Revolutionising waterproofing in 2017

Manufacturer Newton Waterproofing Systems has introduced the Newton Waterproofing Index as a specification tool for the construction industry. The NWI provides specifiers with an effective means of assessing the ability of a waterproofing specification to successfully protect any earth-retaining or below-ground structure.

This assessment is based upon the type and quality of structure involved, as well as the type of waterproofing being used, giving an accurate understanding of the potential success of different specifications and builds, and helping to guide specifiers through a myriad of potential product combinations.

New concept, industry standards

Although a new concept in the industry, the NWI is not a standalone tool without any relation to industry standards.

The scoring system is based around the classifications outlined within British Standard 8102:2009, the code of practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground. The primary example of this is in the index’s use of the British Standard’s three grades of internal environment as the basis for its scoring system of waterproofing designs. The Standard defines its three environmental grades through an intrinsic link to the intended use of the space.

Based on the grade classifications of BS 8102:2009, the NWI employs the prefixes of 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the grade that can be achieved with each specification.

Scores that sit within the range of 1.0 to 1.9 are the lowest, capable of achieving only a Grade 1 environment, whilst a score of 4.0 is the highest possible mark reserved for the Newton Protected Basement specification, guaranteed to always remain dry. These specifications not only employ type A, B and C waterproofing (alongside high quality reinforced concrete) but, when installed and maintained by a Newton specialist basement contractor, will also be guaranteed under the groundbreaking Newton Protected Basement Guarantee.

Designing to protect

Visually, the NWI assessment of a specification is represented as an NWI score that can be used to judge each waterproofing specification.

NWI scores are appointed to each individual waterproofing design by Newton’s team of technical experts. Scores are visually indicated by colour-coded logos on each of Newton’s specifications, and can be appointed to new designs once they have been assessed by the Newton team.

Whilst the NWI scores indicate the internal grade, many scores will actually span a range. The lower score indicates the level of protection that can be comfortably achieved even with less than perfect workmanship, whilst the upper score is that which can be achieved with good workmanship by those that are trained in all aspects of the installation. The larger the range, the higher the risk that an imperfect installation will affect the success of the waterproofing. Scores with smaller ranges indicate a safer specification that will result in a good level of waterproofing even if all aspects of the installation and build are not of the highest standard.

By creating a scoring system that directly combines the British Standard definitions with scores defining the risk of water ingress, the NWI provides designers with the ability to accurately assess designs, safe in the knowledge that the level of waterproofing protection is in compliance with the predominant industry guidelines.

The result is an intuitive and measurable index for industry professionals.

Protection for new builds and refurbishments

Although based on UK waterproofing standards, the NWI can be applied to all below ground and earth-retaining structures, whether they are new build or refurbishment projects, and regardless of geographical area.

Whilst certain specifications will only be suitable for either new-build or refurbishment projects, the important factor on all projects is that the NWI score of the design is considered as early as possible as part of the initial building specification.

Newton provides designers and specifiers with a wide range of NWI-scored specifications for different waterproofing techniques and combined systems, all based not only on their cost vs. risk but also on the level of waterproofing that is applied to a specific build type, making the complex process of assessing and specifying waterproofing systems as straightforward and understandable as possible.

The Newton Waterproofing Index is protected by copyright. ©2016. JN Newton Waterproofing. All rights reserved.

For more information and technical support visit www.newtonwaterproofing.co.uk

Contact:

01732 360095

info@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk