waterproofing

What is Radon and how can we protect our homes?

Building Products Index Ltd November 25, 2019 Waterproof Membranes Leave a Comment

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Radon occurs naturally in the environment. Radon gas is created when natural radioactive uranium slowly decays and can be found in all rocks and soils.

Radon can be found everywhere in the United Kingdom, although certain parts of the UK will have higher concentration levels than others. To check whether you are in a high Radon concentrated area visit https://www.ukradon.org/information/ukmaps.

This radioactive gas is, colourless, odourless and tasteless.

Radon is measured in becquerels per cubic metre of air (Bq m^-3) and specialist equipment is required to detect it.

The average level of Radon in UK homes is 20 Bq m^-3. For levels below 100 Bq m^-3, individual risk remains relatively low and not a cause for concern. However, the risk to health increases as radon levels increase.

Radon can migrate into any building that is built over a source.

If Radon accumulates in a building, it increases the risk of lung cancer for occupants. Radon is the cause of 15% of lung cancers worldwide (World Health Organisation ‘WHO’ 2009) and the main cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is responsible for over 1100 deaths in the UK every year.

Research published earlier this year has found that radon levels are increasing in buildings and homes due to the changes we are making to building efficiencies (such as energy efficiency). This in turn will lead to an increase in the number of lung cancer deaths attributable to radon exposure.

Technical solutions such as Ground Gas Protection Membranes incorporated into the design of buildings and structures can offer protection to occupants of homes built on contaminated lands and the harmful effects of radon.

Ground Gas Protection Systems can be used on new, retrofit and refurbishment construction although design considerations are more complex on retrofitted projects.

Forward thinking manufacturers, such as Delta Membrane Systems Limited, have sought to test all our products on their safety, reliability, high-quality and gas permeability.

Manufacturing flexibility has never been as important for the construction industry as it is today. The permeability of gas through a membrane is a critical factor when it concerns the ability of the lifetime of a building or structure.

Through extensive research we can state all our Cavity Drain Membrane Systems (CDMs) offer radon protection with a low permeability rate.

Whilst, our MemTech range of Ground Gas Protection Membranes offer complete protection from Radon, Hydrocarbons, Methane, Carbon Dioxide and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Thank you for reading our latest news! If you would like to find out about structural waterproofing, damp proofing, ground gas protection systems, flood resilience or installing a Delta System we’re happy to help. Give us a call on 01992 523 523 or email us at info@deltamembranes.com.

Delta Membrane Systems Limited announces release of new Podium Deck Brochure

Building Products Index Ltd September 26, 2019 waterproofing Leave a Comment

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Delta Membrane Systems Limited, the UK’s leading Type C cavity drainage membrane manufacturer and supplier of specialist structural waterproofing products is pleased to announce the release of its new Podium Deck Brochure. This 44-page, full colour brochure presents design and build philosophy, project detailing and specification/selection of the correct waterproofing and drainage protection systems for podium decks, buried roofs, blue roofs, green roofs, warm roofs, cold roofs, hybrid roofs, car parks and terraces & balconies.

Delta’s Podium Deck Brochure is divided into key sections and features an array of easy-to-read text, technical drawings, detailing and 2D graphics.

Successful podium deck and buried roof waterproofing design lies with choosing the most appropriate combinations of structure and waterproofing system to achieve pre-determined performance levels and criteria. In order to design out risk of failure due to less than adequate workmanship, damage or defects on site it is also important to consider practicality and ease of installation, the phasing of the construction process and the scope for testing and certifying during construction.

To reduce risk, Delta’s Podium Deck brochure focuses on:

Design & Build Philosophy
Definitions of Structure
Choice of Structure
Selection of Waterproofing
Selection of Drainage Protection
Detailed Drawings

“Our Podium Deck brochure illustrates Delta’s commitment to achieving excellence and best practice in the structural waterproofing industry across the UK” said Kevin Dodds, Director. “Recent years have seen an increase in the use of podium decks, and it has been recognised that there has been a significant increase in failures. As a sustainable manufacturer, we feel duty bound to offer advice on correct design, installation techniques and the correct selection of waterproofing and drainage protection systems”. “Being a sustainable business within the construction industry is about striking the balance between customer expectations, the requirements of building regulations and reduction of project failure/risks. We truly believe that acting as a responsible business in society, will contribute to lasting life cycles of structures and ultimately economic success”.

