Flood resilience


Waterproofing, damp proofing and ground gas solutions in housing management


Delta Membrane Systems’ technical director, David J Symes, explores the challenges experienced by housing providers in today’s ever evolving market


existing buildings. Social housing provides accommodation for around 4 million tenants in


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the United Kingdom, and the upkeep of these homes is essential. The Government pledged in April 2017 to unlock brownfield land to


accommodate our housing shortage. 73 Local authorities across the United Kingdom will pilot, under new legislation, registers of brownfield sites available for housing locally. These new registers will help housebuilders identify suitable brownfield sites instantly, therefore unlocking land for thousands of new homes.


BUILDING ON BROWNFIELD LAND The government has pledged 1 million more homes and to get planning permission in place on 90 per cent of suitable brownfield sites for housing. Brownfield land is a term specifically used to describe land which has


previously been used for commercial or industrial purposes with suspected or known contamination (such as pollution or soil contamination) or land which has been in close proximity to pollution, hazardous waste or soil contamination. There are over 66,000 hectares of brownfield sites in England, one third of these are in the high-growth areas of greater London, the South East and East. To safely build on brownfield land, considerations need to be given to how


the land was previously used. All brownfield sites prior to developing will need to be assessed by an experienced environmental consultant before they can be redeveloped. This involves an analysis of the soil, groundwater and surface water through testing for hazardous compounds, and will ensure that appropriate measures are taken to reduce identified risks and liabilities. With the continued challenges to build on brownfield land, technology has


advanced accordingly, with the introduction of gas proof membranes. Gas proof membranes protect buildings and structures by offering a barrier to dangerous chemicals and ground gases. Legislations such as building standards BS8485:2015, BRE 211.2015, CIRIA 665, CIRIA 735, CIRIA 748 and NHBC standards have all taken into consideration what protection will be essential for building on brownfield land. Gas proof membranes can cater for the harshest of brownfield conditions, protecting against the ingress of hydrocarbon vapours, radon, methane, carbon dioxide, ground gas and volatile organic compounds (VOC).


MAINTAINING THE COUNTRY’S HOUSING STOCK The preservation of older properties has taken on greater significance in recent years. Concrete structures over time deteriorate. Properties which have experienced long term exposure to snow, frost, ice and rain will require repair and maintenance. Concrete repair solutions can repair and protect a


The demand for maintaining the country’s ever growing housing stock is continual


structure, while managing and controlling corrosion, strengthening the structures, and offering a cost effective solution. Multi-tenanted structures will have additional features to consider - besides


the frontage, maintenance of balconies, terraces and walkways are vital. With a wide array of application techniques and detailed knowledge of the causes of deterioration to concrete, a waterproofing design specialist should be consulted to advise cost effective solutions available.


DAMP Damp can damage much more than a building’s appearance, creating unhealthy conditions for occupants. Over time, damp will lead to the deterioration of plaster and masonry, while promoting timber decay. Inappropriate treatments for damp will cause further harm to older structures. Damp proof barriers, such as damp proof membranes, satisfy most site


conditions while offering a sympathetic approach. Incorporating a damp proof membrane to a structure suffering with damp issues minimises reoccurrence or structural damage. Additional attention may need administering during the design stage to


maintain the aesthetic and structural integrity of the structure/building. The waterproofing design should offer sympathetic application.


he availability of affordable housing is key to accommodating the United Kingdom’s ever increasing population, not only in building newer homes, but in ensuring the restoration and maintenance of


34 | HMM November 2017 | www.housingmmonline.co.uk


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