SITE

GUIDE
Foreword
Basement
Development Group
B
AsFin
(Chairman), House Builders Federation
A K
Tovey (Secretary,
Tecnicom
F
Atkins,
National
Housebuilding
Council
D
Burke,
Zurich
Municipal
M
Clarke,
British Cement Association
P
Hart,
Institute of
Building
Control
D
James,
Bovis Homes South West
A
Jones,
Stewart Milne
Group
Limited
B
Keyworth,
Architect
R S
Reynolds,
Institute of Clerks of
Works
G
R
Sharpe,
Association of
Building Engineers
P
Trotman,
Building
Research
Establishment
Supporting
Trade
Groups
Autoclaved
Aerated Concrete Products Association
British Structural
Waterproofing
Association
Concrete
Block Association
Mortar Producers Association
Ready-mixed
Concrete Bureau
Acknowledgements
Waterproofmg
Task
Group
A K
Tovey
(Chairman),
Tecnicorn
S rown,
Sib Umited
V
Connolly,
Renlon Limited
M
Falla,
Booth
Engineering
Services Limited
Z
Ginai, Marley Waterproofing
Limited
P
Hewitt,
Vandex UK Limited
T
Holloway,
Renlon Limited
M
Lenaghan.
Servicised Limited
I
J
Moffat,
Fosroc
Expandite
Limited
J
A
M
Padley-Smith,
Mastic
Asphalt
Council and
Employ
rs Federation Ltd
A
J
Parker,
SCL
Group
Limited
M
Radford,
RIW Limited
Many
construction activities
are
potentially dangerous,
so care
is needed at all times. Current
legislation requires
all
persons
to consider
the effects of their actions or lack of action
on the health and
safety
of
themselves and others. Advice
on
safety legislation
may
be obtained from
any
of the area
offices of the Health and
Safety
Executive.
Published
by
British Cement Association
Century
House,
Telford
Avenue
Crowthorne,
Berks
RG11 6YS
Telephone
(0344)
762676
Fax (0344)
761214
From
April
1995
the code
will be
(01344)
All advice or information from the Bntish Cement Association
is intended for those who will evaluate the
significance
and limitations of its contents and take
responsibility
for its use and
application.
No
liability (including
that for
negligence)
for
any
loss
resulting
from such advice or information
is
accepted
Readers should note that all BCA
publications
are
subject
to revision
from tune to time and should therefore
ensure that
they
are in
possession
of the latest vetsion.
This
publication
is one of a series related to basements
for
housing.
It has been
produced
under the direction of the
Basement
Development Group.
which
was initiated and is
co-sponsored
by
the Brittsh
Cement Association.
The British Cement Association (BCA)
is
grateful
to the British Structural
Waterproofing
Assoctation (BSWA)
for co-
sponsoring
this
publication.
It is also
grateful
for the assistance and
comments
provide by
members of
the Basement
Development Group
and
to the considerable work of its
Waterproofing
Task
Group
in
drafting
and
progressing
this
publication.
Thanks are also
extended to all others who
provided input
to and
comments on the
preparatory
drafts.
48.059
First
published
1994
ISBN 0 7210 1476 3
Price
group
D

British Cement Association 1994
Product,on
Words &
Pages
Contents Introduction
2
Scope
Principles
of
design
and
installation 2
General
Contract details
Site information
Construction
category
Further considerations
Basement and site
drainage
Application
of
waterproofmg systems
-
DOs and DON'Ts
3
General to all
systems
Category
1: Bonded
sheet membranes
Category
2:
Cavity
drain
membranes
Category
3:
Bentonite
clay
active
membranes
Category
4:
Liquid-applied
membranes
Category
5: Mastic
asphalt
membranes
Category
6: Cementitious
crystallization
active
systems
Category
7:
Proprietary
cementitious multi-coat
renders, toppings
and
coatings
Geocomposite drainage systems
Glossary
21
References
21
Introduction
The benefits
of
basements,
and their
viability
and costs
were examined
in a
previous report'.
This indicated that
they
can he
economically
introduced onto most Sites. In
particular,
it showed
they
have clear
advantages
where
the
ground
is
poor
and
might
otherwise be difficult and
possibly
uneconomic to build on. However,
to ensure
success,
particular
attention must be
given
to
the
design
and construction of the basement and
any necessary
waterproofing.
This
publication
provides specific
guidance
on the site
application
or installation of the
various
waterproofing systems
and comments on other
associated construction
matters.
A
companion publication,
Basement
uateiproofing
Design guide
2,
gives design
information to
help
the
builder or
building designer
decide which construction
technique
and
waterproofing
method offer the best
solution,
and to
help
them avoid unsuitable construction.
Scope
The details and comments
in
this
publication
relate to
the
categories
of structural
waterproofing
which
provide
Grade 2 or
3
internal
environments,
as defined
in
BS
8102,
which are
appropriate
for residential basements.
A
Grade
2 environment is for use as
workshops, plant
rooms and other areas where the
performance
level
permits
no water
penetration
hut where
higher
levels of
water
vapour
would he tolerable and surface
condensation
may
occur.
A Grade 3 environment
is for ventilated residential and
working
areas which
require
a drier environment.
Principles
of
design
and
installation
General
Applying
or
installing
a
waterproofing system
are
specialist
tasks that are
just
as
important
as
choosing
and
specifying
the
system.
