In 2013 the National House Building Council (NHBC) reported £21m worth of claims over a six-year period. The claims related to poor design, workmanship and installations in 900 properties in the UK, which subsequently resulted in below ground structural waterproofing failures.
In 2014 NHBS formed a task group and a new Chapter 5.4 – Waterproofing Standard was created. “They made a positive decision that the standard needed to recognise the Waterproofing Design Specialist and therefore emphasised that robust design should be undertaken by a suitably qualified specialist. One route to demonstrate this was to attain the Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) qualification, administered and awarded by the PCA”.
Chapter 5.4 moves beyond the BS 8102 recommendations and recognised other areas where there were still risks of failure. Thus, a requirement for two systems or having two layers of protection appeared. BS 88102:2009 referred to under section 6.2 Waterproof protection that “one, or a combination, of the (3) types of waterproofing protection should be selected”. The BS stops short of responsibility by “consideration should be given to … the need for combined protection”. NHBC took it further by requiring two forms of water resistance to deliver a robust design and provide extra insurance.
NHBC also recognised failure of contractors and ground workers to install products correctly. So, it was decided that technicians are required to undertake training to be able to demonstrate competence.
Leaks cost money, erode confidence and damage reputation. Implementing standards will improve outcomes in waterproofing, will give confidence to customers and end users. Clients need assurance that they are investing in a building with dry basements. Gaining consumer confidence in the delivery of reliable underground spaces will lead to more sales and opportunities.
At SURFASOLOGY we acknowledge all the risks and complications that are involved in constructing a sound building in terms of waterproofing. We are up-to-date with latest legislation and standards; therefore, we offer you a comprehensive service to include the following:
Our Technical and Specification Manager, Michael McDonagh, is a Certificated Specialist in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) accredited by the Property Care Association (PCA).
-
Innovative and reliable waterproofing systems accompanied by on-going technical support
Our team members are fully trained and certified by the manufacturers of our complete range of waterproofing products.
-
Applicator training
We train applicators to apply our waterproofing systems on site prior to the commencement of any project. Upon successful completion of the training, a certificate is issued. Depending on the project size, we pay site visits and provide site inspection reports. Once the project is successfully completed, the building contractor becomes SURFASOLOGY approved applicator for the products/systems installed.
