The use of concrete waterproofing systems might seem most obviously important in underground settings like tunnels or basements to prevent the ingress of water from aquifers or subterranean streams. But they can also be used above the ground.
A case in point may be buildings like the closed Guildhall Theatre in Derby. As the BBC reports, this is to undergo a new renovation project in the hope of reopening it in 2027.
Initially closed in 2019, investigations found it was leaking water through both its ceilings and walls, turning a seven-month closure into seven years and counting.
A £24.6 million project to restore the Grade II listed theatre will take five stages and a planning application has now been submitted. Detailed plans are expected to be published in the New Year.
How Could Concrete Waterproofing Work In A Listed Building?
What may happen in this case is that concrete waterproofing could be used to seal the inside of the walls, all of which will be invisible from the auditorium and not change the external or internal appearance of the building in a way that would impact its listed status. This is important due to the planning restrictions involved.
Such work may often be needed on older buildings, which may be listed because of their great heritage value and therefore cannot be demolished or substantially reconstructed. That means remedial work using waterproofing to resolve a water ingress problem may prove to be the most effective solution.
Water ingress in older buildings can happen when the outside brickwork or stone is damaged by weather or other incidents, with damage often being made worse when rainwater can seep in and expand as it freezes. This process, known as freeze-thaw, widens cracks and allows more water in.
Freeze-thaw may be beneficial in nature as it breaks open rocks to release mineral nutrients. But in buildings, it can lead to ever-widening cracks that allow water in, unless or until waterproofing work is undertaken to seal the leak and protect it from further weathering.