Deck & Flat Roof Waterproofing Contractor
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Trace Basement Systems are specialist deck waterproofing contractors.
Podium decks or buried roofs are essentially a form of flat roof which resides above a basement. They can be formed in a variety of structures have a variety of build-ups laid above them, from earth and soft landscaping (buried), to tiling, paving and macadam.
We also cover Damp Proofing and Tanking in Manchester & the North West.
Podium Deck, Buried Roof & Flat Roof Waterproofing
Specialist Solutions for Complex Waterproofing Challenges
At Trace Basements we understand that the waterproofing suspended deck structures presents unique challenges requiring specialised solutions.
Podium decks, buried roofs, and flat roofs demand materials and application techniques that are fit for purpose, in what can be a particularly demanding application.
Image is of a Polyurea deck waterproofing application to a 1,200m2 podium deck.
Stability
What scope is there for the deck structure to move? Understanding dimensional stability is key.
Falls
Decks must include falls which encourage rainwater to flow to outlets, rather than standing and pressuring.
Repairability
Modern design guiance for this type of waterproofing includes a focus upon the consideration of repairbility.
Bonded versus decoupled deck waterproofing
Best practice design guides indicate that bonded (adhered down) waterproofing materials are the ideal for podium decks and certainly buried roofs (arguably the latter is less accessible once buried).
Where a waterproofing material is 'fully bonded', any water bypassing the membrane should not be able to track laterally between the membrane and the structure, so if the structure itself is impermeable (appropriate concrete), this can provide enhanced protection against leakage.
Where structures are prone to movement - certain types of deck structure are, or you cannot gain certainty regarding the extent of likely movement (existing structures), and with careful consideration, decoupled systems can be employed which design out the movement consideration.
Falls and drainage are important aspects of deck waterproofing
Decks will always receive rainfall and management of that water is a key consideration. What you do not want is for water to collect, stand and pressure - it is hydrostatic pressure which forces water through any defects/pathways present, and long term standing water can be detrimental to some materials.
What we've seen in the past is no falls, and no drainage, or that the drainage outlets are installed at the level of the finishes (such as paving), and are too high to receive water at the level of the waterproofing. This is how you create a reservoir above the waterproofing, not what we want.
Decks should achieve falls of 1:80 in their permanent loaded condition to outlets which can receive water draining off of the waterproofing
Quality assurance methods for deck waterproofing materials
Trace employ forms of deck waterproofing which can be tested via what is know as spark or holiday testing. An electrical current is passed over the membrane via specialist equipment which identifies if there is any loss or conduction of the current through the waterproof material, i.e. is there a hole or thin section weak point, representing a risk to the system. This is undertaken by a third party and is an important measure in ensuring the quality of the installed waterproofing system.
Permanent leak detection systems for decks
These are systems which are installed in association with the waterproofing system, with the principle being that in the event of any issue, it is possible to locate the area in which water is bypassing a membrane. Deck structures inevitably include multiple layers of material (for example - insulation), through which water can track laterally meaning that where you see water internally, may not match the location of a defect in the waterproofing. Such systems are in their infancy in the UK waterproofing market, and the focus is always on design, installation, materials and QA, such that defects are avoided.
Nevertheless, it is the norm in basement waterproofing for Designers to consider risk of defects and strategy for repair, (both key points in BS8102 Protection of below ground structures against water) and we note that some of latest design guides produced (we have been involved in editing the PCA guidance doc. ourselves) advise the same requirements in respect of repairability. Further to this we expect that these systems will become the norm, particularly where decoupled waterproofing systems are employed.
What a state, standing water in bedding materials next to a drainage outlet, yet the water cannot drain into the outlet which is too high and can only receive water at finishes level, NOT the level of the waterproofing.
Experts in Structural Waterproofing & Timber Repair
Trace are Industry leading waterproofing contractors
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Experts in Structural Timber Repair for Listed Buildings
Complex buildings need the highest level of expertise. We specialise in dealing with complex issues of moisture in buildings, including basement waterproofing, waterproofing maintenance, timber repair for new and old buildings.
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