Skip to content
BPindex — The Largest Building Products Directory in the UK

Delta Membranes

Product Focus – Koster KB Flex 200

Building Products Index Ltd waterproofing Leave a Comment

View the Delta Membranes entry on BPindex

Visit the Delta Membranes website

With a long background in structural waterproofing, Delta’s Director, Christopher Burbridge, tells us all about one of his favourite products.

As much as I love structural waterproofing (and trust, me I really love it), Koster products really are a place to invest when it comes to your project needs. I’m not saying you must drop half your budget on a lot of products, but you do have to invest time, research and yes, perhaps a little cash, when it comes to creating a robust solution.

What is it? Where did it come from?

A WOW product and one that never fails to impress me is Koster KB Flex 200. I absolutely love how Koster KB Flex 200 can instantaneously stop water in its tracks. Within seconds KB Flex 200 can solve massive problems, turning into an incredibly easy solution.  It’s a great “Impact” product.

It is incredibly useful on lots of waterproofing project and is user-friendly.

Koster Bauchemie AG have been specialising in development and production of high-quality waterproofing systems since 1982. Their headquarters are in the lovely town of Aurich, Germany.

Delta Membrane Systems is the UK distributor of Koster products.

What does it do?

Koster KB Flex 200 is a permanent plastic sealing compound ideal for sealing pipe and cable penetrations, cavities and for custom detail waterproofing solutions against moisture and pressurized water.

Prior to application, the Koster KB-Flex 200 cartridges are laid into warm water and heated to approx. +30 °C. This ensures that the material has the optimal consistency for application. The application area flanks must be thoroughly cleaned from the inside so that they are free of dust, sand and other loose particles.

 

Koster KB Flex 200 must be dimensioned so that the ratio of the width (w) to the diameter (d) of the installed material is not below 1.5:1. The maximum diameter of the waterproofing is 300 mm. Before applying Koster KB Flex 200, a backing is installed in the penetration at a depth of 10 cm using a common 2C PU foam. The Koster KB Flex 200 cartridge is then placed in the gun and the material is pressed into the penetration from back to front utilizing the nozzle so that the resulting layer thickness is at least 8 cm.

what keeps you continually using it?

Delta has an incredibly famous phrase “locking down a structure”. When we use this in a technical term, we are looking to stop any active water/leaks percolating through the structure at that time and/or to protect areas that are weak points such as service penetrations, which have the potential to leak. We need to ensure these areas are sealed prior to the application of the waterproofing system.

As I mentioned previously Koster KB Flex 200 is a great impact product. It makes the job of “locking down a structure” an incredibly easy one.

Koster KB Flex 200 can be used anywhere – from existing structures, to basements, swimming pools, as well as on new build projects.

The product is ideal because:

  • it doesn’t require ongoing maintenance
  • it instantly can stop flowing water
  • it doesn’t dry out and remains permanently mouldable
  • it adheres extremely well to dry and moist substates
  • it’s a great solution for sealing pipe and cable penetrations along with leak sealing and gap filling and sealing
  • it can be applied to dry, moist or wet substrates
  • it has an immediate functionality
  • it’s suitable for both positive and negative waterproofing

Want to witness Koster KB Flex 200 in action?  We have a great “How to” video guide on our website “How To” Video Guide – Koster KB Flex 200 – Delta Membranes and we absolutely love showing our customers how great a product this is by doing live demonstrations at Delta HQ.

If you’re passing HQ and would like a demo – we’ll always be happy to show you the value of this product.

To find out more about Delta products, call 01992 523 523 or email: info@deltamembranes.com.

Delta Welcomes Northern Technical Manager, Brian England, CSSW

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes Leave a Comment

View the Delta Membranes entry on BPindex

Visit the Delta Membranes website

On Monday 2nd November 2020 Delta is proud to announce and welcome Brian England, CSSW as Delta’s Northern Technical Manager.

delta membranes - Brian Image-01 copyBrian is an outstanding addition to the Technical Team and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with him. Brian will be responsible for Northern sales team leadership, driving customer service, developing new business relationships, promoting services, and overseeing projects to ensure overall customer satisfaction, along with contributing to product research and development as well as waterproofing design consultant duties.

