CSSE / WDS Qualified -
Waterproofing Contractors
MacLennan's Surveying team are fully qualified to tackle any contract, at any size. With our teams possessing CSSW qualifications & being on the WDS register, we can provide design on our £10m PI with confidence.
Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing Training or CSSW Training, as it is commonly known, is a nationally recognised professional qualification for anyone involved in diagnosing problems with water entering structures below ground level and who recommends waterproofing design solutions and waterproofing designs.
British Standard BS8102/2022 – ‘Code of Practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground’- recommends that a specialist in waterproofing is included in the design team for any structure where usable space is fully or partly below the ground level.
This is specifically set out in Section 4.2 of BS8102/2022 under the heading ‘Design Team’.
The code states that:
“A waterproofing specialist should be included as part of the design team so that an integrated waterproofing solution is created.”
The waterproofing specialist should:
a) be suitably experienced
b) be capable of devising solutions that accommodate the various project constraints and needs
c) provide the design team with information and guidance that assists with and influences the design, installation and future maintenance of the waterproofed structure.
MacLennan offer the best insurance backed guarantees in the industry. All manufacturer guarantees and most contractor guarantees are limited to the cost of the materials or at best the original contract value. MacLennan guarantees cover all works up to £500,000.
The critical failure in procurement of waterproofing is allowing the design to be carried out by anyone other than the installer. It is split liability and responsibility that creates issues for the project team and the client. If there is any problem with the waterproofing it is quickly resolved if the design and installation is with one qualified, experienced well insured and financed company. If the lability and responsibility is split between a contractor and a manufacturer it will result in a dispute which can be costly and disruptive and often unresolved to anyone’s satisfaction.
What other standards apply?
If you are interested in the standards that apply to the waterproofing sector, we would recommend reading NHBC chapter 5.4 "Waterproofing of basements and other below ground structures" here
What else does BS8102/2022 entail?
British standard BS8102 is a "Code of practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground" It is available directly from BSI here
Why should i care if a waterproofing contractor adheres to standards?
Industry standards are adhered to by reputable waterproofing contractors because they present the most up to date compendium of knowledge. A designer taking these standards into consideration will be able to provide the most suitable spec for any project.