“I would like to add my thanks to the Delta Technical Team for contributing so expertly to this brochure – we’ve produced a “first” within the structural waterproofing industry and this would not have been possible without all of your hard work – so many thanks to you all for your continued hard work and input”.

To download your copy of Delta’s Podium Deck Brochure visit https://www.deltamembranes.com/technical/delta-brochures/.

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Building materials for safer future

Building Products Index Ltd June 24, 2019 Waterproof Membranes 1 Comment

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David J Symes, Delta’s Technical Director gives thought to fire safety following the findings of the Hackitt Report

The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 was the deadliest structural fire in the United Kingdom for almost 20 years. Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, fire has been under public inquiry. May 2018 saw Dame Judith Hackitt present to Parliament and challenge construction, that an urgent and comprehensive review of our building regulations and fire safety was required with immediate effect.

In the wake of 72 people losing their lives, Dame Hackitt called for wholesale culture change in the construction industry and a regulatory system that assigned responsibility and held people to account.

In all, her report contained 53 recommendations and she warned at the time that the industry should not be allowed to pick and choose which to implement; there should be no compromises with people’s safety ever again.

What are Building regulations, and why are they so important?

Building regulations ensure that new buildings, renovations, extensions and conversions both in domestic and/or commercial structures are going to be safe, healthy and high-performing. Regulations also cover specific topics within the built sector: structural integrity, fire protection, accessibility, gas safety, electrical, energy performance, acoustic performance and protection against falls.

Standards which are particularly aimed at basements and below ground structures are: protection against the ingress of water, protection against contamination (including methane, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and radon gas), ventilation, drains, along with others.

Building regulation approval is required for the construction, adaptation and extension of all basements and below ground structures.

How do you apply for Building Regulation approval?

Applying for building regulation approval is a relatively straightforward process. Application can easily be made to [your] local building control team by email or via their online portal.

The Basement Information Centre offers a comprehensive guidance and in-depth analysis on all building regulations related to basement construction, I would strongly recommend this publication to anyone seeking a valuable resource (www.https://www.basements.org.uk/TBIC/Building-Legislation/Building-Regulations.aspx).

EuroClass Fire Resistance Rating

Reaction to fire, often called the EuroClass system gives building products a classification. The ‘Reaction to fire’ classes tests three properties of the building material: spread of fire, smoke intensity and burning droplets. Most building materials sold on the European market must be assigned a file indicating its fire resistance based on a EuroClass rating system. There are 7 EuroClasses of reaction to fire performance for construction products which extend from A1 to F. I would strongly recommend any designer, specifier or constructor to check the source of products you are planning to specify, use or install. All manufacturers should be able to provide you with their Product Fire EuroClass rating, CE Mark Certification and Declarations of Performance (DoP) as a minimum.

Fire Safety –The Importance of Fire-Resistant Construction Materials

It is essential for building products to meet a variety of performance requirements. Depending on the type of material and its intended application, specific fire performance properties are tested.

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) offer a wide range of fire resistance testing (from British to European fire test standards) for construction industries for the purpose of complying to UK Building Regulations or for European Classification and CE Marking.

Delta undertook this service many years ago. In fire testing our products we can have a better understand how they perform during a fire. The benefits of these fire resistance assessments allow us to share with designer’s test data to ensure safe future construction.

Fire Resistant Design Considerations in Basements/Below Ground Structures

Important considerations should be given when designing a basement or below ground structure on how it will behave during the event of fire. Whilst a basement is not counted when assessing the numbers of storeys of a property for fire resistance and means of escape, it should be factored into design and be a key consideration. Typically, 30 minutes fire resistance is required for a two-storey house over a basement, which increases to 60 minutes where the number of storeys is four or more.

