The Complete Guide to Integral Waterproofing

Following the collapse of the twelve-storey Champlain Towers in Miami last year, concerns have been raised over the safety of UK buildings, with many now re-assessing the quality and integrity of their properties, and the longevity of their safety and function.

One of the most prominent forces contributing to a building’s deterioration is rainfall. In the UK, this is a huge factor, as we are the fifth highest country in Europe, and rank 74^th in the world for greatest precipitation levels. The UK suffers an average of 133 days of rain or snow a year, totalling 885 millimetres (33.7 inches). Birmingham is the top of all cities in the south of England for rainfall, averaging 125 days a year.

The main solution for preventing the deterioration of your building is to ensure that your building has an appropriate level of integral waterproofing. We have created this blog with this in mind, outlining what integral waterproofing is, why it is important, and the process for adequate waterproofing, so that you feel better informed and more confident in the safety of your building going forward.

What is integral waterproofing?

Integral waterproofing is a type of waterproofing system that is applied to your property during its construction phase. This type of waterproofing is typically used on concrete or masonry structures and is applied to the surface of your building material before it is covered with another layer – such as brick or siding. Once the waterproofing system dries, it forms an impermeable barrier that protects the material from water damage.

Why is integral waterproofing important?

Integral waterproofing is incredibly important for buildings that have to withstand high amounts of precipitation. Integral waterproofing provides an extra layer of protection against water damage, helping to extend the life of your buildings by protecting them from the elements. This can help a business save money in the long run, by preventing costly repairs caused by leaks, damp, and collapse.  

Integral waterproofing uses chemical admixtures – usually a dry powder or liquid added to the concrete mix at the batch plant or jobsite. Some forms of integral waterproofing will even self-heal minor cracking.

Various features of your building can be more susceptible to damage than others, therefore it is important to first identify the areas of your building that are most poorly waterproofed. The most common areas that need waterproofing are the foundation of your building, your roof, and any walls within the basement. These are not the only areas of your building that are susceptible to water damage, though, so it is important and highly recommended to have a professional assess your situation individually, with a thorough expert eye.

Process of waterproofing a building

1. The first step is to assess the areas that need to be waterproofed.
2. The next step is to choose the right waterproofing system for your needs.
3. Once you have chosen the waterproofing system, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully in order to ensure proper application.
4. Finally, it is important to have a professional inspect the waterproofing installation, so that you can ensure that it was done properly and that there are no leaks.

Integral Waterproofing with Southern Cross Projects

Our team at Southern Cross Projects has now been a proud leading integral waterproofer for over 25 years. We provide turnkey solutions for all types of exclusive and hand-crafted waterproofing projects. All our work combines aesthetics with functionality and employs only the highest quality of materials for the best long-term results. If you’d like to know more about the benefits you are likely to receive as a result of waterproofing your roof with us, then why not check out our blog, ‘’The 5 benefits of waterproofing your roof’’?

If you have any further questions regarding how we can provide a waterproofing solution to suit your specific needs or would like to know more about the information presented throughout this blog, then please do not hesitate to get in touch! Our team would love to hear from you and would be more than happy to help.