The manufacturer should have
been consulted
early
in the
design stage
to ensure
that
the most
appropriate system
has been selected. The
manufacturer will also he able to
carry
out the
installation
or to
recommend
specialist waterproofing
contractors familiar with the
system
to he used.
Installation or
application
should not he left to
inexperienced
workers.
The British Structural
Waterproofing
Association can
provide
details of manufacturers of various
waterproofing
systems
and of
appropriate specialist waterproofing
contractors.
Contract details
The
specialist waterproofing
contractor should examine
the contract
drawings
and
waterproofing specifications
to
ensure the
design requirements
are
completely
understood. Since the
designer
should have consulted
with the manufacturer of the
waterproofing system
during
the
design,
there should be no obvious errors in
the contract details.
However,
the
important thing
is that
the final construction should
perform satisfactorily.
The
specialist
waterproofing
contractor should therefore
establish
that the
waterproofing concept
does enable a
continuous barrier to be created
-
or
otherwise
adequately protects
the structure
-
and is
practicable
to
install.
Unless
otherwise
agreed
with the
designer,
the materials
and installation should be in accordance with the
specified
details,
and all work should he
carried out to
the same
high
standards
irrespective
of the Grade of
internal environment.
All
junctions,
service
penetrations,
dpc/cavity
tray junctions
and
laps
in materials should be
formed
according
to the
designer's
or manufacturer's
details.
The
specialist waterproofing
contractor should not use
alternative
waterproofing systems
or membranes since
they may
not be
appropriate
for the conditions. For
example,
the
system may
have been selected to resist not
just
water but a
specific ground
chemical.
Similarly, any
protection
boards or screeds should
comply
with the
specifications
and be
positioned
as on the
drawings.
In
essence,
no alterations should
be made to the
specified
materials,
their relative
position
and installation
sequence,
without clearance from the
designer
or the
manufacturer of the
waterproofing
system.
Site
information
Before the form of construction and
the
necessary
waterproofing
system
can he
chosen,
information must
be
gathered
on soil
type,
water tables and other relevant
factors.
This is the
designer's responsibility.
The main contractor should find out from the
designer
what the site conditions are
-
particularly
the
likely
severity
of
ground
water conditions, and
pass
this
information to the
specialist waterproofing
contractor.
Sometimes,
the
main contractor
may
need to lower the
water table
temporarily
or
permanently
to enable
construction and
waterproofing
to
go
ahead.
Any lowering
of the water table will need to be
maintained until the loads
acting
on the
basement,
from
either itself or in combination with the
superstructure,
are
greater
than the forces that would he
generated by
the water
pressures
as the water table returns to its
original
level.
Although
a site
survey
will have determined the
general
nature of the
site,
there
may
be local variations.
Any
significant
differences should be
brought
to the attention
of the
designer
as
they may
create an additional hazard
not
previously
taken into account.
Changes
from
impervious
to
permeable
soils
may produce unexpected
water channels.
Similarly, interception
of
previous
land
drains or other elements could increase the amount of
water
present. Any unexpected
chemicals or
suspect
materials should also be
brought
to the
designer's
attention.
('onstruction
cate,goy
The structural walls will
usually
fall into one of the
following
three construction
categories.
Type
A
(tanked
protection)
structures will often be of
masonry
construction,
although plain
or reinforced
concrete
may
be used. The latter
may
be in-situ or
precast.
The structure is
regarded
as
having
no
integral
protection
against
water
ingress
and so relies on the
applied waterproofing system
to
provide
the
necessary
control.
Masonry
walls
may
need a cement
rendering
or
flush
pointing
to
produce
an
acceptable
surface for
subsequent application
of the
waterproofing system.
The
waterproofing system will,
depending
on its
type,
tolerate
certain construction
cracks or minor defects. Fine
hair-line cracks
up
to
0.3
mm
wide in reinforced
construction will
generally
be
acceptable. Any larger
or
unusual cracks should be
brought
to the
designer's
attention to allow for
possible
remedial action
before the
waterproofing system
is
installed or
applied.
Type
B
(structurally integral protection)
structures will
generally
be of reinforced or
prestressed
concrete. Since
they
are
specifically designed
to
he
water-resistant,
further
waterproofing
will be
required only
where
additional control
against
free
water or water
vapour
is
considered
necessary.
In some
instances,
the additional
protection
may
be used to
safeguard
the
structure from
aggressive
chemicals.
Again, any
noticeable
cracking
or
defect
should be
brought
to the attention
of the
designer.
Type
(drained
protection)
structures
incorporate
a
drained
cavity
in
the basement.
Although
defects in the
outer leaf will not
usually
create
problems, they
may
allow more
water to enter the
cavity.
If too
much
enters,
this
might
overload the
cavity
drain and lead to
water
penetrating
the basement. The
drainage
channels must
be
properly
formed and
positioned,
he free from
obstructions,
and be
approved
under test.
Any
defect or
suspect
area in the outer leaf
should be raised with the
designer
before the inner
cavity
drain
system
is installed.
The surface of concrete floors or
oversite should be
prepared
to suit the
particular
waterproofing system
to
be used.
Further considerations
Control
of
condensation
Because window areas are often
reduced,
there tends to
be less natural
ventilation in basements than in other
parts
of the structure.
The
designer
will
pay particular
attention to this and detail
specific heating
and
ventilation measures. It
is
important
that
any
ventilation
system
is
properly
installed
and not obstructed
by
waterproofing systems
inside
the structure.