Designers should consult the relevant approved documents to check requirements related to their specific design and for other housing types.

Fire separation between a basement and upper storeys is required if the height of the top floor is more than 4.5 metres above the lowest external ground level. This situation is only likely to occur in two-storey dwellings if the basement floor level is less than 1.2m below the external ground level or located on a very sloping site.

The walls and floor between garages and houses also require 30 minutes fire separation which also applies if located in a basement.

Ground floor flats or maisonettes with a basement level and direct main entrances require no fire separation over and above typical fire separation between apartments.

Means of escape

Habitable rooms in basements require a safe means of escape. The maximum distance that people must travel, from any point in a building to a place of safety, is usually termed the “travel distance”. A safe means of escape from a basement could be provided by the main staircase of a structure, provided it is protected and connected to a final exit. Alternatively, escape can be provided by an additional stair offering an alternative final exit. Escape through windows is permissible if designed to permit escape as defined by the building regulations.

It is worth noting that non-habitable rooms in basements, such as kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms can be classed as inner-rooms and depending upon the layout of the structure may not require separate means of escape.

It is permissible to exit into gardens or courtyards, provided they have an exit to a place of safety or are greater in area than the height of the structure.

Thank you for reading our article, if you have a question or would like to find out about structural waterproofing or installing a Delta Membrane System, we are happy to provide CAD drawings and information relating to waterproofing and gas proofing solutions in accordance with British Standard 8102:2009, and 8485+A1:2019 give us a call on 01992 523 523 or email info@deltamembranes.com.

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Reliable BBA Approved Waterproofing products from Delta Membrane Systems Limited

Building Products Index Ltd May 30, 2019 Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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Impact of the Fire Regulation Changes on Roofing Systems

Building Products Index Ltd May 30, 2019 Insulation, Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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On 21^stDecember 2018 the Government of England and Wales brought into force revisions to the Building Regulations aimed at preventing a repeat of the Grenfell Tragedy. Unfortunately, the nature of the release of the Amendments, and the requirement for reader to insert information into the existing Building Regulation’s has led to some misinterpretation of the revised regulations (which have now been re-published in full).

What is clear is that the Government of England & Wales now require that materials which become part of an external wall, or specified attachment, are of European Classification A2-s1, d0 or A1, classified in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009 entitled “Fire classification of construction products and building elements” on high-rise buildings that contains flats, as well as hospitals, residential care premises and student accommodation above 18 metres. These products are widely referred to as ‘non-combustible’.

What is also clear is that the requirement for ‘non-combustible’ products does not extend to roofing systems as they are covered by a specific statement in regulation 7(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply to:

(b)any part of a roof (other than any part of a roof which falls within paragraph (iv) of regulation 2(6)) if that part is connected to an external wall’.
and
(g) membranes

Where the requirement for ‘non-combustible’ materials does apply is in regulation 2(6)(a)(iv) any part of a roof pitched at an angle of more than 70 degrees to the horizontal if that part of the roof adjoins a space within the building to which persons have access, but not access only for the purpose of carrying out repairs or maintenance;. However, there remains a requirement for clarification of this statement, which the roofing sector is currently seeking from MHCLG as flexible roof waterproofing materials are not ‘non-combustible’. They are manufactured to meet the relevant fire test standards contained in Approved Document B section B4 (BS 476-3 and BS EN 13501-5:2005+A1). The does not apply statement in regulation 7(3)(g) membranes would seem to confirm the waterproofing does not need to be ‘non-combustible’ but the other elements of the roofing system such as deck and insulation will need to be.

A second area requiring clarification is regulation 2(6)(b)(i) a balcony attached to an external wall;. Traditional balcony construction projects from the building, as it is were an attachment to the external wall. But modern construction includes for ‘balcony over balcony’ construction and ‘balcony over habitable space’ construction. It is the general belief of the roofing sector that the requirement for ‘non-combustible’ material does impact ‘balcony over balcony’ construction, but that a ‘balcony over habitable space’ construction is not affected as it is actually a flat roof due to the requirement for waterproofing and insulation and is therefore covered under Approved Document B section B4.

