Cellar Conversions

Creating a dry, habitable cellar - convert your basement and add a new room to your home!

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Basement and Cellar

Waterproofing (Tanking) Solutions for Existing Basements

Basement and cellar waterproofing and tanking is becoming increasingly popular as property prices fluctuate. 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.

Multiguard offer two main types of system for waterproofing and tanking 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. We are also able to supply waterproofingsystems for the construction ofnew basements:

1) Basement Cellar Tanking Slurries
(eg Vandex System)

The Vandex Basement Waterproofing System - is a multi-coat waterproofing system that is both durable and versatile. The main coating material, Vandex BB75, 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 impervoius barrier to the movement of water.

The diagram on yourright shows a typical basement waterproofing application. Asand-cement render is applied to the walls and a bottle cove formed at the wall-floor junction. Two coats of Vandex BB75 are then applied to the walls andfloor.Finally, a screed is applied to the floor and a suitable plaster is applied to the walls.

2) Studded Membranes
(Oldroyd Xv Clear System)

The Oldroyd Xv Clearsystem is particularly suited to waterproofing the Victorian basements commonly encountered in theUK 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.

Oldroyd Xv can be covered with plasterboard, screed, or a floating timber floor. A drainage facility, incorporating asump and a pump, will need to be included as part of the system. TheAquadrain perimeter drainage channel may also be usedto provide additional drainage at the wall-floor junction.

Combination Systems
The best solution is often a combination of the two systems (e.g. Oldroyd Xv applied to floors and walls, with the Vandex system used to waterproof a flat ceiling). To discuss specific projects, please contact us!

Basement Waterproofing Contractors
Basement waterproofing is a job for a skilled contractor.

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Cella Conversions by clicking here.

Oldroyd - Waterproof Membrane System.

View brochure - Multiguard Solutions Ltd use Oldroyd to create a dry habitable area that is protected from salts and moisture. Oldroyd - Page 1 Oldroyd - Page 2 Oldroyd - Page 3 Oldroyd - Page 4 Oldroyd - Page 5 Oldroyd - Page 6 Oldroyd - Page 7

Best Practice Work Schedule

Summary of BS – 8102 as at 06/04

Preparation

Firstly, an understanding of local flood, water table and radon / methane gases should be undertaken.

Membrane System

All loose and unsound wall, floor and ceiling material removed or repaired as necessary.

Floor to be at least level or sloping towards discharge point/s

Cementitious Tanking

All paint, plaster and render removed from surfaces (if system requires).

Mortar joints raked to provide a key.

Installation

BS – 8102 states that for habitable use a basement / cellar should reach a minimum of Grade 3 which is:

No dampness or wetness acceptable.

System used must be maintainable.

Relative humidity between 40 – 60% and an ambient temperature of 18 - 22ºC. Active heating and ventilation measured may be necessary to achieve this.

Alternative entrance or exit, dependant upon use.

To achieve this standard we recommend the following system specification:-

All suitable walls and floors to be membraned

Drainage channels fitted at floor / wall junction with access rodding points for system maintenance checks.

Where no manual discharge drain is available, a suitable sump and pump system is installed at the lowest level of the floor.

A secondary back up pump is strongly advised and a breakdown alarm is fitted.

Pump and alarm to be on a separate electrical spur.

Cementitious tanking render to be used where membrane is impractical, e.g. underground and vaulted ceilings, intricate / decorative features and single skin walls.

Ventilation and heating system to be strongly recommended to prevent condensation and damp.

Drainage and discharge system tested before completion and handover.

Regular maintenance service checks are carried out in line with manufacturer’s guidelines.

All service pipes / wires which penetrate surfaces should be membraned and sealed around periphery.