The
waterproofing system
must
be installed where
indicated
by
the
designer
as
otherwise there could be
excessive interstitial or surface
condensation.
System
restraint
Some
waterproofing systems
need to be restrained so
that
they
can resist the
hydrostatic
pressure.
The mass
and thickness of such restraint
must
comply
with the
designer's
or manufacturer's
details.
Chemical barriers
An
externally applied
membrane
may
have been
specified
to resist the
effects of
aggressive
chemicals in
the soil. It must not
be
replaced by any
other
membrane
or
system
without the
designer's approval.
Movement
joints
The
designer
is
advised to eliminate movement
joints
in
the basement
substructure wherever
possible.
Where
they
are
incorporated,
details should have been
included
in the contract
drawings
and must be followed
exactly.
If
the
specialist
waterproofing
contractor finds
movement
joints
with no
specific
waterproofing
details,
th
designer
must he asked to
provide
appropriate
details. On no
account should a
waterproofing system
be continued
directly
across movement
joints.
Construction
joints
Where
reinforcement crosses construction
joints
in
reinforced concrete
structures,
the
joints
are
not
movement
joints
and most
waterproofing
membranes
may
be
directly placed
across them.
With
Type
B
construction,
these
joints
will often
be
provided
with a
waterstop,
either within the
concrete or on its surface.
Service
penetrations
Any
service
penetration
through
the basement wall or
lower floor slab
will need
special
details.
It is
important
to ensure that
service
penetrations
are
correctly
formed and sealed in
accordance with the
specification
or manufacturer's
instructions. On no
account should
penetrations
be
made or their
waterproofing attempted
without
proper
details
being
followed and
agreed
with
the
designer
and manufacturer
of the
waterproofing system.
Basement
and site
drainage
Sometimes,
installing
a
waterproofing system may
mean
that the area
around the basement has to be
drained. In
any case,
it is
generally good practice
to
provide
perimeter
drains
to enable
any
excess
percolating
water
to run
away
-
for
example
to the downside of a
sloping
site or to a
lower
soakaway.
Since such
drainage may
be an essential
part
of the
waterproofing measures,
it is
generally
advisable to
make
sure this has been
installed before the
waterproofing
system
is
applied
or
installed.
Application
of
waterproofmg systems
-
DOs
and DON'Ts
Each
waterproofmg system
has its own
characteristics and
application
methods. In
addition,
each
has
procedures
which should be
adhered to
(dos)
and
aspects
which
may
later lead to defects or
problems
(don'ts). These are
listed
by category
on
the
following pages,
followed
by
some dos and don'ts for
geocomposite
drainage systems.
D General to all
systems
1
Bonded sheet
membranes
2
Cavity
drain membranes
3 Bentonite
clay
active membranes
4
Liquid-applied
membranes
5 Mastic
asphalt
membranes
6 Cementitious
crystallization
active
systems
7
Proprietary
cementitious multi-coat
renders,
toppings
and
coatings
0
Geocomposite drainage systems
3
E
General
A: Health
&
Safety
OBTAIN
Health &
Safety product
and
equipment
data,
and have available
on site
HAVE
protective clothing,
cleansing
creams,
etc. on site
DISPOSE of release
paper,
cores,
primer
tins,
etc.
properly
STORE
gas
bottles in a
compound
with
high,
secure
fencing
ENSURE
adequate
ventilation to interior
during working (particularly
when
asphalting)
PROVIDE
respiratory protection
where
necessary
OBSERVE
good
housekeeping
and
general hygiene
guidelines
KEEP
materials out of reach of children
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
ignore
Health &
Safety
advice
DO NOT leave
waste on site
DO NOT burn
scrap
DO NOT transfer materials
into unlabelled containers
DO NOT
expose
materials to heat or flame
DO NOT
dispose
of waste or
surplus
materials
incorrectly
B:
Information
Accidents
-
personal injury, prosecution
Third-party injury, prosecution
Irritation from
smoke and dust
Improper handling
and
disposal
of unidentifiable
materials and risk of
injury
Fire,
explosion (primers)
and
severe
personal injury
Environmental/legal
considerations
ENSURE that
detail
drawings,
manufacturers' literature and
site instructions are available to
operatives
on site
CHECK that all information and details are
in accordance with the
waterproofing
manufacturer's
instructions
SEEK advice and
guidance
from manufacturer
on installation
procedures
ENSURE
specification
conforms
with the manufacturer's recommendations
CONSULT
the
manufacturer,
if in doubt
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
4
DO NOT confine information
to the site hut
DO NOT start
waterproofing
until all
the available
information has been read and understood
DO NOT assume
that a manufacturer has been
consulted
in the
design,
even where
specified.
The
concept
or
design may
be
basically
flawed
(see
Basement
wateiproofin,g: Design guide)
DO NOT
apply
membrane without
consulting
the
manufacturer's literature.
Waterproofing
failure
Leakage
Litigation
Incorrect
application
leading
to
potential
failure and
financial loss
C: Associated works
ENSURE
that associated works are co-ordinated and do
not
impede
or
damage waterproofing
CHECK that other
products
and
methods are
compatible
TAKE CARE not to
damage system,
but
repair simple
defects
according
to manufacturer's
instructions
ALWAYS
refer to manual
PROVIDE for
attendance of other trades where
specified
ARRANGE for
hoisting
facilities and
any necessary scaffolding
or other
plant
PROVIDE suitable surface for
application
ENSURE that measures taken will not
interfere with the
watertightness
of the
system
DONT's
DO NOT
proceed
if unsure of next
stage
or of its
effect
on work in hand
DO
NOT
drag
steelwork across
unprotected
work
DO NOT
expect
installers to
provide
services
normally
provided by
other trades
DO NOT
pierce
or
breach
waterproofing system
DO NOT introduce
non-specified chemicals,
etc.
