What to Consider when Converting an Existing Basement in London?
A Waterproofing Design Specialist, registered on the PCA (Property Care Association) Waterproof Design Specialist Register, must be able to provide expertise in structural waterproofing.
Often, in the past, Architects have taken responsibility for waterproofing when designing below ground projects. Sometimes, however, they have lacked the training or expertise which is necessary to consider themselves waterproofing specialists.
In order to be accepted onto the Waterproof Design Specialist Register, the Surveyor must:-
- Demonstrate competence in all aspects of structural waterproofing
- Be a member or be employed by a member of the Property Care Association (PCA)
- Have attained the Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) qualification
- Have an on-going commitment to skills and development and participate in the PCA’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme
- Have evidence of site experience which is a minimum of 5 years.
- Be able to carry out diagnostic investigation, problem solving and report writing.
- Hold Professional Indemnity Insurance. (Preservation Treatments currently hold £2,000,000)
Preservation Treatments are proud to currently have two CSSW (Certified Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing) qualified Surveyors on the Waterproofing Design Register – David Morton CSSW, CSRT and Paul Evans CSSW, CSRT.
British Standard BS8102:2009 recommends that a specialist in waterproofing is included in the design team for any structure where usable space is fully or partly below the ground level.
This is specifically set out in Section 4.2 under the heading ‘Design Team’, where the code states that:
“A waterproofing specialist should be included as part of the design team so that an integrated waterproofing solution is created.”
Our waterproofing specialists are:
- Suitably experienced and have an in-depth understanding of the requirements of BS8102:2009
- Understanding of all types of Waterproofing (Types A, B and C)
- Understanding of all general building construction techniques
- Knowledgeable of sources of water and how it flows through the soil and interacts with the structure.
- Capable of devising solutions that accommodate the various project constraints and needs. This will include sufficient structural knowledge to be able to discuss with a structural engineer.
- Able to provide the design team with information and guidance that assists with and influences the design, installation and future maintenance of the waterproofed structure.
- Sufficient in Geotechnical knowledge to be able to understand the implications of a soil report, and if required discuss with the Geotechnical Engineer.
What is BS8102:2009
British Standard BS8102:2009 is the ‘Code of Practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground’
The Property Care Association provide an informative and useful summary of the Code of Practice.
If you would like further information, or have a specific project you wish to discuss with one of our trained, experienced Surveyors, please contact us on either:
Tel: 01276 66466 Email: ptl@preservationtreatments.co.uk Website: www.preservationtreatments,co.uk
Preservation Treatments provide Damp Proofing, Structural Waterproofing, Timber Treatments, Condensation Solutions and Structural Repairs throughout London, Hampshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Berkshire and Sussex.
Contact us now to discuss our services further or to arrange a survey.
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