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The Great Escape – Delta Membranes Basement Tanking Systems
When converting a basement into a home cinema with a military theme for the internal decor, the fact that there is an emergency tunnel attached leading to a World War II air raid shelter, and then out to the garden, only adds to the dramatic atmosphere.
That is exactly what specialist contractor Stuart Barr found itself dealing with at a property in Bedfordshire, and Delta Membrane Systems played a leading role in the story by supplying a wide range of materials and products.
In the original design, the door opening onto the tunnel was to be blocked, and the basement room tanked and refurbished ready for the cinema. However, it was then thought of as an asset to the overall ‘feel’ of what was trying to be achieved, so the tunnel and shelter became an integral part of the project.
The cast list of products supplied by Delta included MS500 – a studded damp proof membrane that can be used on walls, floors and vaulted ceilings. It can support a dry lining, screed or flooring in a wide range of situations.
The membrane is placed dimple-side to the surface, and this allows any moisture to drain by gravity to a channel in the floor, which then runs to a sump and pump device to evacuate the water to the outside.
It is resistant to water and water vapour, and to salt transfer, as well as puncture, impact and loading. The membrane will not be damaged by normal foot traffic during installation, or while laying concrete or screed finish.
Taking a leading role in the project, Delta MS20 is a compression-resistant, durable dimpled sheet made from special high density polyethylene. As its name suggests, this heavy gauge version of Delta MS has deep 20mm studs, and is used where a larger flow rate is required.
Completing the list of membranes supplied by Delta, Delta-PT is a high performance polyethylene membrane which is extruded into a series of studs. These studs create a continuous air gap behind the waterproof membrane.
On the face of the membrane is a welded mesh that allows plasters and renders to bond efficiently to achieve dry and durable finishes.
Delta-PT is watertight, resistant to high a low temperature extremes, and is chemically resistant to acids, alkalis, oil and solvents.
Three sump and pump units have been installed at strategic points in the scheme. The Delta Dual V3 Sump Pump units are packaged pump stations designed to collect ground water via perimeter channels or 110mm pipes and/or clear openings to the top of the chamber.
Specifically designed for below ground applications, the pump stations feature chambers made from HDPE and able to withstand hydrostatic forces encountered in applications with high water tables.
Making a cameo appearance was Köster NB1 Slurry – a watertight mineral surface coating with crystallising agents. Waterproofing layers made from NB1 possess excellent pressure and abrasion resistance, and have been tested in accordance to the potable water guidelines.
At one time, a couple of canoes had been stored in the air raid shelter. There was so much water in the room when it was discovered, that the canoes were floating – which, if nothing else, proved their water tightness.
Not only have the canoes been moved, but so has the water. The expertise of personnel from waterproofing specialist Peter Cox, and the main contractor Stuart Barr, combined with the dependability of the Delta product range, has ensured that cinemagoers in a Bedfordshire basement will be able to enjoy the main feature in a dry, comfortable environment.