Procure Group Ltd · Northampton & surrounding areas
Basement Waterproofing in Northampton
Below-ground structures live with water pressure that above-ground walls never see. Waterproofing a basement or cellar properly means understanding the water conditions around the structure and designing a system for them — not applying a product and hoping.
Below ground is different
Basements, cellars and other below-ground structures sit in soil that holds water. After prolonged rain, that water exerts pressure on walls and floors, and it will find any weakness — construction joints, service entries, cracks, failed tanking. Damp patches, musty smells, flaking paint and standing water are all signs that the existing protection, if any, is not coping.
Waterproofing approaches
Structural waterproofing generally falls into three categories, and each has its place:
- Barrier systems (tanking) — bonded waterproof renders, slurries and membranes that hold water out
- Cavity drainage systems — membranes that accept water entry and manage it in a controlled void
- Integral systems — water-resistant construction, relevant mainly to new structures
Cavity drainage, drainage and pumps
For existing basements and cellars, cavity drainage is frequently the most reliable approach: rather than fighting water pressure, the system channels incoming water to a drainage point, where it is removed by gravity or, where necessary, a sump and pump system. Drainage details, pump specification, alarms and maintenance access all form part of a proper design.
Barrier systems remain appropriate in the right circumstances — particularly where water pressure is modest and the substrate is sound. The wrong system for the conditions is the most common cause of waterproofing failure.
Design before product
No single system suits every property. Our assessment considers the structure, the ground conditions as far as they can be established, the intended use of the space and the consequences of failure. We then specify an approach — and, where works proceed, Procure Group can carry them out and manage the project through to completion.
Wet basement or cellar?
Tell us how the space is used, what water you are seeing and when it is worst. We will advise on the right assessment for your Northampton property.