Basements (refurbishment)
Converting a damp cellar or basement can be a surprisingly inexpensive way of increasing living space and can substantially increase the value of a property. Waterproofed cellars and basements can be converted into kitchens, bathrooms, wine cellars, living rooms, studies, or even recording studios. You are limited only by your imagination. In commercial premises, common uses for basements include, extra storage / retail space, car parks, bars / nightclubs, and restaurants.
Safeguard offers two main types of system for waterproofing existing cellars and basements. By offering both types of system we are able to offer an impartial opinion as to which system is best suited for a particular project.
Cementitious Waterproofing Slurries (Drybase system)
Figure 1: Drybase cementitious basement waterproofing system
The Drybase Basement Waterproofing System – is a multi-coat waterproofing system that is both durable and versatile. The main coating material, Drybase Tanking Slurry, is a cement-based powder which is mixed with water and applied to walls, floors, and ceilings by spray or trowel. It sets to form a bond with the masonry substrate, creating an impervious barrier to the movement of water.
Figure 1 shows a typical basement waterproofing application. A sand-cement render is applied to the walls and a bottle cove formed at the wall-floor junction using Drybase Universal Mortar. Two coats of Drybase Tanking Slurry are then applied to the walls and floor. Finally, a screed is applied to the floor and a suitable plaster is applied to the walls.
Studded Membranes (Oldroyd Membrane System)
Figure 2: Oldroyd membrane basement waterproofing system
The Oldroyd membrane system is particularly suited to waterproofing the Victorian basements commonly encountered in the UK as it does not rely on the soundness of the underlying substrate for its effectiveness. The membrane is sealed to walls and ceilings by means of special sealed fixing plugs, whilst on the floor there is normally no need for any form of fixing.
For a more eco-friendly solution, Oldroyd Xv Black can be used instead of Oldroyd Xv Clear. Oldroyd Xv Black contains between 56 and 70% recycled plastic.
Oldroyd membranes can be covered with a variety of internal finishes, including:
- Water-resistant insulation
- Metal frame dry-lining system (Safeguard Fastframe) with plasterboard finish
- Screed
- Floating floor (T&G chipboard)
A drainage facility, incorporating a sump and pump, will need to be included as part of the system. The Drybase Aquachannel Perimeter Drainage Channel may also be used to provide additional drainage at the wall-floor junction.
Combination Systems
The best solution is often a combination of the two systems (e.g. Oldroyd membranes applied to floors and walls, with the Drybase Tanking Range used to waterproof a flat ceiling). To discuss specific projects, please contact our technical department on 01403 210204 or submit an enquiry.
Intended Basement Use
Consideration should be given to the intended use of structure and achieving the appropriate environmental grade as detailed in BS 8102:2022, such as requirements for heating, underfloor heating, ventilation or air conditioning.
Basement Waterproofing Contractors
Basement waterproofing is a job for a skilled contractor. If you would like a quote from a basement waterproofing company in your area, please contact our technical department on 01403 210204 or submit an enquiry.