DO NOT introduce
any necessary vibration,
heat, cold
or
pressure
until the
system
will
accept
this
DO NOT
change drainage
details without
considering
the
waterproofing system
DO NOT mix
waterproofing systems,
even if
specified
-
refer to
client,
designer
or manufacturer
DO NOT continue if
the
continuity
of the membrane has
been broken
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
Damage, leakage,
or
longer-term
adverse
reactions
between materials
Damage
or
leakage
Poor
workmanship
Leakage
Harm to
waterproofing system
Damage
to
membrane
by imposed
loads
Development
of water
pressures incompatible
with
forms of
construction
Failure
through
incompatibility
of
hybrid systems
Damp/water penetration
5
1 Bonded
sheet membranes
JA.
Storage
and
handling
STORE as
required by
the manufacturer
RECORD batch numbers
to check shelf life
STORE
upright
KEEP in controlled
temperature
FOLLOW
manufacturer's instructions and check
that all
ancillary
items,
tools and
protective clothing
are
present
on site
DON'Ts
DO NOT allow
material to
get
too cold
DO NOT allow
material to
get
too hot
DO NOT
mix
products
and
ancillary
items from
different
manufacturers
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
INSPECT surface to be
waterproofed.
Does it meet manufacturer's
requirements
for
finish,
imperfections
and other
criteria?
CHECK whether
in accordance with
drawings,
especially provision
of chamfers at
corners/edges
and chases for
terminations
ENSURE that surface is free from
all contaminants
(mud, wet,
release
agents,
curing compounds,
etc.)
and in
accordance with manufacturer's
requirements
AVOID awkward
details
ALLOW
enough
time for
curing
ALLOW for
temporary
weather
protection
in order to
provide dry
surfaces
PLAN works to
prevent
membrane
being
left
exposed
for
long
period
of time
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
accept just any degree
of finish
DO NOT
waterproof
over blow holes,
poorly
compacted
concrete or where brickwork
or blockwork
has not been flush
pointed
DO NOT
accept
surfaces
not in accordance with
manufacturer's details (absence
of
chamfers/chases,
etc.)
DO NOT dress membrane around an
impossible
detail
DO NOT
lay
on uncured
background
DO NOT take on the contract
unless
you
are
happy
the
membrane will be
protected
and that a suitable
lap
will
be left to
connect to
Membrane
puncture
under load
Membrane not sandwiched
correctly
Leakage
Leakage
Membrane not bonded to
background
surface
Your
company
will
get
the blame for foreseen leaks
DO NOT leave out on site or allow rolls to
become cold
or wet
DO NOT use after shelf life
expired
DO NOT store rolls
horizontally
Difficulty
in
stripping
release
paper
and
probably
poor
adhesion
As above
Edges
of sheet become
damaged
and rolls become
difficult to
strip
and
lay
Material could lose its adhesion
May
become too
sticky
and
prove
difficult to
lay
Incompatibility
or
unsuitability,
with no redress in case
of failure
lB..
Preparation of
substrates
ic
Application
MAKE SURE the correct
primer
is
applied, following
the
instructions for number of coats and
coverage
rate
ALLOW
primer
to
dry
for the
required
length
of time before
applying
membrane
ENSURE that
reinforcing strips, angle fillets,
etc. are used at
changes
in direction and
are as
required by
manufacturer
ENSURE that all
specified laps
are
provided
and are rolled down
ENSURE that all
laps
are weathered'
FOLLOW manufacturer's
instructions for
laying
membrane
ALWAYS check what is
required
as a
minimum
loading
coat,
since the
membrane is
designed
to be sandwiched
1D:
Protection and
backfilling
USE
appropriate
or
specified
protection
and
apply carefully
to
prevent damage
PROP or backfill in
sequence
when
using
board
protection
USE
specified
backfill material
COMPACT
in
layers
as
specified
ALWAYS
USE a suitable
protection board,
of the
correct thickness to avoid
damage,
spot-bonded
to the membrane
DISCUSS the
backfilling procedure
with the site
manager
or
design
team. If this work is to be done
by others,
arrange
to be
present
to
check for site
damage
ENSURE
that the
backfilling
does not
impede
a
lap joint
that
you may
have to work from later
7
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT omit
primer
on horizontal surfaces
unless
agreed by
manufacturer
DO NOT stretch'
the
primer application
DO NOT
prime
more than
can be
waterproofed
in the
same
day
DO NOT omit
reinforcing strips,
etc. at corners to save
cost
DO
NOT omit or
skimp
on
edge
or end
laps
DO NOT
just
unroll and
drop
down a vertical
surface
Subsequent
defects in
unbonded sheets
provide
a
path
for water
ingress
Inadequate
bond
Contamination with site
dust/condensation/rain
resulting
in lack of adhesion
Leakage
Leakage paths
Air
pockets
behind the membrane
DON1s
1)0 NOT store
materials on
unprotected
membrane
DO NOT
tip
waste material as
backfill
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO
NOT backfill without
compacting layers
as
specified
DO NOT
apply protection
to
damaged
membrane
without first
making repairs
DO NOT leave a sheet
membrane
unprotected
Leakage
from
punctured
or
damaged
membrane
Settlement and downward
displacement
of
protection
board and membrane
As above
Leakage
failure
Subsequent problems,
since
damage
-
whether
intentional or not
-
often
goes
unrecorded
DO NOT drill or
puncture
surface without
checking
with Loss of
waterproofing integrity
of the
membrane and
the installer
potential
for
leakage
2
Cavity
drain
membranes
2A.