The last area requiring clarification is regulation 2(6)(a)(ii) any decoration or other finish applied to any external (but not internal) surface forming part of the wall;. Whilst it is clear that a flat roof is exempt from the non-combustible requirements of the regulations there remains a question about high parapet walls as they form the internal face of the external wall. It is the belief of the author that the ‘non-combustible’ requirements of the regulations do apply to the detailing of the roof at this point and the insulation and substrate should meet European Classification A2-s1, d0 or A1.

A point of note in closing, in Scotland the Technical Handbooks change the height of building impacted by the regulation changes to those above 11 metres.

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Waterproofing A New-Build Basement In Surrey

Building Products Index Ltd March 27, 2019 waterproofing Leave a Comment

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Find out more about waterproofing a new-build basement

Newton System 500 was used to waterproof a large basement area as part of a prestigious new-build property in Surrey, installed by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor MaclennanUK.

Products Used:

A Prestigious New-Build Property in Surrey

This large new-build property in Surrey had a very large basement area which needed to be waterproofed to meet BS 8102 requirements, the British Standard for the Protection of Structures Against Water from the Ground. Because it is not possible to determine the amount of potential water pressure surrounding a structure, BS 8102 tells the designer to expect a head of water against the structure. In addition, BS 8102 requires that all waterproofing is maintainable and repairable.

Methodology

Newton Specialist Basement Contractor MaclennanUK were commissioned to design and install a Cavity Drain Waterproofing System. Newton System 500 was deemed the best range of products for the project as it provides a maintainable waterproofing solution – and thus meets the requirements of BS 8102. Newton 508 Cavity Drain Membrane was applied to all internal walls, and ingressing water was collected into the Basedrain channels throughout the perimeters of the wall/floor junction and pumped out to safe drainage using the Newton Titan-Pro pumping system.

Benefits

Newton System 500 is easily and quickly repaired and maintained.
The complete system is guaranteed for a full 20 years by MaclennanUK. If the system is inspected and serviced annually the guarantee can be extended every 10 years for a further 10-year period.
The system is very fast to install and there is no drying period.

Result

This large new-build property is completely protected against water ingress.

“Maclennan worked with Ali Galvin Homes to come up with a risk-free waterproofing strategy, to waterproof the very impressive and luxurious property that they were constructing. Newton System 500 is the best system available to waterproofing professionals and was ideal for this project” – Ian MaclennanUK

Cavity Drain Waterproofing System Newton 508 Cavity Drain Membrane Newton system 500 Newton Titan-Pro Pumping System Newton Waterproofing Systems

Forging the way ahead for Blue Roofs

Building Products Index Ltd March 26, 2019 Roofing, Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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The management of rainfall within the built environment is an important task for the construction industry, with correct and sympathetic source control and attenuation being key to Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) design.

SuDS demands that water falling across a development site is not simply channelled into storm water drains and discharged into the local river. Instead the drainage is designed to mimic that found in nature where water is attenuated, treated and infiltrated through natural processes. In many cases the Environment Agency is involved in limiting the site discharge through a Limited Discharge Consent Notice, which may be related to the natural drainage rate of 5 litres per second per hectare of site, or lower.

Managing inner city and urban areas

A modern method of source control and attenuation is the Blue Roof, where the roofing system is explicitly designed to attenuate rainwater rather than drain it as quickly as possible, as in traditional roof drainage design.

Blue Roofs can significantly contribute to the SuDS requirements within a development by collecting and temporarily retaining rainfall (for a maximum of 24 hours) within the roof finishes before discharging at a controlled rate. This is particularly beneficial on constrained sites, such as in urbanised areas, or brown field sites, where the use of underground tanks are difficult and/or costly.

