Waterproofing, Cavity Membrane Systems, Cellar & Basement Conversions, Pumps & Drainage in North Devon
Cavity Drainage Membrane Systems for Basements, Cellars & Below-Ground Waterproofing
Anchor Property Care provides waterproofing, cavity membrane systems (cavity drainage membrane) installation for cellars and basements across North Devon, including Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington, Tiverton, Bude and Exmoor. Cavity drainage membranes are a widely used solution for basement waterproofing and cellar waterproofing, particularly where structures are below ground and exposed to dampness, contamination, salting, or progressive groundwater conditions.
If you need a Type C (drained) waterproofing system for a basement conversion, cellar upgrade, or a below-ground room that must remain dry and usable, we can specify and install a maintainable membrane system with suitable drainage, sumps and pumps where required.
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Cavity Membrane – General Information
It is recognised that there are various forms of cavity membrane systems. The preferred system of Anchor Property Care is Delta Membrane of which we are a registered installer. Delta has BBA (British Board of Agrément) accreditation, which is the UK construction industry mark of quality for building products and systems, proving they meet rigorous standards for fitness, performance, and compliance with building regulations through extensive testing and inspection. It’s a trusted symbol for architects, builders, and specifiers, indicating a product’s reliability and suitability for its intended use, with certificates available on the BBA’s website.
BS 8102:2022 is the British Standard code of practice for protecting below-ground structures against water from the ground. It provides comprehensive guidance on risk assessment, design, and installation of waterproofing systems (Types A, B, and C) to prevent water ingress in basements, tunnels, and other structures. Type C (Drained Protection): Cavity drain systems that manage water that enters the structure, leading it to a sump and pump or drainage. Cavity membrane systems are accepted throughout the UK.
Cavity Drain Membrane systems are a complete range of products used to solve many waterproofing and damp proofing defects in new and old construction. Cavity Drain Membrane systems deal with progressive ground water conditions where basements are liable to flooding, or where dampness, contamination or salting defects are prevalent.
Other more diverse applications include turf-covered roofs, barn conversions, tunnel linings or a barrier against radon gas.
The main components of the system are the membranes themselves manufactured from virgin high-density polyethylene HDPE. The drain stud thickness varies from 3-8mm used for wall applications and 20mm used on floors. The cavity created by the membrane contains between 2.1 and 10 litres of space respectively. This is known as either the “air gap” or the “drained cavity” in wet situations.
Membranes We Specify and Install
- Delta MS500 – Used for floor and wall applications. This membrane can be used for light water ingress situations.
- Delta PT Lath – This membrane has a mesh incorporated on the internal face, which is attached by the thermic welding process at the time of manufacture. The introduction of the mesh will allow a render or plaster finish to be applied directly to the surface of the membrane.
- Delta MS20 – A heavy gauge version with deep 20mm studs. This is used where extra drainage capacity is required, for example on deeper structures or where a larger flow rate is required.
Drainage Requirement (Important)
Where the system is being installed to cope with capillary held moisture can be done without the need for elaborate drainage facilities. However, when dealing with free water, or if there is a risk of water damage, then a suitable drainage facility must be incorporated within the system. This could be channels cut into the floor, soakaways, sumps, and mechanical pumps.
Finishes
Depending upon the system installed, various options are available as to how the walls/floors can be finished. Wall applications the membrane can be plastered or dry lined. Floor membranes can be screeded or a “floating” timber floor can be installed.
Drainage, Sumps and Pumps
Depending on the installation and site conditions, the system will be reliant upon the free flow of water. Where a gravity drainage system is used, the drains must be inspected by a drainage specialist prior to the installation of the membrane system. Any faults, defects or blockages, must be rectified. The condition of the drains is paramount to the effectiveness of the membrane system.
Where pumps are recommended, they must be maintained and serviced on a regular basis. Pumps installed by Anchor Property Care will carry a manufacturer’s 12-month warranty, after which it is the Client’s responsibility to ensure regular services and maintenance of the pumps is undertaken.
Compliance and Best Practice for Below-Ground Waterproofing
Below-ground waterproofing systems should be designed and installed in line with BS 8102:2022 British Standard code of practice for protecting below-ground structures against water from the ground. It provides comprehensive guidance on risk assessment, design, and installation of waterproofing systems (Types A, B, and C) to prevent water ingress in basements, tunnels, and other structures.
Cavity drainage membrane systems are commonly specified as Type C (drained) protection, designed to manage and control water ingress with maintainable internal drainage.
Cavity Membrane Installation Across North Devon
We install cavity membrane systems for basements, cellars and below-ground areas across: Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington, Tiverton, Bude and Exmoor (and surrounding areas).
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote
If you’re planning a basement conversion, upgrading a cellar, or need a cavity drainage membrane system designed for your property’s conditions, contact Anchor Property Care today.
