Structural Waterproofing

Structural waterproofing encompasses a range of techniques and measures aimed at safeguarding buildings and structures from water infiltration, ensuring their lasting strength and resilience. This involves the utilization of diverse waterproofing systems and materials to create a protective barrier that effectively blocks water from seeping into crucial structural components like foundations, basements, walls, and roofs. By employing structural waterproofing, not only is the building shielded from water-related damage, but it also mitigates problems like dampness, mold growth, and structural decay.

What You Should Know about Structural Waterproofing

We offer the highest quality of service for those seeking a basement or structural waterproofing solution. From taking design responsibility from our approved supplier to installation by our own experienced teams and approved installers. All are under our EBM warranty and quality assurance scheme from our approved supplier.

Waterproofing Across Multiple Structures and Elements

Comprehensive approach: Structural waterproofing requires a comprehensive approach that considers various elements such as foundations, basements, walls, roofs, and below-ground structures. Each of these areas may have different requirements and challenges that need to be addressed with appropriate waterproofing systems.

Structural Integrity

One of the primary reasons for its importance lies in protecting the integrity of the building’s foundation and structural elements. Water seepage can compromise the foundation, leading to structural instability and costly repairs. By implementing effective waterproofing measures, such as barrier systems or drainage solutions, we create a robust defense against moisture, preventing its infiltration into critical areas like basements and walls.

Solutions for Long-term Protection

Waterproofing makes up roughly 1% percent of the total cost of building construction, but accounts for up to 80% of construction repairs and litigation! We exist to deliver a quality installation and give you peace of mind

EBM’s Design Responsibility

What we offer – EBM take design responsibility by our approved supplier for the waterproofing phase of the project from the initial design consultation with the Architect, Consulting Engineer, Contractor or all three, through to the design phase. This is complete with all necessary CAD drawings (including revisions) to produce a complete waterproofing strategy and specification.

CSSW design and installation with EBM approved supplier

If you are an Architect, Consulting Engineer, or Contractor dealing with below-ground structures, existing or new build, commercial or domestic, we can help.

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Waterproofing Excellence

The design team of EBM approved supplier are Certified Surveyors in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) qualified and work to the following design and best practice criteria

The correct design strategy, and detailed specifications are provided

The best in class quality performance products are used.

The right product selection to deliver the integrated design strategy and system specification.

Customer service and support is provided at design stage and on-site.

Warranty of the system performance is provided at completion.

Case Study

The EBM team carried out a structural waterproofing project in Llanelli this year. Here you can see the process of transforming a basement into a stunning living space.

Why Structural Waterproofing?

Waterproofing your basement is crucial to protect your home from potential water damage, preventing issues such as mold growth, structural deterioration, and safeguarding valuable possessions stored in the basement.

Prevents Water Damage

Waterproofing creates a protective barrier against water intrusion, ensuring your basement stays dry and free from water-related damage.

Avoids mold and mildew

By keeping moisture out, waterproofing helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to both your health and the structural integrity of your home.

Preserves structural integrity

Waterproofing protects the foundation and walls of your basement, extending their lifespan and preventing costly structural repairs.

Proven Reputation

EBM take pride in our proven reputation as a trusted leader in structural waterproofing, backed by a track record of successful projects and satisfied clients

Quality Assured

Experience our quality assured structural waterproofing solutions, meticulously designed and executed to meet the highest standards, ensuring long-lasting protection and peace of mind

Our Proficient Team

Our team possesses the knowledge, skills, and proficiency to deliver exceptional results, ensuring your project is in the hands of experts you can trust.

Basement Conversions

Basement conversions have gained increasing popularity in recent years as a practical and cost-effective way to maximize space in urban areas. By transforming dark and underutilized basements into functional living areas, homeowners can significantly increase the overall value and functionality of their properties. These conversions offer a myriad of possibilities, ranging from creating extra bedrooms, home offices, or entertainment rooms to adding gyms, home theaters, or guest suites.

Eco-Friendly

One of the primary advantages of basement conversions is that they often require less extensive construction compared to building additional stories or extensions. This makes them a more environmentally friendly choice and can reduce the time and disruption associated with traditional home expansion projects. Additionally, basement conversions allow homeowners to maintain the overall architectural integrity of their property, as the changes are mostly concealed underground.

Why Convert Your Basement?

Converting your basement can be a highly beneficial decision for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, it offers a remarkable opportunity to expand your living space without the need for major structural changes.

