0

New Floor Slabs

It is possible to construct floor slabs from waterproof concrete complying with BS 8007. However to achieve this grade, a considerable amount of extra steel reinforcing is required, greatly increasing the cost of the slab.

An alternative approach is to use standard concrete of the required strength in conjunction with a coating or membrane to protect the slab from water ingress. Safeguard offer two options for waterproofing new floor slabs. Other options are available for the waterproofing of existing floor slabs.

New Floor Slabs Step 4: Pour concrete

Waterproofing New Floor Slabs

Drybase Crystalline Active Slurry powder is sprinkled onto the wet concrete slab after the initial set. It is then power-trowelled into the surface, imparting waterproof properties to the slab. A summary of the dry sprinkle method of application is given below:

1. The concrete is allowed to reach its initial set – generally when the concrete has enough strength to carry the weight of a man without leaving footprints deeper than 2 mm. It is essential that excess water collecting in puddles on the concrete surface is removed prior to the application of Drybase Crystalline Active Slurry.
2. Drybase Crystalline Active Slurry powder is applied to the slab through a flour-type mesh of 1 mm.
3. As soon as the dry sprinkle application has taken place the finishing operation can begin and the slab can be trowelled to the specified finish. It is essential that the Drybase Crystalline Active Slurry is worked into the surface either by power trowel or by hand trowel. If a non-skid surface is required, one pass of the power trowel will be enough. If a steel-trowelled surface is required two or three passes will usually be required.
4. For maximum effectiveness, the treated slab should be protected against evaporation for a minimum of five days whilst curing takes place.

Oldroyd Xs Waterproofing Membrane

Oldroyd Xs is a tough polypropylene membrane embossed with an ‘X’ pattern of grooves. To provide a waterproof barrier, the Oldroyd Xs membrane is simply rolled out under the position of the proposed floor slab before the steels are put in place. The joints are then double-sealed using Oldroyd Double Sided Tape and Oldroyd Overseal Tape. The slab is then poured in the usual way. When installed in conjunction with other appropriate measures such as radon sumps, this option also offers protection against ground gases and soil contaminants.

Oldroyd xs membrane folding capability.

Oldroyd Xs is manufactured from much thicker plastic than standard damp-proofing membranes so is much more resistant to damage on site – e.g. damage caused by rebars laid on top.

Typical Oldroyd Xs Below-Slab Application

For full application details, please contact our technical department on 01403 210204 or submit an enquiry.

Get it Done

Oldroyd Xs slimline membrane section
Oldroyd Xs Slimline Membrane (2m x 20m Roll)Low-profile cavity drainage membrane with damp-proofing and radon control applications — 2m x 20m
£182.98
Drybase Crystalline Active Slurry 25kg bag
Drybase Crystalline Active Slurry (25Kg)A cementitious, ready mixed in-depth waterproofer for concrete surfaces only.
£75.99
Drybase Double-Sided Sealing Tape (1.5mm)
Drybase Double-Sided Sealing TapeDouble-sided 30mm wide sealing tape for cavity drainage membranes.
£17.95
£276.92
All Articles
Advice
Case Studies
News
NOPE! brown rat image Advice
How to Get Rid of Rodents: Black Rats, Brown Rats & Mice

Brown Rats, Black Rats & House Mice are invading UK homes. Use this guide to detect, prevent and remove rodents from your home.

Read more
How to Get Rid of Slugs Hero Image Advice
How to Get Rid of Slugs in the Garden: Natural, Organic & Effective Control

Learn why slugs keep coming back, how common prevention and pest control techniques work and which control methods to use for best results.

Read more
A man sneezes in the park, with a cloud of pollen near Advice
Hay Fever Relief UK: Symptoms & Indoor Air Relief

If you suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis), spring means a runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. Here's the guide to hay fever relief.

Read more
NOPE Slug Killer Disc Pellets Product Info Card Image News
Out Now: NOPE! Slug Killer Disc Pellets

Defend flowers, fruit and veg in your organic garden with new NOPE! Slug Killer Disc Pellets.

Read more
NOPE Rat Killer Grain Bait and Bait Station Product Info Card Image News
Out Now: NOPE! Rat Killer Grain Bait & Rodent Bait Station Range

Our highly effective rodent control system pairs super-strength brodifacoum grain sachets with a lockable and tamper-resistant bait station.

Read more
YDC and Safeguard Working Together - Leeds Basement 2 Case Study
Domestic Property Basement Renovation Part 1 – Drybase Tanking System

With Tibby Singh and YDC Basements, Safeguard waterproofed a basement at an end of terrace home in Leeds using Drybase Tanking System.

Read more
Ferring Pillbox Brush Application Case Study
1940s Concrete Pillbox, West Sussex — High-Performance Waterproofing with Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream

Built in Summer 1940, the Type 26 pillbox is a 6 ft by 6 ft cube just big enough to house 4 soldiers and their guns. The 1 m thick concrete walls were built to withstand a direct hit from a naval warship. 98 tons of concrete went into creating the pillbox. In the 1980s, the whole exterior was covered…

Read more
Swindon House Featured Image Case Study
Domestic Bungalow, Swindon - Cleaning and Preventing Mould

When Emerald Damp Specialists stepped inside a severely damp bungalow in Swindon, they knew they had to help. Along with 70 other companies and over 150 volunteers who donated their time and expertise, Emerald Damp Specialists resolved the extreme damp and mould problems at the property free-of-charge. For this project, ensuring that a valued member of the community had a…

Read more
Join our newsletter

Subscribe to get information about products and offers.