Safeguard membrane change leads to sustainable basement designs

Safeguard Europe has upgraded its basement waterproofing system designs to include a new, radical cavity drain membrane, tackling three critical areas of environmental concern in its materials, manufacture and distribution.

First, the new membrane – Oldroyd Xv Eco White, which comprises 50% 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.

Second, the membrane is manufactured in plants where 98-100% of their electricity derives from renewable resources, largely hydroelectric, practically eliminating embodied carbon from the product.

Finally, the manufacturer relocated a new production facilities close to a port, thus reducing the number of road miles involved in distribution and because sea miles emit only 10-20% of the amount of carbon of road miles.

Despite their popularity, basement builds are complex and fraught with challenges for the designer, contractor and building owner. 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 System 1: Newbuild Reinforced Concrete; System 2: Basement Underpinning Existing Structure; System 3: Piled Wall with Sprayed Concrete and, finally, System 4: Existing Basement Refurbishment.

A consistent theme when tackling basements is that expert consultancy and design input at an early stage is essential to get the waterproofing right; contractors must always be mindful of 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 comprise 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 provides CAD drawings, and NBS and CAWS Clauses for both details and the complete system.

Safeguard Europe’s range of market-leading, proven damp-proofing solutions is supported by the company’s own highly qualified and experienced staff.

The support and know-how they offer is extended to contractors, specifiers and property owners and includes technical advice, specification help, research and even in-house laboratory analysis of plaster and masonry.

Contact:

Safeguard Europe,
Redkiln Close,
Horsham,
West Sussex,
United Kingdom,
RH13 5QL

Phone: 01403 210204
Fax: 01403 217529

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