A watertight home cinema in the basement

A twin waterproofing system was specified for the habitable basement at this high spec new build dwelling in North London – a sensible approach by the developer in view of the known high water table and the planned use of the basement as a high tech media room and home cinema.

The new concrete basement structure was built by specialists, Togher Construction, and the watertight concrete system (comprising Triton’s TT Super Admix and associated joint sealing  products) was supplied by Procon Readymix.

Triton’s TT Super Admix conforms with the performance criteria of BS 8102 2009 as a type B integral waterproofing system.  The product was dosed to the concrete mix at a ratio of 4.1kg per m³ of concrete, with a minimum cement content of 350kg per m³ of concrete and a maximum water ratio of 0.5.  This type of concrete mix also enhances the concrete’s overall strength and durability.

Triton’s construction joint sealing products, TT Waterstop and TT Swellseal Mastic were set in to pre-formed recesses within all the concrete construction joints and interfaces to prevent the ingress of ground water at these critical points.

Triton TT Vapour Membrane, a highly versatile and elastomeric cold, liquid applied waterproof and gas barrier, was then used to coat all the internal block walls to a  minimum height of 1.5m (to combat potential rising damp emanating from the slab via capillary action) and lapped out on to the slab – conforming to type A waterproofing criteria as per BS 8102 2009.

lt should be noted that all concrete, whether or not an admixture has been incorporated, has the potential for vapour and ground gasses to migrate through it.  This is why TT Vapour Membrane was applied to the internal block walls set out on the basement slab to dramatically reduce the chances of rising / capillary active damp occurring behind any dry lined areas within the basement.

A fully maintainable and BBA certified Platon cavity drained membrane system, conforming to BS 8102 2009 type C waterproofing criteria, was then applied comprising Platon Multi membrane to the walls and deeper profiled Platon P20 to the floors.

Triton Aquachannel was installed to the perimeter of all the internal earth retaining walls to direct any future potential ground water ingress to two sump pump systems. These were installed in the external light well area at the front of the property for ease of maintenance.

TT Vapour Membrane was also applied to internal surfaces of the light wells prior to Platon membrane being installed.  These surfaces were subsequently encapsulated by rendered blockwork.

All waterproofing materials were sourced from Triton, avoiding any potential for split responsibility issues and delivering one single source of technical support for all parties.

Self healing TT Admix at work on minor shrinkage crack

Triton’s unique chemical treatment for waterproofing and protecting concrete is designed to be used as an admix at the time of batching. The active chemicals react with fresh concrete to generate a non-soluble crystalline formation which seals the concrete itself against the penetration of water or liquid, protecting it from the deterioration effect of harsh environmental conditions.

This picture illustrates the system’s active and self-healing nature. The thermal/shrinkage crack to a basement wall, which occurred during the concrete’s hydration process, allowed water to pass through the structure. The white substance emanating from the crack, over the water, is actually crystallization growth. The crystals have self healed the fissure behind them and the excess white crystallization growth on the surface shows that the TT Admix Super has chemically reacted, healing the crack and avoiding the need for costly, time consuming repairs.

This photo also highlights the fundamental advantage of Triton’s active and in depth crystalline waterproofing system over the passive/dormant admixture types, which solely block capillaries, yet still allow ground water to migrate via cracks.  Unlike Triton’s active system, they cannot react and self heal, and when leaks occur costly repairs such as chasing out, plugging and re-profiling or pressure injection processes are necessary.

Triton's new roofing compound applied to concrete roof deck

One of a raft of new products launched by Triton Systems this Spring, new Triton RC is a highly versatile elastomeric acrylic waterproof membrane designed to waterproof a variety of external surfaces.
A key application will be its use as a waterproof and UV resistant coating on new and existing roofs, podium decks, parapet walls and any general weather exposed surfaces.  As a water based formulation Triton RC is environmentally safe, is solvent free and contains no toxins. Spillages can be cleaned up with water whilst still wet.

When applied to the correct thickness Triton RC offers excellent long term resistance to UV light and climate exposure, and its flexible properties mean it will accommodate normal substrate movement without rupture. It is also resistant to fungi and algae growth and to salt and carbon attack.    The cured product can withstand light foot traffic.  Suitable substrates include concrete, masonry brick, cement renders, asphalt, plasterboard, wet area timber sheeting, clay and concrete blocks, treated metals and all other Triton products.