Storage
and
handling
STORE as
required by
the manufacturer
DON'Ts
P058 IBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT leave
drainage
sheets
around on site
Damage
DO NOT allow
ancillary sealing tapes
to become cold
Difficulty stripping
release
paper
and
probably poor
or wet
adhesion
2R
Preparation
of
substrates
CHECK
and
remedy unacceptable
leaks in concrete
or
masonry
substrate before the
system
is installed
CLEAN horizontal substrate
and remove all debris
CHECK there are no
depressions
in
floor slab which
may
cause
ponding
ENSURE slab drains
to
drainage
exits and
pump sump
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
lay
membrane over
unswept
substrate
Blockages
D0 NOT
lay cavity
former over uneven floor surface
Damage
and
ponding.
leading
to
leakage
2
Application
and
finishing
CHECK
total
integrity
of
cavity drainage
system
and
inspect
membrane for
damage
before
placing
screeds
or
blockwork
finishes
ENSURE that mesh reinforcement (if
required)
for floor screeds is
supported
ERECT
walkways
to
support
access and barrows for
placing
screeds
CHECK and clean out all
drainage points/channels
ENSURE
sump pump
(where
provided)
is
operational
DON'Ts
DO NOT shorten recommended
overlaps
DO NOT omit recommended
sealing strips
and
tapes
DO NOT omit
sealing
washers
for mechanical
fixings
DO NOT store
materials on
completed
installations or
traffic
unnecessarily
DO NOT allow
fixing through
finished floor screeds,
or
unauthorised channels in the finished
loading
screed
DO
NOT allow additional
masonry
wall ties without
sealing
washers
DO NOT allow membrane and finishes over membrane
to be carried out
by
two different
parties
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
Water and moisture
penetration
As above
As above
Puncture of membrane
Cavity
membrane will not be loaded
correctly
Leakage
A
meaningful guarantee
could
not be issued
by
the
membrane installer
2D: Protection and
backfilling
CHECK
integrity
of
cavity drainage system
before
proceeding
AT
WALLS,
construct
non-loadbearing
blockwork wall in front of
cavity drainage system
AT
FLOORS,
keep
to
specified
screed
thickness,
reinforced if
required
ENSURE that reinforcement mesh is
supported
and has not
damaged cavity drainage system
while
being positioned
.9
DON'Ts
POS&BLE
ONSEQUENES
DO NOT
proceed
until
everything
has been
inspected
Water
penetration
at
damaged
areas
and
any damage repaired
DO NOT use ties unless
properly
sealed
Water
penetration
at ties
DO NOT
drag
reinforcing
mesh across
cavity drainage
Damage
and
perhaps
water
penetration
system
3
Bentonite
clay
active membranes
3A.
Storage
and
handling
STORE
materials off the
ground
KEEP
dry
before use
USE
gloves
when
handling
loose bentonite
DON'T
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
place
materials
in
standing
water
Prehydration
and need for
replacement
3B
Preparation of
substrates
MAKE
reasonably
flat and free from voids
DON'T
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT leave stones or voids
larger
than
50
mm
Waterproofing
efficiency impaired
3G
Application
and
finishing
IISj.
REFER to manufacturer's
fixing guide
BRUSH
standing
water from substrate or
blinding
ALWAYS
lap panels
PROTECT from
heavy
steelwork
LAY
only
what can be covered
in one
day
WET the cut
surfaces
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
lay panels
in
standing
water
Prehydration
and
replacement
needed
DO NOT
place panels
on unrendered
masonry
surfaces
Loss of bentonite into voids. Loss of
efficiency
DO NOT walk on wet
panels
Need for
replacement
DO NOT
drag heavy objects
across
panels
Damage
-
loss
of bentonite
DO NOT leave
exposed
for more than 48 hours
Prehydration
and need for
replacement
DO NOT
lay large
areas and leave uncovered
Prehydration
and need for
replacement
3D: Protection and
backfilling
USE hardboard in
specific
circumstances
(but
not
normally required)
USE sand if
possible,
but
nothing larger
than
50 mm (MOT
Type
II is
acceptable)
ALWAYS
compact
well
DONTs
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO
NOT use
plastic sheeting
or
prevent
water
System
takes
longer
to react
reaching
the
-system
DO NOT leave
large voids,
or
forget
to
compact Waterproofing
efficiency impaired
11
4
Liquid-applied
membranes
4A:
Storage
and
handling
PROVIDE
dry,
safe
storage away
from sources of
ignition
RECORD batch numbers
KEEP in controlled
temperature
ROTATE stock
DRY surface to
depth
of 1-2 mm
REMOVE
dust, grease,
oils and
other contaminants
ELIMINATE all hollows and voids
FLUSH-POINT
masonry
walls
REMOVE
sharp edges
or
high points
REMOVE
existing
floor or
masonry paints
PROVIDE 20 mm sand/cement
fillet in all internal
angles
FOLLOW
manufacturer's recommendations for surface
flatness,
keeping
it
generally
within
3-4
mm
ALLOW for
temporary
weather
protection
in order to
provide dry
surfaces
PLAN works to
prevent
membrane
being
left
exposed
for
long periods
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
apply
to wet surfaces Menthrane
will not bond to substrate
DO NOT
apply
to a
dusty
or
flaking
surface
Membrane will not bond to substrate or
may
not
leave
the brush
DO NOT
apply
to
open-textured
surface
Continuity
of membrane
will be broken
DO NOT
tamp
surface
heavily
Will cause
pooling
in low
points
DON'Ts
DO NOT STORE
longer
than 12 months
DO NOT USE
beyond
shelf life without
consulting
the
manufacturer
4&
Preparation of
substrates
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
Some loss of solvents.