Brian joins the Delta team from Safeguard Europe where he was Area Manager for many years having been with Safeguard for almost 25 years and progressing his career within the waterproofing sector. Brian is an accomplished professional with diverse experience across the sector.

Brian - email and phone AD copy“I am thrilled to be joining the #DeltaTeam and have always admired their vision and drive. I am looking forward to being a part of the team that continues to propel that vision into the future. I look forward to hitting the ground running and meeting Delta’s Northern customers, © 2019 Delta Membranes All Rights Reserved many of whom I have had the privilege of meeting at various industry events such as the Property Care Association. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, booking site visits or if you would like a CPD seminar. My aim is to help you achieve project success.”

Brian England – 07741 857827 – be@deltamembranes.com

Kevin Dodds, Director commented “We’re extremely excited to welcome Brian to our team at Delta. I had the privilege to work with Brian back in the day when we both had less grey hair. Brian has a great blend of knowledge and experience, along with his savvy design ethos, strong work ethic, excellent people skills and a passion for providing the best customer care. Our success is really a reflection of the character of the people that we have here at Delta, Brian will no doubt fit into the company culture effortlessly. Join me in welcoming Brian to the team”.

Delta Membrane Systems Limited takes care of your waterproofing strategy from start to finish, including technical advice and guidance, correct product selection, approval of drawings, site inspections and on-going site support.

Basement Waterproofing: How to Install a Basement Drainage System

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

View the Delta Membranes entry on BPindex

Visit the Delta Membrane website:

Type C waterproofing system (cavity drainage)

Basement drainage and protection

Gas protection and waterproofing

If using a Type C waterproofing system (cavity drainage) to waterproof a basement, cellar or any below ground structure, a basement drainage system will be required to manage the evacuation of any water ingress which breaches the integrity of the structure.

Cavity Drainage ProductsThe principle of a Type C waterproofing system is to manage and control water ingress.  A basement drainage system will work with the Type C waterproofing system to keep the environment dry.

For the majority of projects, the two systems need to work together – a Type C system without suitable drainage will not keep a basement, cellar or below ground structure dry and a basement drainage system without a Type C system will not adequately keep a basement, cellar or below ground structure dry.

A basement drainage system is made up of four key components, a sump pump, drainage channel, a high-water level alarm and battery back-up.  On occasion the requirement for sump pump, high-water level alarm and battery back-up will not be required if there is a natural drainage to the structure, but this will be specified by the Waterproofing Design Consultant to that specific project.  With structural waterproofing solutions not one system fits all.

Basement Drainage Channels

Basement 2Drainage channels are water collection conduits designed to control water ingress.  These channels are installed around the perimeter of a basement, cellar or below ground structure. They feature a number of holes (preformed holes) that allow any water from the Type C cavity drainage system to enter the channel, then drain into a sump pump (submersible pump station) or suitable discharge point.

Once collected in the sump chamber, the groundwater can then be pumped to a safe evacuation point, often referred to as a ‘sump pump system’.

Drainage channels are available with or without upstands, and are supplied in durable straight lengths, the use of T-junctions, corner pieces, straight connectors, jetting eyes, end caps and access ports.

When designing basement drainage and channels, consideration should always be given to future maintenance. As with all drainage systems, it must be maintainable!

Basement Protection

A high-water level alarm and battery back-up are beneficial to the end user (homeowner).

A high-water level alarm will alert the homeowner when there is a potential fault with the sump pump system or if the sump pumps require a service.

A battery back-up will keep pumps running in the event of mains power failure.

val des portas 6 - Basement waterproofingInstalling basement drainage channels

Drainage channels are embedded into a preformed recess/gully at the floor wall junction of the structural slab.

When correctly installed, groundwater drainage channels will work with the Type C cavity drainage system to mitigate any hydrostatic water bearing against the structure (basement/cellar).

