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Dealing with Failed Waterproofing Systems

We specialise in the investigation and remediation of leaky basements

Job type: Waterproofing buildings

If this is an issue affecting you, you are absolutely in the right place!

A typical process includes:

  1. Site inspection, gather available information in relation to site, structure, existing waterproofing, issues experienced and client requirements.
  2. Desk study of collected information, production of report with remedial strategy in line with client requirements, or:
  3. Undertake further (often intrusive) investigation to establish construction details or other pertinent information.
  4. Advise remedial strategy in line with client requirements.
  5. Implement strategy on site and manage installation to successful completion.

Remedial project goals:

  • Address the issues present.
  • Provide meaningful correspondence – analytical reports, building manuals for systems installed, guarantee paperwork and insurances, adding value to property if and when sold.

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When you employ Trace, you are buying into 46 years of a family’s dedication to understanding and dealing with problems of moisture in buildings.
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Some examples of typical remedial projects

Structural Insurance claims

A new build house will typically be covered by a ten year structural insurance policy, from NHBC, Premier Guarantees, or one of the other providers of such cover.  We started dealing with claims on behalf of the insurers in 2002, and have probably undertaken more of this type of remedial work than any other in the UK. In 2012 Premier Guarantees employed us to re-write their basements technical manual (developers have to comply with this to obtain the insurance) to manage risk, which changed the industry forever as others Like NHBC followed suit in updating guidance.

Example issues we deal with – 

  • External barrier tanking (bitumen sheet membranes for example) installed by general or even specialist contractors, they come under water pressure, have to be perfect to function, are not and they leak.
  • Service penetrations (pipes & cables running through structure) – not considered in the design, sometimes retrofitted after the waterproofing has been completed but never made good.  Can be a source of significant ingress!
  • Waterproof concrete structures – concrete cracks excessively (> 0.3mm) and allows water ingress.  Failure of waterbars to seal construction joints allowing ingress.

Read more about Tanking Waterproofing Failure here.

Basement conversions

The purpose of waterproofing in a basement conversion, is to provide and maintain a dry space in the long term, so that investment in that space is preserved.  Many systems have been installed by untrained general building contractors, or even specialist basement conversion companies set up with limited to no training or qualifications.

Example issues we deal with:

  • Poor detailing – laps & seals in membrane, plug fixings poorly sealed.
  • No drainage channels (membrane only drainage systems).
  • No inspection ports (system not maintainable so non-compliant with BS8102), often installers don’t offer to maintain their systems leading to failure in time.
  • Sump systems with 1x mains powered pump (cheapest approach), no battery back-up or mechanical redundancy.  Discharge pipes bossed directly into drains (no over-flow/flood-loop detail).
  • Barrier tanking specific – inadequate consideration of structure, poor surface preparation, under-appreciation or requirement for perfect (defect free) installation.

Read more about Basement conversions here.

If you’re unfortunate enough to be suffering issues, please call or write and we can assist.

Case Studies

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Our customer reviews

  • “We recently had the pleasure of working with the team from Trace. We found all of the office staff, managers and contractors a pleasure to deal with. Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable team. Very highly recommended !”

    Finalfix Ltd Builders in Cheshire

  • “I couldn't recommend Trace Remedial enough. I was extremely impressed with all of the advise received and delighted with their speedy and professional service. I have even sought some advise months after my initial business with Trace Remedial and they were more than happy to help again. Fantastic!”

    Lolos V R

  • “Newton Waterproofing Systems would highly recommend the services of Trace Basements & Trace Remedial Building Services. We have a fantastic working relationship with Trace. As Newton Specialist Basement Contractors, they are reliable, knowledgeable and skilled in their field.”

    Newton Waterproofing Systems

  • "I can highly recommend Trace. I rang to get a damp survey booked in on a property we were looking to buy. Lewis was very helpful over a couple of phone calls, even ringing back on a day off! Offered advice and help even though we didn't end up going through with the survey. Great service, will use again."

    Nick Renshaw

  • “Just had Trace in to deal with a fairly significant damp problem in our house. The work was completed to a very high standard in the timescale agreed before commencement. Really good communication throughout and the tradesmen were really professional. Left the house as tidy as possible every day and I’m made up with the outcome. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to family and friends.”

    Kealey Clarke

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Basements & Remedial Systems

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