection and involves the application of waterproof slurry on walls of the basement or cellar that need waterproofing. This can be applied internally and externally, or both, but for most basement conversions it is applied from the inside. External tanking is most commonly applied during construction.

They are usually bitumen, rubber or cement based waterproof coatings. The application creates an impenetrable barrier against any moisture ingress when installed correctly.

Cavity drain membrane (CDM) systems creates a water management system with hidden perimeter drainage channels to remove groundwater ingress from the internal environment.

This involves installing waterproof membranes on the walls and floors of the basement which is sealed with waterproof tapes. They then trap any moisture and direct it to the installed drainage channels around the perimeter.

Perimeter drainage channels allow the water to drain away by gravity to a sump chamber incorporating dual pumps, alarm and battery backup system or alternatively via gravity to a suitable external drainage system.

The internal wall finishes can then be installed by a directly applied plaster where meshed membranes have been utilised. Alternatively waterproof fixing plugs can be utilised to secure battens or a stud frame prior to insulating and dry lining with plasterboard. This can then be decorated to suit your design.

Peter Cox can design practical and effective waterproofing systems for anything from basement conversions to earth retaining walls in new build properties.

Our dedicated waterproofing team can work with you at any stage of your project, whether it be at the start of the project with your architect when creating design plans, or beginning with a survey of an existing structure.

When designing a waterproof basement system, it’s essential you choose a company with experienced and specialist surveyors.

Section 4.2 of BS 8102:2022 lays out guidelines for basement waterproofing contractors. The Guidelines recommend that a waterproofing specialist should be included as part of any underground structural waterproofing design plans and they should meet the following criteria:

• Be suitably experienced in dealing with the type and size of the project
• Be capable of devising solutions that accommodate the projects needs and constraints
• Provide information and guidance on the design, installation and future maintenance of the project

Peter Cox have a nationwide coverage of surveyors with the Certified Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) accreditation, this means we have the right training and knowledge to assist you with a waterproofing system right for your needs.

Peter Cox are approved installers of Delta, Koster, Newton and Safeguard waterproofing products. All surveyors and technicians undergo rigorous in-house and onsite training in order to be able to qualify as a trusted partner.

• All products used undergo an extensive testing process by the manufacturers to attain BBA/BDA certification.
• We can work with homeowners, architects, contractors and builders to design a tailored basement to suit your needs, helping you step-by-step from design to completion.
• Our cost effective techniques mean the installed systems will control the moisture entering the building structure, and with the correct ventilation system in place provide dry habitable spaces.
• All Installations that comply with the BS 8102 standard carry a 10-year guarantee.
• We are rated ‘Excellent’ with over 2,500 independent reviews on Trustpilot and are a Which? Trusted Trader.

• ---

  How much does it cost to waterproof a basement in the UK?

  Every basement waterproofing job is different and the cost will be determined by the size of the property and the type of waterproofing system installed. The best way to accurately quote for a basement conversion is to arrange a waterproofing survey with one of our CSSW qualified surveyors. You will receive a full, thorough and detailed survey report detailing their findings along with a quotation.

• ---

  Does waterproofing a basement really work?

  Yes, basement waterproofing is very effective at keeping moisture out, but this depends on the design, installation process and products used. If done incorrectly, waterproofing can fail and moisture or flood water can enter the basement. Basement waterproofing should be designed by a CSSW qualified surveyor, who can design a robust system that factors in hydrostatic pressure and flooding risks. New build basements will be designed by structural engineers to withstand these forces but existing structures may not.

• ---

  Can I waterproof my basement by myself?

  Yes, it is possible to waterproof your own basement with DIY products, however these fixes could fail or be installed incorrectly, allowing moisture inside the basement and causing damage to belongings inside. If you’re wanting to convert your basement into a habitable space, you don’t want to waste time and effort on a system that fails. When waterproofing for habitable living, CSSW qualified surveyors use a combination of two forms of waterproofing to meet BS 8102, and Peter Cox backs this type of work with a 10 year guarantee, so you know your basement is protected long term.

• ---

  What is the best waterproofing for a basement?

  The best type of waterproofing depends on the type of building and level of protection necessary. For example, Type A external tanking and Type B integral protection are typically installed during the building process, making them more situational than other methods. Type A internal tanking and Type C cavity drain membrane systems are more versatile and can be used for basement conversions. Cavity drain systems will typically require sump pumps and drainage channels to manage excess moisture.

• ---

  What are the three types of basement waterproofing?

  The three types of basement waterproofing as specified in British Standard 8102 are:

  • Type A (barrier protection, often known as tanking): Protection against water ingress by barrier membrane applied to the structure, either internally or externally.
  • Type B (structurally integral protection): Where the structure itself provides a waterproof barrier, for example watertight concrete that include ‘structurally integral’ joint seals.
  • Type C (Drained protection): An internally maintainable drained system within the fabric of the basement, with dedicated ground water discharge management, either a sump pump or drainage system.

Do you have a damp, unusable basement that you want to turn into a dry and functional living space? Then call Peter Cox today. You can also get in touch online by using our online contact form and one of our expert staff will get back to you.