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A problem that has in fact always existed, however in more recent times, has emerged as a major dilemma, has come about as a consequence of Owners establishing living areas at basement level, lower ground level and below natural ground level generally, without taking into account the local topography and the potential for the movement of ground water, and to a degree surface run-off into the structure where the perimeter of the building, particularly perimeter walls, serve to retain ground material. The unpalatable end result is often accumulation of ground water against the outside face of the perimeter walls where they are below ground level. This predicament can also extend to below timber floors and floor slabs, where the hydraulic head pressures and hydrostatic pressures are sufficient to cause entry of water into walls and up through slabs.

One must remember that concrete, masonry and many natural types of stone are inherently vulnerable to water penetration. “On the other hand” should Owner’s install suitable positive tanking systems and subsidiary drainage, (barrier systems to water penetration), then these problems with their below ground level water entry, may not arise in the first place. Quite simply, a positive tanking system is a robust, impervious, waterproof barrier between the outside face, (positive face) of the walls and their surrounding ground material. Please speak to me regarding these positive tanking systems. All too often, builders fail to carry this work out, or carry it out correctly, or use the appropriate materials.