causing
increase
in
viscosity
As above
___ -..--
4C
Application
and
finishing
PREPARE surface
correctly
REFER to manufacturer's recommendations in cold conditions
APPLY at
published coverage
rates
APPLY in two coats
ALLOW each coat to
dry throughout
its thickness
REINFORCE
angles
where
necessary
ALWAYS
employ
a
preferred applicator,
who is conversant with the
product
4D: Protection and
backfilling
External
protection
USE
bitumen-impregnated
fibre board
horizontally
USE
geotextile drainage
board
vertically
Internally
REINFORCE slab or screed
horizontally
ADD
masonry
skin with 20 mm
cavity
filled with sand/cement mortar as work
proceeds
Inalicases
ALWAYS allow for
suitable
protection
which should be
provided by
the
company laying
the membrane
ENSURE
protection
is
firmly
fixed
according
to manufacturer's recommendations
MONITOR the
backfilling process
to reduce
risk of
damage
13
DON1s POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
apply
when
temperature
is
below 5C
DO NOT
pour
onto substrate or
apply thickly
DO NOT sand membrane
DO NOT screed until cured
DO NOT leave
exposed
to UV
light
for more than
28
days
DO NOT
apply
the material too
thinly
Surface
may frosty,
i.e. wet
Trapped
solvent and failure to cure
Breaks
continuity
of
membrane
Membrane will he absorbed into
screed
Membrane will
weather,
become thin and brittle
DO NOT
apply
a
second coat before the first is
fully
cured
Membrane will not function as
designed
but instead
will leak
Will
damage continuity
of first coat and cause solvent
entrapment
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
lay protection
boards
loosely Movement,
exposing
membrane
DO NOT leave
exposed
to
backfilling
or
unprotected Damage
to the membrane
against following
trades
DO NOT leave
membrane
unsupported internally
Membrane will
'blow', leading
to failure
5
Mastic
asphalt
membranes
5A:
Storage
and
handling
I
PROVIDE
dry,
safe
storage
for
primers, gauges,
tools,
etc.
POSITION
plant
close to
point
of
application
PLACE mastic
asphalt
blocks
tidily
near to
asphalt
mixer
PROVIDE
base to
specified
levels,
tolerances and finish
APPLY float
finish to horizontal surfaces
ENSURE
adequate
chases
PROVIDE
correctly prepared
vertical surfaces
ENSURE all
oils,
greases
and
contaminates are removed from all surfaces
14
DON'T
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
penetrate
horizontal or vertical
surfaces with
Leakage
failure around
pipes
services
5C
Application
IISj.
ENSURE all horizontal and vertical work is
applied
in three
coats
PIERCE and make
good any
'blows' while mastic
asphalt
is still warm
ENSURE all
succeeding
coats follow the
preceding
coats without
delay
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT allow
temperature
of remelt to exceed 230C
Adverse effect on
viscosity
of bitumen
for sustained
periods
DO NOT
lay
membrane on wet
background Unacceptable
increase in
'blowing'
DO NOT
lay
successive coats on cold or contaminated Lack of bond and contamination
between coats
preceding
coats
DO NOT
lay
on
dusty
surfaces
Unacceptable
increase in
blowing'
DON'T
DO NOT increase the distance that molten material
is
carried
5R
Prepdration of
substrates
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
Material could cool down and become difficult
to
lay
5D:
Protection and
backfilling
PROVIDE
protective
screed to horizontal
asphalt
work as soon as
practicable
after
laying
PROVIDE vertical brickwork
protection
and concrete
loading
coat
designed
to withstand the
expected
water
pressure
on
internally applied tanking,
MAINTAIN
sump
with
pump facility
until all
loading
is
complete
-
if water
pressure present
DON'Ts POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
backfill
externally
without
protection
to the
Damage
to
asphalt by
other
trades,
before and
during
vertical
asphalt backfilling
DO NOT store
materials, reinforcement,
etc. on Puncture
damage
or
cracking
unprotected
membrane or allow it to be trafficked
15
6 Cementitious
crystallization
active
systems
6A:
Storage
and
handling
KEEP
products
in
dry,
well ventilated area
WEAR suitable
protective
clothing
to
prevent
contact with
skin,
eyes,
nose, throat,
etc.
