Newton Newlath 2000 - Damp Proofing

John Newton & Company have been long established as suppliers of specialist damp proofing materials to the Building Industry. For over 60 years they have manufactured and supplied Newtonite lathing. Over five million metres of this pitch impregnated fibre material was used to damp proof throughout the United Kingdom.

Having pioneered the air gap system, the original Newtonite ventilated membrane principle has been greatly improved with the introduction of Newlath and now NEWLATH 2000, and its polypropylene fixing plugs. This metal-free combination avoids the likelihood of corrosion or deterioration and provides a plastering base that will last indefinitely.

Since its introduction NEWLATH 2000 has been used successfully when damp proofing a wide variety of buildings. Newton Newlath 2000, Clear Colour with 5mm Stud with Mesh.

Damp & Discolouration

Rising and penetrating damp, and discolouration caused by oil, salts, acids etc continues to be a problem in many buildings. Even slight damp penetration will cause discolouration to surface plaster and decorations. This is not acceptable in living or storage accommodation and a permanent solution must be found.

Why NEWLATH 2000?

NEWLATH 2000 provides a firm key and an effective barrier on any damp or deteriorating surface where direct bonding is not possible in above ground situations.

Alternative brushed or sprayed-on damp-proof coatings must depend on the structure for their performance. Likewise, silicone injection can only be effective if the sub-strate is not subject to settlement-cracks or made up of various materials. If settlement cracks appear subsequently the whole system may break down. Likewise sheet membranes bonded to the wall fail when they are punctured. Over a period of time bitumen coatings may also break down owing to soil acids or movement.

NEWLATH 2000 however presents a physical barrier between the old surface and the new finish. It can be punctured when wall fittings are needed provided a Newton Mastic is applied before fixing.

The air gap behind the NEWLATH 2000 allows the wall to 'breathe' and to remain constant. Excessive damp cannot accumulate to cause further deterioration. Residual dampness will be vented into the rooms atmosphere and be dissipated.

The Material...

NEWLATH 2000 is made from inherently stable, high density polypropylene 0.5mm thick formed into a pattern of raised studs linked by reinforcing ribs. Polythene mesh is thermic welded in the manufacturing process to the surface on one side. The studs 5mm high face the wall and create air channels. On the face the mesh provides a rot proof key for plasters and renders.

... its Strength and Stability

NEWLATH 2000 is inert with high pressure stability. It is highly resistant to water, alkalies, saline solutions and anorganic acids and is not effected by minerals. It is also resistant to bacteria, fungi and other small organisms.

Fixing and Fitting

NEWLATH 2000 is light, clean and easy to handle. It can be cut with a sharp knife or shears. Damaged or crumbling plaster should if possible be removed to expose brickwork. It is recommended that the NEWLATH 2000 be fixed using the specially designed polypropylene plugs available with the material. NEWLATH 2000 with the mesh facing outwards can be fixed vertically from ceiling to floor or horizontally.

NEWLATH 2000 must be pulled tight during fixing as this will avoid bulging and fixed to as flat a surface as possible. Holes can then be drilled through the NEWLATH 2000 into the walls to a depth of at least 50mm. Depending on the substrate use a 7mm or 8mm drill bit. Holes should be filled with Newlath mastic prior to the plug being tapped home flush with the material. The plug is then tapped home flush with the material. If excessive force is used to fix the plug a mattressing effect can occur. Fixing centres should be between 250mm and 300mm, horizontally and vertically depending on the plaster finish (see plaster paragraph below). Externally or on curved, or uneven surfaces closer fixings should be used. NEWLATH 2000 should be fitted on any return wall to a length of 300mm to avoid drawing damp from the original offending wall. The NEWLATH 2000 ventilation profile should be used both top and bottom where possible and fixed in place before the NEWLATH 2000 is applied. (See ventilation paragraph.)

Where NEWLATH 2000 has been cut around pipes, fittings etc (or where the material has been accidentally punctured) the exposed area must be treated with a waterproof mastic to ensure that there is no bridge between the old damp and stained surface and new finish. NEWLATH 2000 should be taken into reveals and mastic-sealed along window frame edges and architraves.

Jointing

An area 100mm wide along the length of one side of the material is free of mesh to permit easy lap jointing. Laps can also be made where the mesh is on both surfaces but should not be less than 100mm. The fixing must be through both surfaces as close to the joints as possible. Closer fixing centres are recommended at lap joints.

Joints may be made both horizontally and vertically and where necessary a 'butt joint' may be made. A strip of dpc or heavy-duty polythene approximately 200mm wide should be put behind the butt joint to ensure that bridging does not occur when the plaster or render is applied.  

The NEWLATH 2000 Ventilation Profile

When possible NEWLATH 2000 should be taken up into the ceiling void.

Newlath 2000 profile strip should be used at the wall floor junction to prevent bridging. Where a polythene membrane is incorporated in a new floor this should be carried up at least 150mm behind the NEWLATH 2000.

Plastering and rendering options

All plasters, renders etc must be to a minimum total depth of 15mm. The undercoat should be applied with firm pressure to an approximate thickness of 5mm and be well scratched by means of a wire scratcher. When a render coat has set, the floating coat should be applied to a depth of 7mm and lightly scratched to provide a key for the final coat which should be to a minimum thickness of 3mm.

All plasters and renders should be applied strictly in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions and good plastering/ rendering practice as described in BS5492 and BS5262 Code of Practice.

Do not apply decoration until plaster is thoroughly dry.

Please contact John Newton & Company to discuss appropriate brands of plaster. 

Dry lining

NEWLATH 2000 can be effectively used in conjunction with dry lining. Fix NEWLATH 2000 as normal and apply dabs of Gyproc Drywall adhesive onto the fixing heads. 12.5mm plaster board is the most suitable to use with NEWLATH 2000. This size ensures minimum gaps between boards and aligns with NEWLATH 2000 fixing centres. Leave gaps top and bottom as before. Pack up board at base to stop it slipping whilst drying (approx 90 minutes). Cover 50% of mesh with bonding compound.

External use

NEWLATH 2000 can be used externally as a waterproof support for rendered finishes in exposed situations such as gable ends etc or where external walls have deteriorated through sea salts or wind corrosion. Fixing and fitting should be in accordance with the above directions but fixings should be at 150mm centres. Movement joints should be troweled into the laps and brought through the third coat. (Please see current brochure for full external fixing instructions.)

Render should be applied in three coats in accordance with BS5262.

It is important to note that traditional renders are prone to cracking and you are advised to seek the advice and assistance of the NEWLATH 2000 Technical Department and to see our separate external use leaflet.

NOTE:
Newlath 2000 is for use in above ground damp proofing situations only. For below ground situations - where hydrostatic pressure may exist - use the Newton System 500 cavity drain system.