A Radmat Blue Roof can be installed at either roof or podium level above the waterproofing membrane or the water flow reducing layer (WFRL) in a PermaQuik or ParaFlex FD inverted application or above an EshaFlex warm roof application. The Radmat Blue Roof will be designed to attenuate water for no more than a 24-hour period from the end of the maximum designed rainfall event. The discharge rate will be calculated to allow the roof to be half empty of attenuated water in a 12-hour period.

Case study: The Forge, Redclyffe Road – London

Telford Homes acquired The Forgein 2014.The site was formerly a bus depot bounded on two sides by existing residential developments. Radmat was engaged together with RMA Architects to design a roofing scheme which would meet the strict attenuation and flow rate requirements imposed by Newham Council. The scheme comprises residential apartments, clustered around communal courtyards, accessed off a new public street with substantial public realm enhancement. The new buildings range from three to five storeys with a 14-storey focal building.

Challenge 1:Meeting the strict run off requirements imposed by the council across a geographically restricted site with reduced height zones. Due to the geographical restrictions of the site and close proximity to neighbouring properties, below ground attenuation had to kept to a minimum leaving the roofs and high level podiums as the key attenuation strategy. Radmat’s Blue Roof scheme had to be redesigned a number of times to meet the stringent attenuation targets even utilising the ‘fingers’ of the roof to maximise the available space.

Challenge 2:High Thermal Requirement, need to attenuate and create Amenity Spaces at roof level. Because the development had to meet high thermal standards and provide as much amenity space to residents as possible while at the same time providing extensive attenuation – the system build ups were considerable and therefore design heights at thresholds and parapets were compromised in some areas. A series of inverted PermaQuik hot melt Blue Roofs were specified to provide a robust waterproofing and were supported by BBA certification for both blue roofing applications and an independent durability statement for the design life of the building. In the most challenging areas Radmat proposed its ProTherm Quantum Vacuum Insulated Panel system which enabled the area to meet the thermal requirement in 80% less space compared to standard insulants, while still meeting the attenuation demands. Systems were finished with Radmat’s MedO Green Roofing systems – both fully vegetated blankets for areas overlooked by apartments and seeded biodiverse roofs surrounding the PV panels creating ecological diversity to the main roofs.

Telford Homes chose Radmat Building Products for the following reasons:

Proven track record as a key account partner both manufacturer and Roofing Contractor
Radmat’s unique key account service which included scheme evaluation by inhouse architects,bespoke CAD drawings, blue roof calculations
Products developed for the application including multiple depth blue roof geocells and BBA certified Vacuum Insulated panels to achieve the thermal performance in the limited space
Systems supported by BBA certification specifically certifying the Blue Roof components and a worked up design so that swift NHBC sign off could be achieved.

Products used in Radmat Blue Roof System:

PermaQuik PQ6100 Hot Melt waterproofing system to main areas

Radmat Geocells, water flow outlet and orifice restrictors of multiple heights and dimensions

ProTherm G insulation 0.13 w/m2k

ProTherm Quantum Pure to overcome reduced height thresholds

Green roofs consisting of pre-grown sedum blanket for overlooked areas and wildflower seeds around PV panels of main roofs

For more information about Radmat Blue Roof systems visit:

https://radmat.com/category/product-data/blue-roof/

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Waterproofing: Factors to consider when choosing building materials

Building Products Index Ltd January 22, 2019 Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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There is a wide choice of structural waterproofing materials available in the market and it can be difficult to determine the best option for your project.

We understand the complexity and competitiveness of the industry and the challenges this brings for manufacturers seeking to improve margins, reduce costs and improve predictability. Whether you’re involved in the specification, procurement and/or installation, we understand the challenges you face including managing financial risks, efficient delivery, or meeting legislative or environmental requirements.

When researching waterproofing materials, you will notice that the price differs widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. Rule of thumb – it is not always advisable to look for the cheapest!

Choose waterproofing materials that will serve you well. With potentially heavy consequences (from hefty fines to imprisonment) for using or specifying products in the UK that do not meet the mandatory legal requirements, it is strongly advisable to check the source of products you are planning to specify, use or install.