We recommend one sump pump system should be installed for each 50 linear meters of channel; the length of each channel running to the sump should not exceed 25m.

Basement drainage specialists

If you have any questions about basement, cellar or below ground structure drainage then contact our friendly technical team for free advice on 01992 523 523 or email info@deltamembranes.com

The Importance of Active Leak Stopping

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes Leave a Comment

View the Delta Membranes entry on BPindex

View Delta Membranes applications

View Delta Membranes latest news

View Delta Membranes case studies

For anyone in a non-technical sense to fully appreciate the nature and risks associated with water ingress in below ground structures, we invite you to read this paper to gain an understanding of substructure waterproofing and the importance of remedial action. Potential consequences of active leaks are numerous, from cost for remedial works to reduction in building life cycle.

Sources of external water such as a high or rising water table, river, extreme weather, tidal changes, poorly drained soil, defective drains can all result in water penetration of a structure at below ground level.

North London luxury residenceThis penetrating water may have enough pressure and strength to ingress a structure, even one which is presumed to have been adequately waterproofed.

Basements and other below ground structures can leak both during and after construction. Any construction below ground will always be subject to groundwater.   Groundwater will try and will seep through cracks and joints in all construction. Joints (from movement to floor/wall junctions) will always require attention when waterproofing and these are common pitfalls in project fails.

Koster_2_IN_1-1There are often miscommunications and understanding of definitions of waterproofing. It is often presumed one waterproof system is enough to ‘waterproof’ a below ground structure, leading to a misconception that the structure is impervious to ground water.

Waterproofing design should always be undertaken by a Waterproofing Design Specialist, someone with a CSSW or equivalent qualification and to be designed to meet British Standard BS 8102:2009. A Waterproofing Design Specialist will always design a waterproofing system to reduce risk, this system will combine the project requirements with best practice. The successful choice, design and construction of a waterproofing scheme rely on heavily on communication between the manufacturer, design team, installer, contractor and owner – a better understanding of advice and practicalities encourage Best Practice and ultimately openness, transparency and accountability.

Stopping Active Water LeaksRemedial work to active leaks in construction, which is exposed, are relatively easy to find and fix. If the construction is not exposed and finishing’s are in place, these leaks are difficult to find but not impossible. Use of a thermal imaging cameras/borescopes/moisture meters or visual inspections are usually enough to locate these leaks.

Depending on the leak itself will depend on the remedial work required. It is important to understand the waterproofing options available and how these will have a cost and time implication to a project.

Join Georgia Burbridge, CSSW on Tuesday 26 May at 11 am for her live presentation on “Active Leak Stopping”. To register for this online live seminar, just email Rachelm@deltamembranes.com.  Rachel will respond with a link, meeting ID and password. On the day, simply click on the link provided and join the presentation.

Delta Membrane Systems Limited announces release of new Podium Deck Brochure

Building Products Index Ltd waterproofing Leave a Comment

View the Delta Membranes entry on BPindex

Visit the Delta Membranes website

Download your copy of Delta’s Podium Deck Brochure

Podium Deck BrochureDelta 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/.

Delta win ASUC Award for Innovation and Sustainability

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

View the Delta Membrane entry on BPi

Visit the Delta Membrane website

 
Asuc Awards 3On Friday 24 November 2017, David J. Symes and Paul Green of Delta Membrane Systems Limited had the pleasure of attending the ASUC (Association of Specialist Underpinning Contractors) yearly AGM and Awards ceremony held at Cafe de Paris, London.

Simon Haslam, ASUC Chairman commenced the AGM and Awards ceremony by welcoming all.  John Patch gave the ASUC AGM update, followed by Simon updating members on another busy and full year.

ASUC AWARD (2)Guest speaker Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards thanked speaker sponsors and awards were given.

The last award of the ceremony was announced for Innovation and Sustainability, a category not usually associated with the Association of Specialist Underpinning Contractors, but it was felt that Delta Membrane Systems Limited, a member of ASUC who had taken part in the ‘BRE Flood Resilient Home’ project should be recognised for their innovative work in flood remediation.

