External Waterproofing Products Protect Against Weather Penetration

METROPOLE COURT DEVELOPMENT

Newlath Applied Externally To Treat Severe Damp
Penetration In A Listed Building On Eastbourne Sea front

History

The top storey of this Listed Building directly on Eastbourne Seafront was severely affected by driving and penetrating rain as well as extensive salt decay. This resulted in failing external render and subsequently severe damp problems internally, significantly affecting the quality of accommodation.

After many unsuccessful attempts to solve the problem the project architect called in Newton Specialist Basement Contractor
CavityTec Systems to design and install a robust damp proofing solution.

Methodology

Having extensive experience in dealing with driving and penetrating damp problems, CavityTec Systems specified BBA-approved Newton 805 Newlath damp proof membrane as a means of venting the dampness already inherent within the structure as well as providing a ventilated key for a new render finish. Mechanically fixed at 100mm – 150mm centres, the meshed membrane was applied and a 6:1:1 clean sharp sand, cement, lime mix was then applied in two 6mm coats. A rubbed float finish was then applied prior to decoration with a high build flexible and breathable masonry paint.

Result

The project is now in stage 2 with the first external Newlath application
finished in 2006. The project has been a complete success with all damp
problems solved in the top storey of the building and a complete barrier created to deal with any future risk of damp penetration.

Benefits

The 805 Newlath damp proof membrane system once mechanically fixed to the external elevation negated the need for expensive re-pointing of the structure. The installation provided a firm and flexible key for the render finish which can accommodate the extreme thermal movement experienced on the seafront elevations. In addition, the membrane offered significant thermal benefits on the outside of the structure keeping internal environments noticeably warmer in the winter months.

As the property is a sensitive Listed Building, Newlath provided a
permanent solution which was not only sympathetic to the structure but
also ‘removable’, a prerequisite for all listed buildings throughout the
United Kingdom.

With over 2 million metres installed, Newlath continues
to be the market leading damp proof membrane in the UK today.