Last month LABC Warranty released an updated version of their Technical Manual. Now in its tenth incarnation, this version sees some amendments to the basement section that may impact waterproofing designers.

What are these changes?

Changes to the basement section within the Technical Manual, includes:

• Requirements for basement waterproofing designers has been updated – “The CSSW qualified designer should provide a design philosophy which clearly sets out the desired grade of the environment to be achieved. The design philosophy should clearly set out how the specified design will provide the required environmental grade based on the specific hydrology and ground conditions of the site.”
• New lift pit guidance added
• Clarification that land drains should not be considered as a single level of protection

A better quality of waterproofing

These changes all appear to be very logical and should not be a concern to PCA members who continue to promote the highest standards of waterproofing. Getting the waterproof designer to provide the rationale behind their grade section and how they have met this, means designs are less likely to be ambiguous and result in a better quality of waterproofing.

Lift pits have always proven problematic and greater clarity here should always be welcome. We believe it is unlikely that members of the Property Care Association would suggest that a land drain in isolation would be considered a form of waterproofing and expect this is probably the result of groundworkers taking on the skilled job of a waterproofing specialist.

PCA standards are the benchmark for structural waterproofing

It is very pleasing to see that LABC are still adopting the standards that the PCA sets as the benchmark for structural waterproofing. This is testament to all members in this sector who continue to raise the bar.

To view the changes and/or to access the full version of the revised manual, simply click on the button below:

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