ASUC Awards DeltaWe were so surprised and absolutely delighted to be recognised and named as winners of the Innovation and Sustainability Award.  Yet another great achievement for Delta Membrane Systems Limited!

As a growing and niche business, to win the category of Innovation and Sustainability of the year is a testament of our earnest effort, not only for us as a business but a great achievement to all involved in the flood remedial and waterproofing sectors.
Asuc Awards 4This is the second award Delta Membrane Systems Limited has won this year, having won the PCA (Property Care Association) Innovation and Sustainability Award back in May.

Delta Membrane Systems Limited is also in the running for the prestigious Construction News Specialist Awards for the categories of Innovation of the year (Non-Contractor) and Material Supply of the Year.

Delta Membrane Systems Limited has sought to improve the built environment through research and knowledge generation, to win this award is a great testament to our commitment and dedication.

#TeamDelta 1Christopher Burbridge, Director for Delta Membrane Systems Limited said “Receiving any kind of award is a great achievement; winning one from a great organisation such as Association of Specialist Underpinning Contractors (ASUC) is an achievement we are incredibly proud of.  Very few things in life are entirely the work of just one person and this is no exception, so I must pay tribute to the enormous contributions of all Delta staff, without which none of this would have been possible.  This award is as much for #TeamDelta, as it is for me and my fellow Directors.  The award will take pride in our training suite at our head office in Epping. With so many good projects to choose from, the judges must have had an unbelievably difficult job and I’d like to thank everyone who voted for Delta Membrane Systems Limited to win”.

David J. Symes, Technical Director for Delta Membrane Limited added, “With such strong competition, I really do count myself and the Delta Team lucky to win – but win we did.  On a personal level it was a great feeling to collect the award.  Travelling home with the award in my hand was an incredibly uplifting experience. Every time I look at the award, I’m reminded of the moment of collecting it.  The future looks bright!  Well done #TeamDelta”.

Waterproofing of contiguous piles

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

View the Delta Membrane entry on BPi

Visit the Delta Membrane website

Delta Membranes waterproofing design

concrete spraying 013Contiguous piles have many advantages in the formation of a retaining wall. This method of construction involves the creation of a line of deep bores that are then back filled with concrete. The advantage of this method of construction is that it is possible to support the adjacent structure before bulk excavation takes place. Contiguous piles are particularly suited to sites with restricted access.
Of all the methods of piling it is typically the most cost effective and least time consuming. The wall consists of individual piles typically installed at centres 150mm greater than their diameter. This means that there are gaps between the piles and therefore contiguous piles are suitable only where the groundwater table is permanently below excavation level.

concrete spraying 023Even above the water table, below ground structures can be subject to water pressure.  Surface water run-off, perched water tables and defective water mains can all lead to significant water ingress. It is very important that the below ground structure acts as the first line of defence from a waterproofing perspective.

The waterproofing of contiguous piles can often be challenging. It is not possible to rely on a waterproof additive in the piles themselves. Likewise it is not possible to waterproof the pile externally.

Cavity drainage membranes are the most reliable and effective method of waterproofing basement spaces however when used as the only waterproofing system with contiguous piled walls, special attention is require. It is important to minimise the workload of the groundwater drainage system and any pumps. Also it is crucial that earth from between the piles does not wash out into the drainage system and cause blockages.

It is therefore important to maximise the structural water tightness of the wall, this can be achieved using a poured or a spray concrete liner in front of the piles

New build residential

concrete spraying 024In recent years the structural warranty providers have begun to recognise the importance of effective waterproofing design. NHBC in chapter 5.4 states that where grade 3 protection is required where “below ground wall retains more than 600mm, measured from the lowest finished floor level, the waterproofing design should include a combination of two of the Types of waterproofing systems”

This secondary waterproofing system would need to be internal, again it would not be possible to waterproof the outside of the piles.

concrete spraying 026Koster NB1 is a high performance migratory crystalline slurry that not only acts as physical barrier but also acts to waterproof the substrate itself. The NB1 slurry can be spray or brush applied to a concrete liner wall formed in front of the piles and continued across the structural slab before the installation of the cavity drainage membrane.