All manufacturers should be able to provide you with their CE Mark certification and Declarations of Performance (DoP) as a minimum.

Product Credibility

A BBA Agrément Certificate relates to the quality and performance of a product. Many manufacturers undertake costly and comprehensive assessments of their products, which include laboratory tests, on-site evaluations, quality management checks and inspections of production. If they meet these requirements, they are awarded a BBA Agrément Certificate.

CE Marking is a compulsory legal requirement. By placing a CE mark on a product, the manufacturer is declaring, conformity with all the legal requirements needed to achieve CE marking status. The manufacturer is thus ensuring validity for that product to be sold throughout the EEA (European Economic Area).

Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 (Construction Products Regulation, or CPR) of the EuropeanParliament and of the EuropeanCouncil is a regulationthat lays down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products. Regulation EU No. 305/2011 requires all Cavity Drain Membranes/Cavity Membranes hold the CE Mark and have a DoP. Responsibility for ensuring CE Product marking lies with the EU based manufacturer, importer or distributor of that product.

BBA Agrément Certificate CE Mark certification delta membrane structural waterproofing waterproofing materials waterproofing membranes

We are delighted to announce Women of Waterproofing have won a PCA Best Practice Award ‘Special Award for Initiative’.

Building Products Index Ltd June 25, 2018 Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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The deserving winners of the 2018 PCA Best Practice Awards were announced on Friday 15 June at the Slate, University of Warwick.

The PCA Best Practice Awards brought together 160 members, contractors, designers and experts for a glamorous evening of celebration, recognition and networking.

After review by the panel of expert judges, Women of Waterproofing won in recognition of them ‘overcoming challenges in an innovative way, offering a solution to ensuring that we are attracting, recruiting and retaining talented women into the full range of roles and at all levels within the structural waterproofing industry and demonstrating engagement with a range of third parties.’

ABOUT DELTA MEMBRANE SYSTEMS LIMITED

Improving the diversity of the people we employ is important to Delta Membrane Systems Limited. We recognise that it is not only right to ensure that people of all genders and backgrounds are able to access fulfilling careers in the waterproofing sector; but that as a business, we fully reflect the society we serve.

As part of Delta Membrane Systems Limited’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are working hard to increase the representation of female CSSW qualified Waterproofing Design Specialists.

Our diversity and inclusion strategies include offering unconscious bias CSSW Training at our facilities in Epping, Essex and within our diversity and inclusion five-year plan offering Waterproofing Design Specialist Apprenticeships.

We have also undertaken a range of initiatives aimed at tackling the gender gap, including supporting and sponsoring the Women of Waterproofing Networking Group and unconscious bias training for all staff members across our business.

Christopher Burbridge, Delta’s Managing Director, discusses his pride in the Women of Waterproofing winning this Award: “Leading a business to success can be a tough challenge and as such we are keen to showcase the dedication, expertise and sheer hard work of our team. I would like to wish Georgia and Rachel the best of luck for the future and congratulate them on their win in this prestigious awards programme.”

David J Symes, Delta’s Technical Director concluded, “Both Georgia and Rachel joined Delta from diverse backgrounds to Structural Waterproofing. Both Rachel and Georgia have adapted to their roles and the environment with grace and dedication. We wish them every success as role models for welcoming more females into a male dominated sector”.

Kevin Dodds, concluded “We are incredibly proud to support the Women of Waterproofing. For Georgia and Rachel to have achieved such recognition is an incredibly accomplishment of their efforts. We will continue to support the Women of Waterproofing in all that they do”.

Follow us on Twitter @WOWNetworkGroup or join our LinkedIn Group at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8658144

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Ronafix Refurbishes Barbican Centre

Building Products Index Ltd March 26, 2018 coating, Concrete, conrete repair, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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The barbican centre was constructed between 1969 and 1980 restoring a bomb damaged part of the City. Architects Chamberlin Powell & Bon planned a network of pedestrian precincts above and separated from traffic. This enclave contains the renowned Barbican Arts Centre, residential towers and blocks, a school, college, commercial premises, gardens and lakes.

