The National House-Building Council (NHBC) has announced details of its new Standards Chapter to improve the quality and build of basements.
Last year, NHBC revealed that between 2005 and 2013, waterproofing below ground structures cost the industry £21m, affecting almost 900 homes. NHBC Chapter 5.4, ‘Waterproofing of basements and other below ground structures’, is aimed at improving the construction quality and robustness of below-ground waterproofing, resulting in reduced need for remedial works, costs and disruption to homeowners.
NHBC’s Mark Jones, head of housebuilding standards, said: “The new Chapter introduces significant changes in the way the housebuilding industry considers below-ground waterproofing, including an up-skilling of designers and installers and changes to future designs. We worked closely with the industry, including The Property Care Association, to ensure we delivered a comprehensive chapter that will serve the sector for many years to come.”
Chapter 5.4, which will become effective when it is included in the new NHBC Standards, due next summer, covers key issues including:
For further information, please see NHBC Technical Extra 16.