Damp Basement to Luxury Apartment
Fixing external waterproofing failure with Newton System 500
Manurewa, Auckland
SUMMARY
A substantial two storey 1970’s home in Manurewa was built into a sloping site. The lower floor/basement (comprising of 50% of the homes floor space) had ground bearing in-situ concrete wall on three sides. Opening at ground level to the rear of the property.
The basement space had been developed over the years as a garage and livings spaces, however the space was plagued by water penetration through the concrete walls and up through the floor slab via hydrostatic pressure. These moisture problems made the space unsuitable for satisfactory use as livings areas, and was cold and damp with damage occurring to wall linings and floor coverings.
THE PROJECT
Newton Systems NZ accredited applicators, Waterproofing Solutions Ltd, were approached by the owners to review the situation with the aim of providing a suitable internal solution to allow the desired development to proceed.
THE SPECIFICATION
Waterproofing Solutions Ltd immediately saw the ideal answer to the issues – a Newton System 500 Cavity Drainage membrane. Working closely with the owners Architect, a full System 500 installation was designed, incorporating wall and floor membrane, and successfully submitted for building consent along with renovations to other areas of the property. Head height was a factor so a recessed floordrain system was cut into the existing floor slab.
Once the Newton membranes were installed, a concrete slab was poured throughout the basement, which was later polished to achieve a high quality floor finish.
The builders completed the lining out of the protected basement area, incorporating two generous bedrooms (both with walk-in wardrobes), bathroom, separate WC, laundry, kitchen, lounge and a dining area.
THE RESULT
The unique Newton System 500 provided the designer and builder with the canvas to create a large, liveable and very attractive space that added major value to the property. The guarantees and warranties provided by the product suppliers, Newton Systems NZ and installer Waterproofing Solutions, gave all parties confidence and peace of mind to achieve their dream space. The end result would not have been possible without the availability of the Newton System.
“The owners were very keen to develop the basement into useable, dry living areas to make use the large space (75 m2), and add very significant value and utility to the property. The extent of the water problems, and the inability to excavate to access the failed exterior waterproofing (walls and under slab) presented a challenge to achieve this with traditional NZ methods. This is why Newton System 500 stands out as it provides a cost effective and quick solution that works. ”
