Ventilation Membrane Damp proofing System (for flooding or high ground levels)

The Ventilated System is the normal recommendation for above ground level water situations, for example where external pavements have been built up or where there is flooding the ventilated system is drained to a sump and pump. The ventilated system with air gaps at the top does not require sealed joints or fixings above the free water level, a 100mm overlap is sufficient in this situation.

This method is seen as a sympathetic solution in heritage type properties as a water proofing or general damp proofing system by most building professionals.

Some dedicated conservationists are against the use of membranes. They are unable to present a technical reason why a well ventilated system should not be used but do not like the use of modern materials in historic buildings even when a practical alternative cannot be found to solve a genuine damp problem.

The system has been used extensively on Heritage properties such as Houses of Parliament, Tower Vaults, Many properties in Salisbury Cathedral Close, Churches, Cottages, and countless country mansions

 The fabric of the building remains unchanged but the new internal surfaces are dry and salt contamination free. Both dry lining or plaster direct finishes are available on the ventilated system. In building conversion or upgrading it is possible to install thermal insulation boarding over the membrane to lower the U value of the wall. We also carry out lime plastering over the cavity membrane system.

A solid wall with a U value of 1.76 can be reduced to a U value of .34 The boards are mechanically fixed over the membrane and ready for plastering on completion.

The Salvation Army hall in Salisbury was lined with Delta System 500 by LSE Building Preservation Limited and then thermal board and plastering was installed over to warm the building significantly and 30 year underwritten guarantees have been issued by LSE Building Preservation Limited for the damp-proofing work. The walls behind the membranes are still able to breathe as a result of the continuous air gap behind.

When the work was completed the hall could be decorated within a few days and thenl re-opened for services.