R & D Management Ltd was asked to provide a specification for waterproofing the new basement and recommended a Platon cavity drain membrane system to the walls, with Aqua Channel around the perimeter discharging to sumps to the front and rear of the property.
The system was installed by Triton Approved Contractors, MGA Contracts Ltd. To maintain maximum headroom, a semi-engineered brick course was installed around the perimeter to house the Triton Aqua Channel over which a screed finish was laid, incorporating Triton SBR to improve the durability and adhesive bond of the mix.
As an alternative to using a membrane to waterproof the floor, and to facilitate the installation of under floor heating, two coats of Triton’s liquid-applied TT Vapour Membrane were laid to the floor slab, continuing up and over the perimeter step detail with a 150mm upstand to the internal walls. Sand blinding of the surface provided a key for the subsequent levelling compounds before the installation of the Poly-Plumb heating system and finally a feature wood floor. The total basement area measures 22m x 8m and features doors to an external light well at the rear and a glass covered internal light well to the front. The property is being used as a showcase for similar projects by the developers.
A cavity drain membrane system provides an alternative to conventional cementitious tanking systems, which work by holding the water back. Cavity drain membranes work on the principle of allowing water to continue to penetrate the structure but control it in the air gap and divert it to a suitable drainage point. They do not allow pressure to build up against the internal construction and the air gap behind the membrane allows the structure to breathe and to some extent to dry out. They can be used in conjunction with a liquid applied membrane to the floor or used as part of a ‘sealed system’ where membranes are also laid to the floor and the wall/floor junction made watertight using Platon Wall Floor Junction or Platon Corner Strip. Once the membranes have been fitted, wall surfaces can be dry lined or plastered directly and floors can be screeded or a floating dry board system installed.