WASH off
immediately
if
bodily
contact occurs
DON'Ts
POSSWLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT use materials once
they
have
become wet or Materials will not
hydrate fully
hardened
DO NOT leave wet materials
on the skin Burns to skin
DO NOT breathe in dust
Burns to throat
6K
Preparation of
substrates
ENSURE all surface contaminants
are removed
ENSURE substrate is sound
ENSURE there is an
adequate key
CONTROL suction
16
DON'Ts
DO NOT
ignore
defects in the substrate
DO NOT leave surfaces soft or
dusty
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
Cracking
and
debonding
of the
system
As above
6C
Application
IS
ENSURE surface is
correctly prepared
MIX
strictly
in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
MAKE sure substrate is
saturated,
surface
dry
STOP all leaks before
applying
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
apply
to
dry
substrates
Cracking
and
debonding
of the
system
DO NOT
apply
to surfaces
running
with water
As above
DO NOT
apply
while a dehumidifier is
running
Insufficient
hydration
6D: Protection and
backfihling
ENSURE
system
is
properly
cured
USE
appropriate protection
when
backfilling
DON'Ts POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT
force-dry
the
system
Cracking
and
debonding
DO
NOT allow
point loading
in the
backfilling
Damage
to
coating
17
7
Proprietary
cementitious
multi-coat
renders,
toppings,
and
coatings
7A:
Storage
and
handling
FOLLOW manufacturer's shelf life and
general
storage
conditions
STORE 'in sealed
original
containers,
in frost-free conditions
WEAR
protective clothing,
and
keep
a
copy
of the manfacturers
safety
sheet
handy
KEEP out of reach of
children,
and
dispose
of
waste and
surplus correctly
RECORD batch numbers
of the additive to check shelf life
STORE all
ancillary
materials,
cement and sand
correctly
DO NOT allow
prolonged
skin
or
eye
contact
DO NOT allow materials to freeze or he
subject
to
extreme
heat,
or store in an unsuitable environment
DO NOT use materials
past
their
shelf life
As above
DO NOT allow
materials to become contaminated Contaminated material,
possible
failure
STOP infiltrations
of water or lower the water table before
proceeding
ENSURE substrate is of sufficient structural
quality
and soundness
WET the substrate before
applying any coating
REMOVE all surface
applications
such as
plaster
and
paint
ROUGHEN or hack all the surface
to
produce
mechanical
key
or use surface retarders
when
placing
concrete
REMOVE all
contamination, dust,
etc.
IDENTIFY
likely problems
or defective areas and
agree
what will be done as
regards repair
KEEP within
prescribed temperature
limits
during
cure
ALWAYS use the sand and cement recommended
by
the manufacturer
18
DON'Ts
DO NOT
apply
materials to a frosted surface,
or when
temperature
is below 5C
DO NOT
apply
to unsuitable contaminated surfaces
DO NOT
apply
to uncured
substrates
DO
NOT use
beyond
shelf life
DO NOT use old cement or
ungraded
sand
DO NOT
proceed
until water infiltration
is
stopped
DO NOT
apply
to substrate of inferior structural
quality
and soundness
DO NOT
apply
to
incorrectly prepared
surface
DO NOT
apply
to
thoroughly dry
surface
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
Slow rate of cure and
poor
surface bond
As above
Ineffective
system,
substrate movement
or
cracking
which
may
reflect
through
render
Mix will he incorrect and the
system
will not function
As above
Unable to
apply system correctly
to surface
Cracking
and failure
of
system
Poor bond of
system
to substrate
Rapid drying
out of material,
causing poor
surface bond
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
Health hazard
Material
may
become unusable and
system
ineffective
7R
Preparation of
substrates
7C.
Application
MIX in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions and use
potable
water
CONSIDER
ground
conditions,
contamination
USE correct
grading
of
sand,
and seive sand and cement
before
use,
where
appropriate
FOLLOW
manufacturer's
application
procedures,
and have a
copy
available
for reference
FOLLOW instructions for
ovecoating/waiting
times
USE suitable
joint
materials for
sealing
movement
joints
CURE
correctly
CONSULT BBA certificate for further
information where
required
EMPLOY
only experienced applicators
MONITOR their
progress
to ensure
backgrounds
are
prepared
correctly
and that each coat is
applied
properly
DISCUSS
whether
fixing pockets
are
required
before
starting
DON'T
DO NOT
'scratch' the
previous
coat to form a
key.
Use a
'splatter
coat'
DO NOT
butt-joint
coats
DO NOT use soft sand or
old cement
DO NOT
expose
fresh
mortars to frost or to
temperatures
above
30C
DO NOT add
unspecified
materials to
the mix
DO NOT use
inexperienced
staff
DO NOT
apply
to
unsuitable or
unprepared
backgrounds
AVOID
fittings
fixed
mechanically through
the
system
DO NOT
mix materials
incorrectly
DO NOT
exceed
waiting
times between coats
DO NOT use unsieved sand or
cement
DO
NOT
forget
to cure
correctly
7D:
Protection
and
backfilling
POSSiBLE
CONSEQUENCES
System
failure and
inability
to
apply
materials
correctly
System
failure and
inability
to
apply
materials
correctly.
Damp/water penetration
System
failure and
inability
to
apply
materials
correctly.
If
wrong
mix is
used,
the
system
will leak
Cracking
and water
penetration
If
wrong
mix is
used,
the
system
will leak
System
failure and
inability
to
apply
materials
correctly
System
may
not he
watertight
Continuity
of
waterproofing
may
be
compromised,
leading
to
water/damp penetration
Poor
quality
render,
system
will
leak
Poor
bond between coats
Oversize
grains
and
foreign
bodies can cause
problems
May
cause
cracking
and
water
penetration
DOs
USE suitable
coatings
where
appropriate
(consult
manufacturer)
BOND
fixings
19
DONs
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO
NOT drill or
puncture
surface
System
failure,
letting
in water or
damp
DO NOT
use unsuitable decorative
coatings/finishes
Visual
deterioration of
coating/finish may
occur
20
U
Geocomposite drainage systems
A:
Storage
and
handling
'I.