Cost effective, budget-friendly than building additional stories or extensions

Utilising existing space reduces the environmental impact associated with new construction

Basements can be transformed into various functional spaces, such as home offices, gyms or storage areas

Since most changes occur underground, the exterior appearance of your property remains largely unaffected

A well-executed basement conversion can significantly raise your property's market value

Water Proofing A Basement

If you are looking to convert a basement at your property, the first step would be to waterproof the basement, this will ensure that it would become dry and safe for general use. Very often, basements reside down below something called a water table, causing them to be vulnerable, leading to cracks in the walls and leaks, inevitably ending in damp problems.

The Benefits

Converting your basement provides a cost-effective, environmentally conscious, and architecturally harmonious way to expand your living area. Its versatility, coupled with the potential for a higher property value, makes it an attractive option for homeowners seeking to maximize their home’s potential without the complexities of building up.

// Basement Tanking

Interior & Exterior Waterproofing

Our course of action will be totally dependent on the building requirements. Normally basement waterproofing will consist of applying our systems to internal walls and floors, but there is also an option for external waterproofing if required.

What we offer

Experience the Finest Waterproofing Solutions: Our commitment extends from taking full design responsibility and providing top-notch materials to offering on-site training, expert support, and installation services through our skilled teams and approved installers. All of this is backed by our trusted ATAL warranty and quality assurance scheme.

The correct design strategy, and detailed specifications are provided.
The best in class quality performance products are used.
The right product selection to deliver the integrated design strategy and system specification.
Customer service and support is provided at design stage and on-site.
Warranty of the system performance is provided at completion.

How We Do It

Tanking is applying a physical barrier to a basement wall, this process will prevent moisture from ingressing into the walls. Our preventive barrier consists of waterproof slurry, or cement, blocking any water from getting into your basement. We also use drain membranes, which is robust and durable and can be applied to floors, walls etc.

During the application process, we pay close attention to critical areas prone to potential water entry, such as joints, corners, and pipe penetrations, reinforcing them with precision to prevent any weak points. To guarantee the highest level of quality, we conduct comprehensive inspections at every stage of the waterproofing process, assuring that each step is executed to perfection.

High Drainage Capacity

Baseline 20 cavity drain membrane is moulded from high density polyethylene (HDPE) and incorporates integral 20mm stand-off studs at 50mm centres to offer exceptionally high drainage capacity. Our air-gap membranes are robust and durable. They can be used on floors, walls, vaulted soffits and tunnels in basement waterproofing and other construction and civil engineering applications that require a cavity drain system to combat water seepage.

Ground Gas/Radon Mitigation in Basements

WHERE EXISTING BASEMENTS OCCUR IN AREAS AT RISK OF RADON, THEN SUITABLE MEASURES NEED TO BE TAKEN TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF RADON ENTERING THE PROPERTY THROUGH THE BASEMENT.

BRE Guidance 343 – Guide to Remedial Measures in Existing Dwellings, identifies the following methods of reducing the amount of radon entering the basement:

Sealing floors and walls
Increasing underfloor ventilation
Improving ventilation to the basement area
Installing a Radon Sump
Introducing positive pressure ventilation to the property
Improving ventilation to the property

In areas where Radon levels are considerably low, then an appropriately installed waterproofing system would generally suffice. However, in areas with high Radon levels, then the installation of a cavity drain system along with a Radon Sump and/or Positive Pressure Fan would be appropriate. It is always recommended to monitor the basement Radon levels after installation to ensure the installed measures are more than adequate.

For new build Radon protection in a basement, BRE211 states;
“If a basement cellar is to be tanked with an impervious barrier to prevent damp penetration, the tanking will also provide Radon protection.

How It Enters Our Home

Radon gas can enter homes through several pathways, primarily as a result of its natural occurrence in the soil and rocks beneath the building. The main mechanisms through which radon enters homes are:

Soil penetration
Crawlspace entry
Foundation cracks
Well water
Building materials
Air exchange

Essential Radon Protection

If you are building in an area with elevated radon potential, you must install radon protection. Although the precise areas where measures should be taken are listed in the BRE Guidelines (BRE 211 Radon: Guidance on Protective Measures for New Dwellings), these are reviewed by local government in the light of advice from the National Radiological Protection Board and the British Geological Survey. It is recommended that current information on the affected areas should be obtained from local authority building control officers or from approved inspectors. Note: Radon protection now applies to extensions and any change of use to a residential or sleeping use.

Certified Installers at EBM

When choosing an appropriate Radon barrier, levels should be assessed. It also needs to be decided what level of protection is required, whether it be a basic, passive-vented system or in exceptional circumstances a mechanical system may be required. EBM can aid the decision-making process and advise on appropriate materials to achieve the specification in accordance with BRE 211 recommendations and all installations are carried out by EBM NVQ level 2 installers.