All you need to know about Structural Waterproofing and so much more with Delta

3 Sep 2020

The object of structural waterproofing is to protect a structure for its lifetime from water ingress – Delta Membranes explain more about that in this piece…

Waterproofing is the process of making an object or structure waterproof or water-resistant, so it remains relatively unaffected by water or is able to resist the ingress of water under specified conditions. Buildings all around the world rely on structural waterproofing systems.

There are plenty of ways to waterproof a structure and there are also many different ways to construct a structure too.

Structural waterproofing is largely associated with basements and below ground structures – the construction method will in part, influence the types of waterproofing solution required and contribute to the overall project strategy.

Structural waterproofing falls into three categories

Type A – Barrier Protection

Type B – Structurally Integral Protection

Type C – Drained Protection

With three grades

Grade 1 – Some water seepage and damp are tolerable depending on the intended use

Grade 2 – No water penetration is acceptable

Grade 3 – No dampness or water penetration is acceptable and dehumidification

Some below ground construction projects require protection from both water ingress and gas contamination.

With innovations of new products, it is now possible to produce a waterproofing design which incorporates both a waterproof and gas proof protection system, however these types of projects require a different strategy and methodology to what would be classed as a typical waterproofing design.

Both BS8102:2009 and BS8485:2015+A1:2019 are intertwined. Basements and below ground structures which need to be watertight and gas proof are not anymore complex to design but require further considerations at the design phase and throughout the project.

The object of ground gas protection is to prevent a build-up of gasses against a structure and to prevent gas pervading the internal atmosphere.

Whilst structural waterproofing protects a structures integrity at below ground level, likewise damp proofing will also protect a structures integrity above ground level.

Dampness can be harmful to the integrity of a building. If not treated, water ingress can cause cracks in masonry along with extensive damage to bricks and mortar.

Damp also changes the atmosphere of a structure. If a damp problem is not remedied, it may lead to more serious complications.

Which leads into flood resilience; the specification for resilience, resistance and recoverability are simple, using tried and tested technology that Delta have used for many years, historically in basements or below ground structures/situations with consideration as to how we could adapt these products to work in flood situations whilst incorporating British Standards to ensure structures with flood resilience, resistance and recoverability measures would meet third party warranty providers requirements.

A number of flood resilient measures can be put in place to reduce flood damage to a structure.

Delta are always happy to help. Specifications are an incredibly important part of construction projects. Specifications must comply with the broad legal obligations and it is equally important that each specification to be drafted by an appropriately skilled person with knowledge of the specific subject matter.

Its Technical Team are always on hand to ensure your specifications are suitable for each project and delivered in a timely manner.

Delta Membrane Systems,
Delta House,
Merlin Way,
North Weald,
Epping,
Essex,
CM16 6HR
United Kingdom

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