A1 Infrastructure and building ltd use modern day construction methods to keep up with the demand of new technology that has being brought into the construction industry throughout the years and waterproofing or ‘tanking’ is one of them
All below ground structures should be considered liable to water pressure. Even if ground water is anticipated below the excavation level, Flood or adverse weather conditions may cause water to rise. Structures are not completely rigid and by consequence even small movements can lead to serious cracking which will allow water ingress and this can lead to the building not being water tight.
Many methods of waterproofing are:-
•Waterproofing below ground and tanking
•Balcony and elevated decks
•Gas barrier and ventilation systems
•Storm water attenuation tanks
•Green roof systems
•Bridge deck waterproofing
•Resin injection and concrete repair
•Basements
•Lift pits
New structures can be made water resistant by correct design to the requirements by providing correctly placed hydrophilic water stops at all concrete construction / day work joints and kickers and by incorporating a continuous, passive waterproof membrane which fully encapsulates the structure by linking with the DPC / cavity tray detailing. Concrete is naturally porous and cannot be considered on its own to be water-tight as water will seep through pores within the concrete. This problem is exacerbated when the concrete is not vibrated adequately and when the water becomes under pressure.
Structural waterproofing or "tanking" is the procedure for providing a water and vapour proof structure. Waterproofing to the external face - which ensures all ground water actually forces the membrane onto the structure - with a passive, non-reactive membrane ensures the entire structure remains watertight for its anticipated life. Waterproofing on internal faces, other than multi layer applications of proprietary renders and internal pumped drained cavity designs, should be avoided as they could allow any water under pressure to force off the membrane.
It is important to consider that ALL joints between concrete blocks or mortar in brickwork/block work are weak points in a structure and therefore more likely to leak. The use of concrete infill between two skins of block or brick is often employed, however, it is critical that adequate attention is given to concrete mix design and vibration as cavitation occurs.
Please feel free to visit our contact page or call the number on the top of the page.