Structural
waterproofing techniques can be used to resolve a range of problems
from waterproofing damp basements, underground vaults, cellars and
tunnels to protecting car park decks, water treatment plants and
swimming pools.
Structural
waterproofing is a vitally important profession as significant parts of
the UK's infrastructure are reliant on it. Three major categories of
use include:
1.
Waterproofing to create a dry environment,
such as
Domestic basements and cellars
Sub-terrain commercial premises,
particularly in cities
Tunnels
Underground transport systems
Lift pits
2.
Waterproofing for protection against deterioration,
such as
Highway structures
Multi-storey car park decks
External balconies
Decks
Roof terraces
3.
Waterproofing for functionality,
such as
Reservoirs
Water towers
Water and sewage treatment works
Swimming pools
Wet rooms
Zoo seal aquaria
What types of
structural waterproofing are there?
Broadly speaking,
there are five main categories:
Cementitious Tanking
Cavity Drainage
Sprayed Membranes
Bonded Sheet Membranes
Sprayed Concrete / Gunite.
Each of these
will be more appropriate in different circumstances, and some situations
will require a combination of methods. It is important to engage a
professional to specify the best system for each situation.
Who can carry
it out?
Extreme care
should be taken in appointing the right professionals to specify and
undertake the work, as any problems arising can have serious consequences.
Ninety nine percent accuracy in most skilled trades would be considered an
excellent standard whereas in structural waterproofing it could constitute
total failure! In this vital area of construction, technical
products are all too often specified by people without the requisite
knowledge and experience, and applied by untrained labourers with little
knowledge of the exact requirements, resulting in failure.
Established in
1992, the British Structural Waterproofing Association is a trade
association dedicated to raising levels of professionalism in structural
waterproofing. Its members, who have passed rigorous checks to be
approved for membership, include international product manufacturers,
independent consultants and trained, assessed specialist contractors.
To avoid dealing with inexperienced and untrained structural waterproofers,
a BSWA member should be sought. They can be identified by their use
of the BSWA logo, and an up to date list can be found on this site.