New Triton LPA/Primer is recommended as a primer before applicaton on bitumen, asphalt or steel surfaces.   Triton RC can be applied using a roller, brush or spray.  Two coats are recommended with the second applied two to three hours after the first, with an overall drying time of 24 hours.

For more information call your local Triton sales representative or the sales office on 01322 318830

David Johnson of Specialist Remedial Services Ltd of Stourbridge, has used Triton’s systems to complete waterproofing works to the roof of the well housing a replica 1712 Newcomen engine at the Black Country Living Museum. The works are part of a £60,000 restoration programme to prepare the engine for a special steam weekend this summer to celebrate its tercentenary. The engine is the world’s only working replica of this type of engine, designed principally to pump water out of mines.

The existing slab was cleaned off, and Triton’s SBR cement slurry was laid to the slab, with Triton Fillet Seal used to cove off all wall/floor upstands. A new screed was then applied, followed by three coats of Triton TT Vapour Membrane (http://www.tritonsystems.co.uk/prod3.php#p6b) to the slab and downturns.  TT Vapour Membrane is a liquid applied Type A waterproofer as defined in BS 8102.

TT Vapour Membrane liquid applied waterproofer was applied to the roof

Applying TT Vapour Membrane

Finally Platon Double Drain (http://www.tritonsystems.co.uk/prod1.php#p5) a cavity drain membrane designed for external use, was installed to the area including the down face of the perimeter walls and linked in to the bed joints in the adjoining brickwork.

David Johnson is also carrying out resin repairs to the main beam – more information to follow on this when works are complete…

The Black Country Living Museum celebrates the Newcomen Engine's 300th birthday this year!

For more information about the Black Country Living Museum and the Newcomen engine, please visit their website: http://newcomen.bclm.com/

For more information about and to contact Specialist Remedial Services please visit their website:  http://www.srsstourbridge.co.uk/

The new concrete basement, including liner walls, base slab and roof was installed by main contractor, Trenchco, and the concrete was made watertight with the inclusion of Triton’s TT Super Admix complying with BS 8102 2009 as a Type B integral waterproofing system. The concrete was supplied by London Concrete.  Triton’s jointing components, TT Swellseal Mastic and TT Waterstop (hydrophilic strips) were used to ensure watertight construction joints.

TT Waterstop and TT SwellSeal Mastic applied in rebate to ensure watertight construction joints

The key benefits of TT Super Admix are that it works as an active ‘self healing’ system, rather than just a ‘pore blocking’ system which may still leak due to design/shrinkage/thermal cracks.   It also locks in any free lime that may leach from the new concrete which could result in blockages in the drainage system.

Triton approved contractors, MGA Contracts Limited, then installed Platon cavity drain membranes to internal walls and floors of the new basement to achieve Type C cavity drained waterproofing as defined by BS 8102 2009, with the drainage discharging into the main pumps and pipe work fitted with odour-resistant non-return valves. Triton supplied pump and sump systems from its new Aqua Pump Pro range.

Triton’s TT Vapour Membrane, a liquid applied waterproofing system, was applied in an approximate 1 metre band around the entire perimeter of the earth retaining soffits below ground level, and dressed approximately 250mm down the internal walls.  The Platon membrane was lapped and sealed with corner strip over the second coat of TT Vapour Membrane while it was still tacky at wall/soffit levels.  Therefore any potential vapour will simply follow the path of least resistance and drop behind the Platon membrane be subsequently picked up by the Aquachannel conduit installed around the wall/floor junctions.

First coat of TTVM applied to soffit prior to sealing Platon Membrane

It is recommended that TT Vapour Membrane or a similar Type A waterproofer is applied across the entire under soffit of a ground slab, especially where a green roof or garden is to be installed over it. Please refer to detail drawing no. TT010-1(1): http://www.tritonsystems.co.uk/pdf/caddraw/TT010-1(1).pdf

useful contacts:

www.mgacontracts.co.uk

www.randdmanagement.co.uk

http://www.trenchco.co.uk

http://www.aggregate.com/our-businesses/london-concrete

http://www.tritonsystems.co.uk/pdf/caddraw/IP031-1(1).pdf

A solvent free, two part epoxy resin coating, Tri-Seal is well suited for use as a water and water proof barrier, beneath raised access floors, in plant rooms and bunded areas. It is also suitable for application on damp surfaces, such as sand/cement and cement floors subject to rising damp or containing residual construction moisture. Tri-Seal can be used as a general purpose coating for surfaces subject to foot and light wheeled traffic.   Application can be by brush or medium pile roller on to sound, clean surfaces. New concrete subfloors or sand/cement screeds should be left for a minimum of seven days to cure before applying this product.

