Premier Preservations

Structural Waterproofing is the term used for Prevention and Control of Water Ingress into a structure or building; typical applications being:

Above Ground

• Car Parks
• Walkways
• Bridges
• Patios
• Flat Roofs
• Dwellings

Below Ground

• Vaults
• Basements
• Cellars
• Pools (swimming, Fish or ornamental)
• Garages
• Any other below ground Structure

Why do I need Structural Waterproofing?

* Maintaining Value A building or Structure in the form of a Residential House or Commercial Premises it is a major investment and if it is to retain its value it must be maintained.

A neglected Building or Structure suffering water ingress will soon deteriorate
due to one or a combination of the following problems:

• Structural Instability
• Timber Decay due to wet and/or dry Rot and wood boring beetles.
• Plaster De-lamination with consequential decorative damage.
• High Condensation levels and accompanying Mould Infestations.

All of which, if not attended to, can lead to Health and indeed Safety Hazards.

* Maximising Space/Property Value. Due to the lack of building land within Central London and the M25 areas, the high costs of travel and the increasing demand from a rising population, living and commercial space is at a premium; it has and will continue to have a high relative value.

No longer are basements being left empty, coal cellars left locked or vaults used as temporary storage. Throughout London below ground spaces are being converted, at relatively modest outlay, into additional residential accommodation or commercial units; greatly increasing the asset and rental value of these properties.

What is structural Waterproofing and How is it acheived?

The Structural Waterproofing of a building or structure may be completed in many ways with various systems.

Each particular problem or contract must be afforded a practical approach to existing circumstances, the relevant or anticipated water ingress, and what the Client is attempting to achieve. Only then can an acceptable cost effective solution be applied.

There are two basic methods of Structural Waterproofing Buildings or Structures Below Ground, namely:

Prevention of water ingress at the surface of the Structure (Sometimes referred to as TANKING!). Achieved by application of one or a combination of the following specialist processes

• Modified cement slurries and renders.
• Co-Polymer modified applications.
• Resin applications.
• Asphalts and bitumen coatings.

Control and Management of Water Ingress (Sometimes referred to as Cavity Drainage). Achieved by the use of:

• An impervious Barrier to divert the water to the outside of the Structure.
• A drainage System to collect the water and distribute it from the collection point to an acceptable outlet.

UNDERPAVEMENT VAULTS

As stated, the majority of these were initially areas for storing coal. They were rarely treated for water ingress and once central heating or alternative fuels became fashionable these areas were locked up and forgotten.

On opening them up they appear damp, dusty, depressive and unwanted.

How things have changed!!! Vaults now represent some of the most economically converted areas in the Construction Industry. Not only have they become economical Assets they have also become very fashionable as they convert beautifully into:

• Strong-rooms
• Storage Areas
• Laundry and Utility Rooms
• Bedrooms and Spare Rooms
• Kitchens and Kitchenettes - Wine Cellars
• Utility Rooms - Children's play areas
• and many other uses.

Vaults are by definition very secure with a strong metal door and frame. They are economical to convert, and in doing so add instant value to the property whilst being enjoyed and utilised for their desired purpose. In general their conversion can take place with little or no disruption to the household due to their location and access.

Basements, Sub basements and areas partially or fully below ground

Once again these areas were notorious for DAMP atmospheres, mouldy, dark and dismal conditions which people were reluctant to inhabit.

These areas have now become some of the most desirable habitats for Top level Commercial Operations and showrooms as well as adding a Valuable and interesting asset to the flat or Home Owner. It is more economical and practical to develop a basement, than adding an extension or converting a loft of equal size.

In some of the more spacious gardens, basements are being excavated with rooms formed, and the garden re instated above them. This again is very aesthetic, economical and does not require planning permission.