New Builds

The ‘BS 8102:2022 Code of Practice for ‘Protection of below ground structures against water ingress’ states that, “A Waterproofing Specialist should be included as part of the Design Team so that an integrated waterproofing solution is created”. For this reason, our experienced CSSW designers are happy to engage with the early design phase of a project, through to the final construction design.

Within BS8102 there is the suggestion of four grades of waterproofing as detailed below:

• Grade 1a – Seepage and damp areas from internal and external sources are tolerable, where this does not impact on the proposed use of below ground structure. (Internal drainage might be necessary to deal with seepage).
• Grade 1b – No seepage damp areas from internal and external sources are tolerable.
• Grade 3 – No seepage is acceptable. Damp areas as a result of internal air moisture/condensation are tolerable; measures might be required to manage water vapour/condensation.
• Grade 4 – No water ingress or damp areas is acceptable (Ventilation, dehumidification or air conditioning necessary; appropriate to the intended use).

With this in mind, it is important that the client and wider design team is knowledgeable of the desired grade of waterproofing and is in agreement. For example, a Grade 1 environment might not be acceptable to a client who is housing his car collection within the basement below.

In tandem with BS8102, BS 8485:2015+A1:2019 – ‘Codes of practice for the design of protective measures for methane and carbon dioxide ground gases for new buildings’, must be followed should the presence of ground gases be considered as a risk. In such scenarios, it is imperative that the continuity of the structural waterproofing and ground gas design is adequately designed from the outset.

Within BS8485, typically following a Geotechnical and desk survey, a localised plot of land would be given a CS rating depending on the perceived risk. Upon such a CS rating being issued, CCL would be able to compose a compliant design.

Since CCL’s creation in 1997, it has had the privilege to work on countless high-profile projects throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Working on projects such as London’s UCLH, The British Museum and The Royal Opera House, to name a few.

An integral part of CCL’s business has been working on new build developments alongside Architects, Principal Contractors and Design & Build Sub-Contractors, providing them with their desired goals without compromising on the quality at any point.

As CCL is an approved applicator for all the major waterproofing manufacturers, it can offer a design and/or installation guarantee for every project scenario.