SURFASOLOGY are known for providing high efficacy, innovative waterproofing solutions that satisfy the most stringent construction standards.

We support these products with highly-qualified technical professionals who understand both on-site demands and the design detail.

We work in a collaborative way with our clients at all stages of the project to ensure that the correct design, preparation, and application are carried out to ensure a timely and successful outcome for all stakeholders.

5 Steps to Structural Waterproofing Success

Step 1: Waterproofing Design

    
Both BS 8102:2009 and NHBC’s Chapter 5.4 state waterproofing design shall be undertaken by suitably qualified persons and be appropriate for the specific performance required.
The waterproofing specialist should:

1. be suitably experienced;
2. Be capable of devising solutions that accommodate the various project constraints and needs;
3. Provide the design team with information and guidance that assists with and influences the design, installation and future maintenance of the waterproof structure.

NHBC require designers who have successfully completed the Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) qualification.
In accordance with the standards and guidelines waterproofing design should be appropriate to the risk and generally assume exposure to a full height of water during the design life of the building.
The ‘Grade’ (level of waterproofing protection) required will enable the waterproofing designer to decide on the ‘Type’ of waterproofing best suited to achieve a successful outcome.
NHBC recommend where Grade 3 waterproofing protection is required the waterproofing design should include a combination of two of the types of waterproofing systems.

Level of waterproofing protection
Waterproofing systems should be designed to resist the passage of water/moisture to the internal surfaces of the walls, floors and ceilings. The level of protection against water/moisture reaching the internal surface should be appropriate for the proposed use of the internal space, including equipment located within it.
Waterproofing Grades:
Grade  3 – Habitable accommodation- ‘No water penetration acceptable’
Grade  2 – Non-habitable areas- ‘No water penetration acceptable though damp areas are                                   tolerated
Grade 1 – ‘Some seepage and damp areas are tolerable, dependent on intended use’.                             Drainage may also be required to deal with seepage.
 

Step 2: System Selection

BS 8102:2009 defines three ‘Types’ of waterproofing protection namely:
Type A (barrier) protection
Type B (structurally integral) protection
Type C (drained) protection
The risk associated with the water table level will enable the waterproofing designer to determine the most appropriate waterproofing system(s) to comply with Grade of protection required.
All three types of waterproofing protection (A, B, C) are suitable in low risk environments but as the risk level rises various additional factors come under consideration by the waterproofing designer.
Type A Waterproofing Barriers include:

• bonded sheet membranes
• liquid-applied membranes
• geosynthetic (bentonite) clay liners
• mastic asphalt
• cementitious systems
• pre-applied fully bonded systems

Type B systems include:

• In-situ concrete with or without admixtures and crack widths limited by design
• In-situ high strength concrete with crack widths limited by design and post construction crack injection
• Pre-cast concrete systems assessed in accordance with Technical Requirement R3

Type C systems include:

• Drained Cavity construction- Type C systems that include a cavity drain membrane, which forms a waterproof barrier, are acceptable to NHBC when assessed in accordance with Technical Requirement R3. Where the Type C system is formed using a drained masonry cavity wall, the guidance in BS 8102 should be considered.

All systems supplied must meet the relevant standards and carry a CE Mark if a harmonised standard exists for the product category.

Step 3: Installation

SURFASOLOGY™ can provide approved applicators or alternatively can train the contractor’s or sub-contractor’s team to install all chosen waterproofing materials to a proficient standard.
The training will be supplemented by full design information, an installation method statement including detailing of joints, junctions and penetrations.
All sitework shall:

1. Meet the technical requirements
2. Take account of the design
3. Follow established good practice and workmanship

Step 4: Approval

SURFASOLOGY™ SECURE SEAL Quality Assurance Program provides:

• Design Assistance
• Installation Guidance and Support
• Site Inspection – periodic oversight and inspection of application and sign off on installation prior to concrete placement.
• Performance Warranty
• Ancillary Certification Sign-off in order to satisfy the requirements of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations, SI No. 9 of 2014

Step 5: Warranty

SURFASOLOGY™ standard system warranty covers the “Waterproofing Design” and “Product Performance” for a 25-year period. These elements are supported by full Professional Indemnity and Product Insurance in the unlikely event of a failure.
Specific ‘insurance backed project warranties are available’ through our insurance partners with an additional premium.

Did You Know that…

Approved Applicators

SURFASOLOGY offer supply & fit service. We have approved applicators who cover a range of structural waterproofing and damp-proofing system installations. This service is part of our “5 Steps to Structural Waterproofing Success”.
Would you like to become a SURFASOLOGY approved applicator? We welcome an opportunity to explain and demonstrate the benefits of our products and systems in both theoretical and practical ways. We strongly believe that success is defined by specialist knowledge that helps to identify the problem and seek appropriate solution. To find out more, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01-8321005 or [email protected].

NBS Clauses

Design professionals can now access our products on NBS. Users of the NBS Plus software package are able to “drag and drop” our specification clauses directly into their specifications. For assistance in specifying products for specific site applications, please contact our technical department on 01-8321005 or [email protected].
RIBA Product Selector – SURFASOLOGY

We Are Growing

A New Team Member Wanted!

SURFASOLOGY are expanding and are looking for a Technical Sales Representative who will be promoting our structural waterproofing products and services. Do you have construction industry sales experience? Do you have a background in specification work? Are you willing to become an expert in a specialised area of structural waterproofing? If yes, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01-8321005 or [email protected] for more information.