How To Prevent Basement Waterproofing Failures
June 2025 Newsletter
Basement waterproofing failures cost the UK construction industry millions of pounds every year—not just in repairs, but in project delays, reputational damage, and client dissatisfaction. The most frustrating part? These failures are entirely preventable.
At MacLennan, we’ve spent decades refining our approach to waterproofing design, installation, and maintenance. In this post, we’ll explain how we prevent failures before they happen—and why our systems are trusted across the UK and beyond.
✅ It All Starts with Smart Design
Most waterproofing failures can be traced back to one root cause: poor design. At MacLennan, we believe that good design is the foundation of waterproofing success. But we’re not just talking about detailing—we mean integrating the installation process, maintenance strategy, and repairability into the design from day one.
The British Standard and all major codes of practice are clear: waterproofing systems must be designed with repair and maintenance in mind. Yet, many systems are installed without any consideration for how they’ll be accessed or serviced once finishes are in place.
🧱 Why Type C Systems Are the Gold Standard
If your basement includes finishes, internal walls, or linings, then only a Type C cavity drain system can provide the level of repairability required for long-term performance.
Unlike other systems, Type C solutions are designed to manage water ingress by directing it to a controlled drainage system. But even these systems can fail—if they’re not properly maintained.
🔍 Inspection & Servicing: The MacLennan Difference
Most service providers focus on pump maintenance, but the real Achilles heel of a cavity drain system is the drainage channel. If this becomes blocked or compromised, the entire system is at risk. At MacLennan, we’ve solved this with:
- We design and manufacture our own inspection ports, allowing directional camera access for full visibility.
- We commission and inspect the system after finishes are installed—when many issues first appear.
- We provide ongoing servicing through our dedicated in-house team, ensuring long-term performance.
📡 Remote Monitoring & Superyacht-Grade Reliability
We’ve taken it a step further with remote monitoring technology built into our systems. This allows us to track performance in real time and alert clients to potential issues before they become problems.
And when it comes to power reliability, we use state-of-the-art battery backups and inverters—the same systems trusted on ocean-going superyachts. These can even be upgraded to power essential services during outages.
🛠️ Servicing Is Not Optional—It’s Essential
You wouldn’t buy a car and never service it. A waterproofing system is no different. Regular maintenance is the key to preventing failures, and it should be built into the design from the start.
At MacLennan, we don’t just install systems—we design them for life.
💬 Want to Learn More?
We’re passionate about helping clients avoid costly waterproofing failures. If you’re planning a basement project or want to ensure your current system is protected for the long haul, get in touch with our team.
