Abbott Basement Systems : Case Study 2 : Basement Refurbishment

SWG: Structural Waterproofing Group Approved Specialist

Case Study 2
Basement Refurbishment

Old church cottages with extensive
basement store-rooms.

The basement was to provide
additional living space including a
home office

Basement Refurbishment - The problem & solution

The problem

A combination of problems in fact. A number of walls were below ground, but not all. Most walls however had salt contamination making standard re-plastering difficult.

The solution

A plastic membrane tanking system was chosen as little preparation would be required to the wall surfaces to facilitate the system compared with a cement based system. Additionally, the large number of cable and pipe runs required could easily be accommodated behind the walls constructed independently of the membrane system.

Design features

As the front wall of the building was not below ground, the drainage runs could be taken through the front wall and be discharged into the existing drainage system without the need for a sump or pump.

It was not feasible to remove the brick staircase to the basement, as it was a structural component of the building. The staircase was therefore lined with membrane and cloaked with timber to give the overall effect of a new staircase both in appearance and functionality. Three independent humidity sensored extractor fans controlled relative humidity throughout the basement’s five rooms.

Before - A damp store room	After - A new home office

More finished rooms