The System

What is the ADD Waterproofing System?

Basement rooms can provide valuable extra living or working space, however there are two important environmental factors that must be considered when going below-ground: water and radon gas.

Water held within the ground is likely to penetrate into a basement’s walls and floor slab, and so a comprehensive waterproofing system must be used to protect the interior space from dampness and decorative spoiling.

Secondly, it is recognised that basements are at increased risk of containing elevated levels of radon, the naturally occurring radioactive gas, so special measures should be implemented to ensure it is not allowed to accumulate within the property.

ADD Waterproofing has been developed to provide a combined solution of effectively managing both of these environmental challenges. By using a combination of physical barriers and air control, the unique system is able to create a dry and healthy living space. A system which relies solely on a physical barrier is vulnerable to defects which may allow radon gas to permeate into the accommodation, or cause gas migration to other parts of the property.

The ADD Waterproofing system’s air management components control where the gas can collect and actively vent it to a safe location away from the interior of the property. A welcome side-effect of these air management components is their ability to control the humidity within the basement, therefore minimising the risk of condensation, lowering the cost of heating (drier air requires less energy to heat) and helping to ensure the air being breathed is clean, fresh and healthy.

Positive Pressure Unit

Inline Fan

The positive pressure unit installed within the basement is a vital part of the system. It provides a ‘pressure buffer’ against the waterproofing membrane to ensure that radon gas cannot be drawn through minute holes that may be present and also manages humidity to reduce the risk of condensation.

The inline fan is installed within the exhaust pipe to ensure that any radon that collects behind the membrane walls is efficiently removed and discharged away from the property. The fan is usually located on the outside of the building, however there are a variety of options for where it can be positioned depending on the individual property.