hese crystals block the capillaries and minor shrinkage cracks in the concrete to prevent any water ingress. However, the Vandex layer will still allow the transmission of water vapour through the structure.
This project has demonstrated Dampcoursing’s ability to provide damp-proofing solutions for a variety of challenges, in new-build situations – rather than the refurbishment work that the company is more likely to be associated with.
The input from Geoffrey Powis Architects, John Kotes Construction and Dampcoursing has resulted in an award-winning building that makes effective use of available space, and enhances the streets of Chiswick.
Dampcoursing’s involvement with the project was to supply and install the Newton 500 tanking for the 70m2 of the basement area, and the creation of a cavity drainage system with twin submersible pumps. A Vandex Super application was also carried out on the lift shaft.
The main component of Newton 500 is a high density extruded membrane with a thickness of 0.6mm and a stud formation with a height of 8mm.
The studs allow an air gap of 5.5 litres/m2, giving water vapour the opportunity to move unhindered in all directions, and damp pressure being equalised.
Newton 500 relies on a physical fix and is said to be ‘sympathetic’ to the structure.
Vandex Super is applied to concrete where the active chemicals combine with the free lime and moisture present in the capillary tract to form insoluble crystalline complexes.