Basement waterproofing
of existing vaulted damp cellar under Listed building in Monmouth
by Protectahome
An existing
vaulted damp cellar under a Listed building in the historic town of
Monmouth had a known history of ground water flooding and had rudimentary
drainage channels already built into the original flagstone floors. The
property owner wanted to utilise this damp cellar for habitable
accommodation, as a music room, media room or home office.
A quality
basement waterproofing system was designed and installed to meet the
specific site requirements and comply with the developer's programme of
work. A drained cavity drain membrane method of waterproofing was
selected, giving particular consideration to the impact on the structure
and the reversibility of the process.
A waterproofing system was designed and installed that included under
floor perimeter drainage channels connected to multiple sump chambers. In
each sump chamber there were two automatic submersible pumps with high
water alarms and battery backups. An 8mm cavity drain membrane was applied
to walls and floors. Cavity drain membrane with a mesh welded to the
surface was fully fixed over the vaulted ceilings ready to accept the
direct application of render coats. The ingenious design included the use
of combined wall finishes enabling services to be hidden behind metal
framed stud walls. These walls were constructed at low level, between the
floor and the springing points of the vaults.
A high standard of finish was achieved
within a relatively short programme of work. The client remained in
occupation of the building throughout the work, which was completed on
time and within budget. A number of difficult problems on site were
overcome and this previously damp cellar was transformed into a useable
space for the owner who was delighted with the end result. The
installation also benefitted from the provision of a long term guarantee.
This case
study has been submitted by a member and the British Structural
Waterproofing Association accepts no responsibility for its content.
