NHBC Risk Guide

Waterproofing of basements
and other below ground structures (Revised 05/20)
(Refer to NHBC Standards Chapter 5.4)

Site ref: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Site manager:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspector: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please specify the type(s) of waterproofing required on site including plot numbers
Type Plots Type Plots
Basement Yes / No Raised podium Yes / No
Semi-basement Yes / No Lift pit Yes / No
Stairs adjacent to the structure Yes / No Stepped floor slab Yes / No
Retaining walls forming lightwells Yes / No Split levels Yes / No
Buried podium Yes / No Raised external ground levels Yes / No

Designer details
Name of waterproofing design specialist:
Do they hold a Certified Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) qualification? Yes / No
If no, please confirm suitability to design waterproofing

Installer details
Name of installation team:
Suitably qualified or trained by manufacturer/supplier? Yes / No / N/A

Provision of information
It is essential that the following information is available on site
Full set of current drawings Manufacturer information
Third-party certifications Method statement detailing sequence of works
Details of joints, junctions and service penetrations Details of any reinforcement to concrete

Protection grade required on site

Grade 3 (Habitable ) Grade 2 (Non-habitable i.e car parking areas) Grade 1 (Retaining walls)

Waterproofing system to be used

Protection grade System type Please select
Type A (waterproofing barrier) and Type B (structural integral)
3 Type A (waterproofing barrier) and Type C (drained cavity)
(Over 600mm) Type B (structural integral) and Type C (drained cavity)
Type B (structural integral) Note 1
Note 1: Type B structurally integral concrete system is acceptable without further protection from a combined system ONLY if a detailed hydrogeological assessment has been undertaken and to
demonstrate that the water table is permanently below the lowest floor slab
Type A (waterproofing barrier – fully bonded - note 2)
Type A (waterproofing barrier) and Type B (structural integral)
2
Type A (waterproofing barrier) and Type C (drained cavity)
(Over 600mm)
Type B (structural integral)
Type C (drained cavity)
Note 2: Fully bonded barriers are Type A barrier systems that form a composite with the structural wall. Includes cementitious and liquid applied systems
Type A (waterproofing barrier)
1 or 2
Type B (structural integral)
(Up to 600mm)
Type C (drained cavity)

Continues on reverse
Type A – Waterproofing barrier
Ensure weather conditions at the time of installation are appropriate for the system being installed
external
waterproofing
with protection
Ensure the substrate is clean, free from debris e.g. laitance fully removed (including at corners, around services and other
difficult to access areas) and prepared in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
Bonded sheet membranes should only be directly applied to masonry substrates that are smooth with flush pointed joints.
Ensure it is used in accordance with with the certification.
Ensure waterproofing material is protected to prevent damage

Type B – Structural integral construction

Penetrations from tie bars and the like should be made good in accordance with the design
waterproof
reinforced
concrete
Where joints are formed in concrete, the surfaces should be clean and free from excessive laitance

Protect hydrophilic strips from water prior to joint formation

Quality managements systems and quality audits should be used to record and monitor the placement of concrete

Specify concrete type to be used (reports and associated certification to be made available)

Type C – Drained cavity construction

Ensure access points for drainage systems are installed in accordance with the design

Cavity drain membranes should be installed using the fixings recommended by the manufacturer continous
drained
cavity

Ensure pumped systems operate automatically and include a:

„ Primary pump drainage sump
discharging to
suitable outlet

„ Secondary pump with battery or generator backup

„ Suitable audio or visual alarm that indicates pump failure

Interface with the above ground structure

Ensure the waterproofing system extends at least 150mm above external ground level
The material used to form the cavity tray should be able to withstand the loading from the wall and be compatible with the
below ground waterproofing system
How do you intend to achieve a watertight seal where the waterproofing is linked to the above ground structure?
DPC
habitable area

cavity tray

external
waterproofing

Example of linking waterproofing

Note: Consider limitations of sheet material in three dimensional details with DPC/cavity tray

Inspection requirements
Confirm stages of build below where an inspection should be carried out by NHBC:

NHBC, NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK5 8FP
Tel: 0344 633 1000 Fax: 01908 747255
NHBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the
Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. HB2851 05/20