Listed Buildings

The majority of listed buildings in the UK have some form of basement or cellar. At the time of these builds, it was the norm to incorporate one into a house that would have waiting staff and large food storage requirements. This would provide a cooler and constant storage temperature.

Today, many of these basements and cellars have been left untouched for years, leaving them very damp and in need of repair. You cannot tackle a listed project in the same way you would a traditional basement refurbishment. Methodical planning from start to finish is the only way you can successfully bring a cellar back to life. You will need to strictly follow all planning conditions, ensure all works are reversible and have regular dialogue and visits from your local conservation officer.

Cast contracting Ltd (CCL) would be happy to undertake an early design survey to fully understand the construction and conditions of the existing structure, as well as liaising with the Preservation Office where appropriate. Since CCL was first formed in 1997, it has had the privilege of working on hundreds of bespoke listed properties across the United Kingdom.

BS8102:2022 Code of practice for the ‘Protection of below ground structures against water ingress’ is the guidance document for designing the below ground waterproofing strategy. Within this British Standard, it describes three forms of waterproofing. A ‘Type A’, being an applied membrane; ‘Type B’, being an integral form of waterproofing within the structure; ‘Type C’ form of waterproofing being a Water Management System (Cavity Drain).

One of the more commonly proposed and accepted waterproofing methods for listed buildings is a water management system. Surface preparation can be minimal, whereas applied tanking slurries/renders can be very intrusive. The wall membrane can be mechanically fixed to the surface and easily removed if required in the future.

The floor membrane can be built up from the existing floor if the height permits. This is done by using closed-cell insulations and membranes, allowing water to freely drain away in periphery drainage.

CCL has been very fortunate to have worked on some landmark projects when it comes to listed buildings, these include Historic Museums, High-profile Mansions, Country houses, Theatres, and Historic Cottages – all steeped in history with their own story to tell.