STORE as
required
by
the manufacturer
DON1s
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT leave unused
material around on site
Damage
DO NOT leave
exposed
to ultraviolet
light
for
long Decomposition
of
geotextile
fabric
periods
R
Preparation
of
substrate
ENSURE,
for horizontal
application,
substrate is
laid to falls
DON
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT allow
trafficking
before backfill or concrete
Damage
to
drainage composite
oversite
is
placed
to horizontal areas
C
Application
and
finishing
USE correct
geocomposite type
and
fixings
to suit substrate
INSTALL
geocomposite
with filter fabric to soil
face
ENSURE that
geocomposite
filter membrane extends to
wrap drainage pipe
or links to a fin or other drain
ENSURE
drainage
outlet is to lower side of structure and drains
away
from
building
DON'Ts
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT allow use of
dimpled drainage
core
directly Damage
to
waterproofing
against
soft
waterproofing
membranes
DO NOT allow mechanical
fixing against waterproofing Damage
and
leakage
membranes
DO NOT allow
bonding tapes
to become cold or wet
Difficulty
in
stripping
release
paper
or
poor
adhesion
DO NOT use
sharp-footed
reinforcement
spacers Damage
and
leakage
directly
on membrane
D: Protection and
backfihling
'I.
USE
approved
backfill material and
compact
in
layers
as
specified
DON'T
POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES
DO NOT use
clay
or chalk soil as backfill
Clogging
Glossary
Air
dry
When the surface
humidity
of a
material is
equal
to that of the
ambient
surrounding
air
Combined
system
Two or
more
waterproofing
systems
used
together
Construction
joint Joint
formed
in-situ,
for
example
in
concrete,
when
continuity
is not
possible
Damp
The condition of a
material when
wetter than air
dry
Damp-proof
Impervious
to
moisture,
not
permitting
moisture to enter
Damp
resistance The
ability
of a material to exclude
moisture
Damp-resistant Having
a
high
resistance to
moisture
penetration
Drained
cavity
A
continuous
cavity
which
intercepts
and drains
away
incoming
water
Expansion joint Joint
that
permits
relative
movement caused
by expansion
and contraction due to
changes
of
temperature
or moisture
Where
the
waterproofing system
is
positioned
and
placed against
the
outside face of
the main structure
Where the
waterproofing
is
positioned
outside the main
structure but
placed against
the
enabling
works
Free-draining
Ground
through
which free water
rapidly
drains
away
111gb
water table
Where the water table is above the
underside of the lowest floor level
Hydrostatic
head
Water
pressure, expressed
as an
equivalent
depth
of water
Loading
coat A material
applied
to the
waterproofing
membrane to enable
it to resist
hydrostatic pressure
Low-permeability
Resistant to water
penetration
Low water
table Where the water table is
permanently
below the underside
of the lowest floor level
Membrane A material which
forms a
continuous effective barrier to
the
passage
of
water
Moisture
Water in the form of
vapour
as well
as
liquid
Where,
because of insufficient
permeability
of a
soil,
percolating
water is held above the underside
of the lowest floor
level,
resulting
in
hydrostatic pressure
Protection
layer
An element used to
provide protection
to a
waterproofing system
Where the
waterproofing system
is
between the two non-tied leaves of
the main structure
Vapour
check A
continuous
vapour-resistant layer
Vapour
resistance The
ability
of a
material to resist
vapour penetration
Vapour-resistant
Excludes water and has a
high
resistance to
vapour penetration
Where the water is
occasionally
above the
underside of the lowest
floor level
Water in its
liquid
form
Waterstop
A
product
or
system,
placed
in-situ,
to
prevent
the
passage
of water
through
a
discontinuity
or
joint
in
site-placed
concrete
Waterproof Impervious
to
water,
not
permitting
water to
penetrate
The total method or combination of
materials used to create a
waterproof protection
Hydrostatic
pressure
The water
pressure
exerted as a
result of a
hydrostatic
head
Water-resistant
Having
a
high
resistance to water
penetration
Where the structure itself
provides
the
necessary protection
to the
passage
of water
Kicker Small
concrete
upstand,
cast above
floor level to
position
wall or
column
formwork for the next lift
A mechanical
means of
retaining
formwork in
position,
eliminating
a
kicker
Water
vapour
Water in its
gaseous
form
References
1. BRITISH
CEMENT ASSOCIATION.
Options for quality
in
houses.
Basements 1
-
benefits, viability
and costs.
Slough
(now
Crowthome),
British Cement
Association,
1992. 37
pp.
(Ref.
C/10)
2. BRITISH CEMENT ASSOCIATION.
Basement
waterproofing:
Design guide.
Crowthorne, 1994.
20
pp.
(Ref. 48.058).
Perched water
table
Sandwiched
waterproofing
Exteai
waterproofing
External
(reverse)
waterproofing
Variable water
table
Water
Waterproofing
system
Integral
protection
Kickerless
construction
21
fiAS(FX4T WAIFING.
GU1D
BRITISH CEMENT ASSOCIATION
PUBLICATION 48.059
BQ7I
British Cement Associahon
ritish
aterproofing
ssociation
Cl/Sf B
I I I
[UDC
j
643.8 : 699.82