The Centre took over a decade to build and was opened by The Queen in 1982, who declared it ‘one of the modern wonders of the world’ with the building seen as a landmark in terms of its scale, cohesion and ambition. Its stunning spaces and unique location at the heart of the Barbican Estate have made it an internationally recognised venue, set within an urban landscape acknowledged as one of the most significant architectural achievements of the 20th century.

Ronacrete was involved with construction at the Barbican. Ronafix was used at the Arts Centre by John Laing Construction and by other contractors working on various other parts of the scheme. Ronafix was used for bonding of tiles, for bedding of paving, for bonding large areas of render in the concert hall, for screeding and for repairing fire-damaged concrete.

A Grade II listed building; the Barbican is Europe’s largest multi-arts and conference venue and one of London’s best examples of Brutalist architecture.

Maintaining the quality of the surroundings requires a continuous programme of maintenance and replacement. By late 2011 the City of London concluded that a comprehensive replacement of the paving was required to address recurring problems with the waterproofing of the pedestrian decks, raised over commercial premises.

Bickerdike Allen Partners, a practice with a strong background in providing remedial solutions to building defects, was appointed to prepare a scheme to address water ingress through the podium, which was affecting premises below the podium deck. Following extensive discussion with Ronacrete between November 2011 and September 2012, Bickerdike Allen Partners specified Ronafix Mix Design A1 high strength polymer modified mortar for screeds to be laid to falls, Ronafix Mix A1 was chosen for its ability to be laid over insulation boards at a minimum thickness of 35mm, maximizing achievable falls and for its low permeability. Ronafix Mix Design C waterproof high strength polymer modified mortar was specified for bedding of tiles, chosen for its thin bed depth, high adhesion strength and waterproof properties. Ronafix used in a mortar mix enhances long term flexural and tensile strengths of a mortar, ensuring that materials remain durable for decades longer than unmodified materials. Ronafix significantly improves resistance to water absorption and in high concentration makes the mortar waterproof. Shrinkage is reduced in mixes modified with Ronafix to 0.1-0.2%, depending on the chosen mix design and when moisture sensitive materials are to be applied, the shorter drying time of Ronafix mix designs reduces waiting time from months to days or weeks.

VolkerLaser was appointed as the principal contractor; the main elements of the project were re-waterproofing, upgrading of insulation, hard landscaping and the installation of new structural movement joints. Liquid resin waterproofing was applied to the existing asphalt membrane of a large podium, located within the centre of a residential area and insulation was upgraded. The hard landscaping included the removal of existing tiles, adhesive beds and screeds and application of Ronafix screeds laid to falls and Ronafix thin bed waterproof mortars for bedding of tiles.VolkerLaser was appointed as the principal contractor; the main elements of the project were re-waterproofing, upgrading of insulation, hard landscaping and the installation of new structural movement joints. Liquid resin waterproofing was applied to the existing asphalt membrane of a large podium, located within the centre of a residential area and insulation was upgraded. The hard landscaping included the removal of existing tiles, adhesive beds and screeds and application of Ronafix screeds laid to falls and Ronafix thin bed waterproof mortars for bedding of tiles.

Tiles were bedded on a nominal 15mm thickness of Ronafix Mix C waterproof bedding mortar by A.T. Knott & Sons Ltd; selected for their extensive knowledge of the site, gained by their involvement in the original project.

VolkerLaser laid 10,000m2 of Ronafix Mix A1 to adjust falls on the deck, thus improving water shedding from the paving to the drains.

We at Ronacrete are very proud of our involvement in the construction of the Barbican Centre and of our involvement in the more recent podium deck works. For over 48 years, Ronacrete has been at the leading edge of product development and performance. Innovation and brand leadership are enhanced by technical support which is considered the best in the industry.

View more images from the project below.

bedding of paving bonding of tiles Ronacrete ronafix Ronafix Mix Design A1 waterproofing

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