Products

Structural Waterproofing Solutions

We design and supply Type A, Type B and Type C structural waterproofing systems in accordance with BS 8102:2022. 

Waterproofing Redefined.

By combining our 40 years of extensive experience, technical expertise and a diverse product range, we are redefining solutions for your new and existing construction projects that require below-ground structural waterproofing protection. 

We’re proud to be British manufacturers of Type A, B and C waterproofing systems that offer a single source warranty for your substructure protection. 

However… it doesn’t stop there. Our CSSW accredited team and in-house design department means that we take full liability for the waterproofing design.

What is Structural Waterproofing?

Structural waterproofing is essential for protecting buildings from water ingress, particularly in below ground areas like basements, tunnels, and foundations. By implementing effective waterproofing solutions, we ensure your property remains water resistant and secure in all conditions.

The Three Types of Structural Waterproofing

The British Standard BS 8102:2022 outlines three main types of structural waterproofing:

A roll of Maxiprufe-plus which is categorised as type a structural waterproofing.
Type A
Barrier Protection
  • Dependent on a separate barrier system, i.e. waterproofing membrane, applied to the structure
  • Applied internally or externally
  • Can be pre-applied or post-applied waterproofing membrane
  • Examples of Premcrete Type A products: Maxiprufe Plus, Combi-Seal, Hydroseal FX, Hydroprufe DPM, Epoflex MMA
A container of Hydrocrete which is categorised as type b structural waterproofing.
Type B
Structurally Integral Protection
  • Makes the structure itself water-resistant
  • Can be achieved using reinforced concrete but the use of water tight concrete additive is more common
  • Provides built-in waterproofing, including waterbars within the construction joints
  • Examples of Premcrete Type B products: Hydrocrete, Hydrostop BR, Cemflex VB
A roll of hydroflow-hp8 which is categorised as type c structural waterproofing.
Type C
Drained Protection
  • The incorporation of an internal water management system
  • Creates an internal cavity for water control, most commonly with a cavity drainage membrane
  • Uses sump pumps or drainage systems to extract the water
  • Examples of Premcrete Type C products: Hydroflow HP8, Hydroflow HP 20, Hydroflow Channel

Using these methods in combination can enhance protection and maintain the desired internal environment and grade of waterproofing. 

We work with structural engineers, architects, main contractors, and specialist installers to implement the correct waterproofing solution for the use of the space. 

The Grades of Structural
Waterproofing

In the British Standard BS 8102:2022 there are four grades of environment identified to define the waterproofing performance requirement. Below is the guidance found in the British Standard:

laekwon-oliver-A7E_h9pDmd8-unsplash
Grade 1a

Seepage and damp areas from internal and external sources are tolerable, where this does not impact on the proposed use of below ground structure.

Internal drainage might be necessary to deal with seepage.

An example of a Grade 1a environment might be a low-grade car park with a partially open-sided basement. 

Grade 1b

No seepage. Damp areas from internal and external sources are tolerable.

Typical car park – usually one form of waterproofing. 

pump room
Grade 2

No seepage is acceptable. Damp areas as a result of internal air moisture/ condensation are tolerable; measures might be required to manage water vapour/condensation.

Typical scenarios would include a plant room or a lift pit, usually requiring two forms of waterproofing. 

460d1a090aea24318bb33e82b378755a
Grade 3

No seepage is acceptable. Damp areas as a result of internal air moisture/ condensation are tolerable; measures might be required to manage water vapour/condensation.

This would always be seen within a habitable area, where usually, two forms of waterproofing would be required with the additional ventilation – designed for the use of the space. 

How are "Seepage" and "Dampness" Defined?

Seepage is sometimes referred to as weeping or slow transmission of water through discreet pathways of a structure. Whereas damp areas are considered an area which is slightly wet but with no seepage.

The Waterproofing Design Process

What is Prem360?

Prem360, a turnkey service solution, has been created to address the challenges posed by the BS 8102:2022. This comprehensive initiative serves a wide range of industry professionals, from structural consultants and architects to developers and contractors. Its prime aim is to guide these stakeholders through the transforming industry dynamics, enabling them to deliver compliant and successful projects.

Concept Design
The journey through Prem360 begins with the Concept Design stage, where we embrace early engagement on your project. This includes feasibility studies, budget quotations, and tender support. At this stage, we  are able to provide a comprehensive waterproofing design strategy, which identifies value-engineered design solutions and opportunities to introduce sustainable design concepts, reinforcing our commitment to environmental responsibility.
PREM360 Detail Design
Detail Design
At the detail design stage, our CSSW-qualified design team will meet with the design stakeholders, including the architect, structural engineer and main contractor to finalise the strategy prior to RIBA stage 4 detailing commencement. A project specific waterproofing design is produced, where we assume full design liability, which is backed by a robust £10 million indemnity insurance.
Site Support
In the site support stage, your installation team will be fully trained by a Premcrete technician. Whether you are a specialist installer or self installing, Premcrete utilises its’ bespoke Premtrac system to capture training and competence records, and manage quality control adherence, ensuring two-way reporting that enables operations to align with design specifications and correct installation methods.
PREM360 Site Support
PREM360 Product Delivery
Project Delivery
The final stage, project delivery, brings the journey full circle. You can be assured  of the  availability and quality of all project materials, supported by our in-house manufacturing facility and dedicated stock commitment. You also benefit from our technical support team, who offer real-time problem-solving for those inevitable issues that crop up on site. Your project’s success and long term peace of mind are paramount and therefore sealed with a 25-year warranty for the products in their installed state.

Structural Waterproofing Applications

G98A6541

Structural waterproofing can be used in a number of applications. Whilst it particularly relates to basements and below ground structures, there are many other waterproofing applications that can arise on a project, such as:

  • Slab edge detailing including self adhesive bituminous post-applied waterproofing membranes, such as Hydroprufe 3000
  • Podiums and roof decks, often protected with the use of epoxy resin-based flexible waterproof coatings, such as MMAs (methyl methacrylate) i.e. Expoflex MMA or PUAs (Polyurea) i.e. Hydrogard PUA
  • Tunnels and infrastructure, where traditional waterproofing can be utilised for stand alone portal buildings or specialist PVC compartmentalised membrane systems i.e. Hydroprufe PVC-M are used within the tunnel itself 
  • Retaining walls, often protected with a post-applied membrane such as Hydroprufe 3000 on the outside of the structure, together with a drainage membrane such as Hydroflow HM25, which reduces the hydrostatic pressure on the structure 
  • Sprinkler tanks and attenuation systems will often require at least one form of waterproofing
  • Movement or expansion joints, often found on podium decks, require a robust waterproofing detail, which can include products such as Exofoam and Preflex PU in the joint and a waterproofing bandage such as Hydroband HP with a steel plate
  • Pipe penetrations are critical areas to prevent water ingress, for example, the Hydroplug system provides an effective integral seal around surface penetrations, through concrete structures
  • Waterproofing of stepped slabs is required where there are varying levels across a construction site.

 

Combined structural waterproofing systems are often deployed when a Grade 2 or 3 environment is required or when protecting against ground gas risks or contaminated land, where hydrocarbons (VOCs) are present.

Waterproofing Applications On Site

Check out our waterproofing products in action at some of our biggest project sites across the UK…

Knowledge Base

Building

Support

We pride ourselves on supporting our customers with their project needs.

Learn more about how our products work, industry news and real-world stories from our clients