OUR SERVICES

Waterproof Integrity Testing

Waterproofing Integrity Testing

Below-ground waterproofing systems must remain continuous across joints, penetrations, transitions and changes in construction.

Small installation defects can create direct pathways for water ingress and may remain undiscovered until the structure is occupied.

UKRS provides independent inspection and integrity testing services to help identify defects before waterproofing systems are covered or concealed.

Independent Waterproofing Quality Assurance

Waterproofing should be considered throughout the design and construction process rather than inspected only after completion. Our services can be incorporated into the project quality plan to provide independent review at critical stages.

UKRS can inspect systems including:

  • Type A barrier protection.
  • Type B structurally integral protection.
  • Type C drained protection.
  • Combined waterproofing systems.
  • Pre-applied sheet membranes.
  • Post-applied sheet membranes.
  • Liquid-applied systems.
  • Bentonite-based systems.
  • Cementitious waterproofing.
  • Waterbars and hydrophilic joint systems.
  • Cavity drain membranes.
  • Combined gas and waterproofing barriers.

What We Inspect

Our inspections may cover:

  • Substrate preparation.
  • Membrane continuity.
  • Seams, joints and laps.
  • Construction and movement joints.
  • Corners and changes in direction.
  • Wall-to-slab interfaces.
  • Pile, capping beam and foundation interfaces.
  • Service penetrations.
  • Fixings and mechanical restraints.
  • Membrane terminations.
  • Waterbars and hydrophilic strips.
  • Protection boards and drainage layers.
  • Transitions between waterproofing systems.
  • Repairs and localised remedial works.
  • Areas vulnerable to damage from follow-on trades.

Integrity Testing

The appropriate integrity testing method is selected according to the waterproofing product, jointing method, system configuration and site conditions.

Testing may include appropriate non-destructive or localised assessment methods, subject to product compatibility and access.

Where defects are identified:

  1. The defect is marked and recorded.
  2. The installation contractor undertakes the required repair.
  3. The repaired area is reinspected or retested.
  4. The result is included within the inspection record.

Testing cannot compensate for an unsuitable design or incomplete installation. It should form part of a coordinated design, installation and quality assurance process.

Inspection Stages

Typical inspection stages include:

Pre-Installation Review

Review of the waterproofing design, product information, substrate requirements and critical details.

Initial Installation

Inspection of the first completed areas to confirm that the agreed installation standard has been established.

Construction-Stage Inspections

Inspection of joints, penetrations, interfaces and completed membrane areas before covering.

Pre-Completion Inspection

Review of the accessible completed system, outstanding repairs and installer quality records.

Final Reporting

Preparation of a photographic inspection or integrity testing report.

Waterproofing Verification Reports

Our reports may include:

  • Inspection scope.
  • Drawings and specifications reviewed.
  • System and product information.
  • Areas accessible during the visit.
  • Inspection and testing methodology.
  • Site observations.
  • Photographic records.
  • Defects and corrective actions.
  • Repair and retesting records.
  • Outstanding actions.
  • Conclusions and limitations.

Suitable Applications

UKRS supports waterproofing works for:

  • Basements.
  • Semi-basements.
  • Lift pits.
  • Service pits.
  • Plant rooms.
  • Retaining walls.
  • Podiums.
  • Tunnels and link structures.
  • Below-ground car parks.
  • Commercial and industrial structures.
  • Residential developments.
  • Water-retaining and containment structures.

Protect the Installation Before It Is Concealed

Contact UKRS before waterproofing works commence so that inspection stages can be coordinated with the construction programme.