Tri-Seal is available in 2.5 litre, 5 litre and 20 litre packs.

Tri-Seal to bunded floor

As a guaging solution it will improve the adhesion, water resistance, strength and durability of levelling compounds, Triton’s new Repair Mortar and cement mixes such as Triton’s TT 55 tanking system.

As a priming coat it is designed to obtain maximum adhesion before the application of Triton’s new Repair Mortar, floor levelling compounds, and Triton’s TT Vapour Membrane.

New Triton Repair Mortar is a pre-packed ,polymer modified, cement based repair mortar .  The non shrink formulation provides a smooth grey concrete finish to repair areas.  The addition of new Triton LPA Primer will enhance the strength of the mix and is particularly recommended for use in areas subject to slight movement. Typical areas of use will include repairing honeycombed concrete, leaking construction joints, spalled concrete, screen repair and repair or replacement of render sections.

More information will be available from your local Triton technical sales representative in January.

Triton TT Vapour Membrane – news- this product will be available in 5 litre tubs from January 2012.

Platon Multi membrane to lower basement walls – square pit will house sump, round cover is for foul pumping station

Waterproofing systems from Triton were specified for a luxury mews development in London by R & D Management – specialist waterproofing advisors and surveyors.  The project included a twin level basement constructed from in- situ reinforced concrete.

Given the type and form of construction, and its intended use, a BS 8102 2009 Type C system (cavity drain membranes) was specified as the most appropriate method of waterproofing.

However to provide additional waterproofing protection and as an anti-lime coating to the cavity drain membranes, Triton’s TT Vapour Membrane was applied to the entire basement (walls, floors and soffits).  TT Vapour Membrane is designed as a fast drying waterproof and gas proof membrane which is supplied as a ready blended coating which can be applied by brush, roller or spray.

The cavity drain membranes were installed by waterproofing specialists, Renlon Ltd, who fitted Platon Multi to all walls and Platon P20 to the lower basement floor. Both types were supplied by Triton.

Cavity drain membranes work on the principle of allowing any water to continue to penetrate the structure but control it in the air gaps between the studs and divert it to a suitable drainage point. They do not allow pressure to build up against the internal construction.  They are loose laid on floors and fixed to walls using special plugs and sealing materials.   Once fitted the wall surfaces can be dry lined or plastered directly and floors can be screeded or a dry board system installed.

Drainage was provided by Triton’s Aquachannel, a conduit fitted around the permimeter of both upper and lower basement levels and linked through the upper basement floor slab by a series of downpipes.  Rodding points were located within the Aquachannel to provide access to maintain and test the system. Any water entering the Aquachannel system is directed to a sump in the lower basement containing two  mains powered pumps which are controlled by Triton’s Dual Assist  Control Panel.

On completion, the system was fully flood tested to ensure all details had been designed and installed correctly and performed as per the specification.

Tritons TT Vapour Membrane used as anti lime coating to upper basement level walls

www.randdmanagement.co.uk

www.renlon.co.uk

The two storey building includes a concrete basement  made watertight with the inclusion of Triton’s integral watertight concrete admix – TT Super – as well as associated construction jointing systems, to provide a Type B waterproofing system as defined in BS 8102 2009.

The building will also feature a Green Wall and extensive landscaping.

Triton’s TT Super watertight concrete system fully complies with the BS/EU performance requirements for Type B integral protection for concrete waterproofing.

Unlike some other systems which are merely concrete pore blockers and continue to allow water to pass through minor shrinkage/heave/loading/thermal cracks, TT Super provides an in-depth, “active self healing crystallization system”.

Showing ring beam incorporating TT Super Admix and blinding slab being laid before installation of watertight structural slab

Read more about Triton’s TT Super Admix here http://www.tritonsystems.co.uk/prod3.php#p1ba

Top of completed basement prior to application of TT Vapour Membrane

The basement was built by specialist reinforced concrete frame company, Modebest. Here is a link to their website. Modebest website.

Triton also supplied its liquid applied elastomeric TT Vapour Membrane for all internal surfaces to both enhance the waterproofing aspect and to protect against potential harmful contaminants from the ground.

TT Vapour Membrane applied to ground slab as gas barrier

Download Triton’s 2012 Training Course Booking Form here.

Visit Triton’s website for more information about course content, venue and costs.