Add to the Value of Your Home with Basement Waterproofing

Thinking of a way to add value to your property and extending your living space without having to apply for planning permission or drastically altering the exterior of your home? For most homeowners extending their property, the focus is on loft conversion or building outwards. However, by converting a basement storey beneath your existing property, you can unlock a wealth of opportunities for a bigger and better home.

Converting basements into rooms is an economical and safe way to create additional living space, solve storage issues, and add value to your property. Unlike loft conversions, which are more suited to additional bedrooms and bathrooms, basements can be converted to any kind of space – who doesn’t dream of being able to say to their partner “I’m just heading down to the cinema” or “I’m just nipping downstairs for a swim?” Of course, these possibilities are at the luxurious end of the scale of basement conversion possibilities – an additional seating, dining or office area is all many houses and families need to transform the way they live.

The possibilities are endless, but it is important to make sure that your basement is waterproof before and is safe from rising damp and mould. For this, you need the help of the UK’s market leaders in basement waterproofing, Peter Cox. This property maintenance company provides a range of property services alongside basement waterproofing, such as damp proofing, dry rot treatment and woodworm treatment.

So, what factors are important to consider and what steps can you take ahead of a basement conversion?

Basement Conversion Preparation: Prior to any basement conversion, you will need to prepare your cellar. This involves clearing it completely of anything stored there, so those doing the basement waterproofing can easily complete their work.

Waterproofing Your Cellar: Walls and floors below ground level are subject to damp penetration, so it is imperative to enlist the help of basement waterproofing experts such as Peter Cox. These property preservation specialists can help to waterproof your basement area using their DryRoom waterproof system to install a tanking membrane which acts as a dry lining to the walls, and a cavity drainage channel around the edge of the room to ensure that no damp can seep in. With branches throughout England, Wales and Scotland, Peter Cox can provide a twenty-year guarantee for their damp proofing, basement waterproofing, woodworm and dry rot services.

Fittings and Fixtures: A key consideration for any basement extension process is light and comfort. It is imperative that the space is installed with the correct lighting solutions, plumbing and electrical fixtures. A great way to introduce light and natural ventilation into a basement is with the help of a well-designed light-well. Complimented by tall windows and doors at the basement level, a light-well will help to completely alter the feel of a space, making it barely noticeable that one is underground.

With space at a premium in the UK, basement conversions are fast becoming a popular way to get additional living space without moving. So, forget large extension plans and create a modern, liveable space with basement rooms close to your main living areas.

For more about basement waterproofing visit:  http://www.petercox.com/basementwaterproofing.php

Innovative external waterproofing project

Lob Lane Mill, Brierfield, Burnley.

This old mill has been divided up to make 8 separate canal side apartments.  The problem is that they recently had some water ingress through the pediments at the canal side of the mill which is causing rain water staining to the plaster board ceilings of the bedrooms which overlook the canal.

Peter Cox Ltd were approached by the client to give them a quote for external waterproofing works to the 10 pediments.  They enquired whether we had a suitable product which would not cause a problem to windows below, and would not pollute the canal by dripping.

Peter Cox Ltd has now carried out basement waterproofing works to all apartments with pumps and channels. An external waterproofing and thermal insulation product called DryWall Thermotek was also recommended as it’s thicker (more viscous) than other external waterproofing products on the market and it only requires one coat.

As the scaffold had been removed, works to the pediments were going to be difficult.  The plan was to hire a crane with a basket that can hold two men which can be used and set up from the “Dry side” of the building.

Luckily the weather stayed in our favour along with the wind (weather not the Technicians) and the contract was finished in one day with the client very happy.

For more about damp proofing.

Damp Problems and Advice

Given the current unseasonal rainfall, "this building is damp" may be the most common complaint regarding properties at the moment.

Are there damp ‘tide marks’ on your interior or exterior walls?
Are there signs of condensation on your walls and windows?
Is water escaping from roofs and gutters?
Is there mould on your walls, ceilings or around your windows?

If so, then you need to take action to prevent the dampness and obviate further problems such as peeling of wallpaper and paint, dry rot, wet rot, some kinds of woodworm, timber and structural damage, and health concerns. Some of these issues are very serious and can propagate through your property if left untreated.

See our web page for more about damp problems

Rising Damp

The classic form of ‘rising damp’ consists of moisture from the ground rising in through the wall by capillary action. Typical signs are the 'tide marks' of damp staining, often up to abouta metre above local external ground levels. Damp staining and visual damage can be seen indoors as well.

A solution is to insert a physical damp course in walls above ground level. Peter Cox recommends the DryWall Silane Diffusion method. This can be used for internal and external walls of any type and thickness, both brick and stone, including 280mm cavity brick walls.

Given the current level of rainfall and the high water table, external land drain installations to lower moisture levels in the ground can be very effective in certain instances.

See our web page for more about rising damp treatment.

Basement waterproofing

With the water table so high, dampness can enter basements, cellars, service pits and some ground-floor rooms where the floor is below ground level. Dampness comes in through the walls and floor due to water pressure from outside.

 

A Cavity Drainage Membrane is used for basement waterproofing. The interior walls and floor remain dry, while water is channelled into a drainage system, often using a sump and pump. As an alternatively, ‘tanking’ is the traditional solution for basement waterproofing, with a Cementitious Multi-Coat Render.

For more, see our basement waterproofing page

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp can also result when there is high rainfall, particularly with strong winds as well. Roofs, walls, windows, doors, chimneys, need to be in good order. Gutters, down pipes & drains should be clear, with no obstructions, leaks or overflows. The dampness and damage may be more localized if there is for instance a defective gutter that is overflowing

 It is important to diagnose the problem under the severe weather conditions and put in place a remedy. Otherwise the damage caused by long term damp can require more repair than the damp problem itself.

Internal damp

Water escaping from a water pipe, waste pipe, washing machine or the central heating system can cause damp patches to appear. Technically a leak rather than damp, these usually result in a very wet area close to (but not necessarily directly under) the source.

Condensation can cause damp problems resulting from poor ventilation, poorly heated rooms and too much moisture being produced by for instance showers, tumble dryers and cookers.

Cold surfaces and poorly ventilated areas are vulnerable to dampness and mould growth, for instance in cupboards, corners, behind heavy furniture and on cold outside walls. 

There’s more on our website regarding damp proofing

Damp Proofing Survey

A Peter Cox damp proofing survey report will evaluate your property and will inform you if and when early action is required. We will advise which damp proofing solutions are needed, based on:

• Cost-effective treatments
• Minimised risks
• On-time installations
• Future-proof solutions