NEWTON SYSTEM 500 and BS8102

The system is certified by the British Board of Agrement and is deemed fit for the purpose for use in accordance with BS. 8102 : 1990 (Type C Drained Protection).

Anyone involved in a refurbishment or 'new build' project involving a basement should be aware of the recommendations within BS8102: 1990 (please refer to the backgound technical info below and the relevant British Standards document for full details).

Almost all structures that are partially earth retaining, or fully below the ground, are likely to be subjected to hydrostatic (water) pressure at some time in the future. If this pressure is unchecked it can lead to water ingress which is very distressing to the occupier and can even lead to failure of the structure (see pictures below). Changes in climatic conditions and rising water tables mean basement water problems are becoming an all to frequent occurrence. NEWTON SYSTEM 500 prevents the build up of hydrostatic pressure and this type of protection is considered to be the most effective and trouble free form of basement waterproofing.

Many professional specifiers are moving away from conventional sealed tanking and are finding that NEWTON SYSTEM 500 is quicker and easier to install - even more importantly, correctly installed, NEWTON SYSTEM 500 is proven to work when tanking has failed.

The Problem - Hydrostatic Pressure:

During periods of sustained or heavy rainfall, the ground surrounding the structure becomes saturated with water. The depth of water surrounding the structure creates water pressure relative to the depth of the saturation and the depth of the structure below the ground. Once the pressure is greater than the resistance of the structure, leakage or flooding occurs.

Hydrostatic pressure causing Massive Structural Failure

Hydrostatic pressure causing water to leak through basement wall

A common mistake when treating earth retaining structures is to damp-proof when waterproofing is required. In basic terms, you damp-proof above the ground, and you waterproof below the ground. A structure that has been damp-proofed or poorly waterproofed will most likely fail if subjected to external water pressures. It is therefore important to get it right the first time!

THE SOLUTION - NEWTON SYSTEM 500:

BS8102 states that a “Type C” Drained protection type of construction is considered to be the most effective and trouble free form of basement waterproofing." The whole document is some 38 pages long, and we are therefore unable to represent the document in full. However, we have included some pertinent paragraphs: "Almost all basement structures are likely to be subjected to water pressure at some period of their life". "For basements not exceeding 4m deep, a design head of ground water, three-quarters the full depth below ground is adequate". In layman's terms BS8102 is saying that we should always expect water ingress at some point; and that we should expect the water surrounding the basement to be at least the depth of the basement. This is very important as it confirms that one should always waterproof and not damp-proof any structure that is earth retaining. Being a cavity drain membrane system, SYSTEM 500 is categorised as Type C. (drained protection).

NEWTON 500 membrane (illustrated in black on the right) allows for any water ingress to be controlled and discharged from the structure. When fitted to the walls and floor of the structure the membranes create a dry and habitable inner environment, whilst the waterproofing carries on unnoticed behind the system. Requiring very little substrate preparation, NEWTON SYSTEM 500 is much quicker to install than tanking products such as asphalt, dense renders and paint on or sheet bitumastic systems. In many cases, NEWTON SYSTEM 500 can be installed in the time it takes to prepare the substrate for tanking that requires damaging processes such as grit blasting and scabbling.

Installation is quick, with no heating mixing or torching required.

NEWTON 500 can be installed with a minimum of fixings and finished with an independent dry-lining frame. It is quick, simple and none destructive to remove the system in the future. Tanking preparation is often prohibited to listed properties, and removal would be difficult and potentially destructive also.

See some examples of where System 500 has been applied.

Resolve Condensation problems using NEWTON SYSTEM 500:

NEWTON SYSTEM 500 is used where persistent condensation occurs. When installation is complete the increased insulation properties of the system raise the temperature of the finished wall surface. In all but the most extreme circumstances, the wall then remains above dew point and therefore, mould growth and damage to decorations are no longer a problem. In certain circumstances extraction and/or dehumidification of the internal air is included into the specification. This gives complete control of the internal environment. In extreme conditions the specification can be expanded further to provide an overall control programme.

Remember: for above ground damp related applications see NEWTON NEWLATH 2000.

NEWTON SYSTEM 500 Further Information:

The Item below require Adobe Acrobat Reader to be installed or use our Brochure Request form to request by post: Newton System 500 - Downloadable Brochure

Our pre-sales technical advisers will be glad to be of service and will help advise you on your project. Contact our office to locate the John Newton & Co registered installers near you.