An alternative would be to use the Delta Dualproof membrane. This is a pre applied external waterproof system but is suitable in this application as it can be “sandwiched” between the piles and a poured concrete liner. The face of the piles would need to be levelled before application by filling the cusps with mortar before the DualProof is applied. A concrete liner wall is then cast onto the DualProof waterproofing barrier.

Capping Beam

A concrete ring is formed at the top of the piles in order to link them together. This is typically larger than the piles and will extend into the building space. This will also need to waterproofed if it is below the external ground level. Koster NB1 mineral slurry can be used to effectively waterproof the ring beam.

The Delta Membrane System Limited’s Technical Team offer an on hands approach to help with the waterproofing designs for any project.

BRE to showcase Delta System 500 in new flood resilient home

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes Leave a Comment

View Delta Membranes entry on BPi

Visit Delta Membranes website

delta-mem-3-victorian-houseDelta are working together with the BRE to demonstrate how the Delta system 500 can be an invaluable contributor to flood resilience helping homeowners limit damage and recover quickly from flooding.

Flood resilience
Flood resilience refers to measures that reduce flood damage to buildings in situations where water is allowed to enter. View case study

delta-mem-1-floods-minister-therese-coffey-flooding-back-in-sooner“Back in Sooner” – Floods Minister Therese Coffey shows Good Morning Britain what features can be installed to restore flood damaged properties and get residents back in to their properties sooner.

‘There are an estimated 5.2 million homes considered at risk from surface, river and coastal flooding. Preventative measures play a key role but given the scale of our vulnerability, we need to think delta-mem-2-proten-services-floodingmore practically about flooding and start to adapt to ‘living with water’ says Stephen Garvin, Director of the BRE Centre for Resilience. So fitting a house with resilient technologies and testing its ability to bounce back from water ingress is the first step on this journey.’ Read more

Flood recovery

The Delta System 500 can also be used for flood recovery where flood damaged buildings are restored and residents can be reinstated back into their home quickly as well as protecting the property from future groundwater ingress. Take a look at our case studies below, restored using the Delta System. View case study

The MaxxConnect Family™– Maximum security for your basement waterproofing system

Building Products Index Ltd waterproofing Leave a Comment

View the Delta Membrane Systems entry on BPI

Visit the Delta Membrane Systems Website

The Maxx Connect roundWith the new additions to the ‘Maxx’ family, Delta Membrane Systems offer a range of products that bring to the market the most secure basement pumping systems for type C (cavity drain) waterproofing.

Specifically designed for the basement pumping industry, ‘Maxx’ technology takes an ‘intelligent’ approach in the design of the product range, resulting in optimum functionality, high levels of efficiency and ease of installation and service.

Included in the range is the established AlertMaxx high level alarm to alert you in case of pump failure. This unit is offered in two variants – the DMS270 for ground water and surface water applications, and the DMS269 for foul water use.

PowerMaxx battery backupThis model has been joined by the PowerMaxx battery backup which can run up to 2 standard V3 pump without mains power for up to four days, depending on the number of cycles per hour. It can sit in standby mode for over three weeks, and is virtually inaudible.

Two pumps are directly fed through PowerMaxx.  If mains power failure occurs the pumps automatically take power from the PowerMaxx which will have been fully charged during mains operation.  PowerMaxx will automatically recharge when mains power returns.

This free-standing unit can be installed in any dry ventilated area, and is fitted in the main power line between the pumps and their electrical spurs, eliminating the need for additional electrical spurs.

AlertMaxx MessageMaxx ConnectCompleting the line-up is the MessageMaxx telemetry system which, combined with AlertMaxx, gives remote monitoring when residents are away from the property. Messages are sent using GSM technology, usually in text format.

All of these models are ideally suited to the range of pumps offered by Delta Membrane Systems, making the company a ‘one stop shop’ for pumping packages and type C waterproofing systems.

 

1 2 3