CHURCH BUILDING IN AVONDALE – NEWTON TYPE C SYSTEM

A church building in Avondale, constructed on a sloping site, required Grade 3 internal environments.

The building’s lower ground and basement areas were suffering from persistent water ingress. Free water was entering through weak points in the construction, creating long-term issues with dampness and reduced usability.

The Challenge

The external ground surrounding the structure is predominantly clay, with drainage that was either blocked or, in some areas, nonexistent. Previous protection to the retaining block walls consisted only of a basic liquid bituminous coating, with no evidence of additional protection. It was unclear if any membrane had ever been installed below the floor’s raft slab.

Given these site conditions, external repair or replacement was logistically impossible. The approach had to be developed from the inside.

A conventional Type A internal tanking solution was considered but quickly ruled out. Cracks were already identified within the walls and floors, and a bonded tanking system could have introduced additional stress and strain, potentially leading to further structural issues. In treating only isolated areas, it would not have provided a durable or long-term resolution either.

The Solution

The chosen strategy was the Newton CDM Type C cavity drain membrane system. This approach was:

• Non-intrusive
• Required minimal preparation
• Provided quick installation to align with the client’s programme of works

Once in place, the system effectively isolates the damp substrate, significantly reduces vapour movement, and manages seepage by directing water to designated drainage channels. Unlike tanking, the CDM system is fully maintainable, with easy access points for future inspections of the substrate if required.

To further reduce the volume of water entering the structure, obvious seepage points were treated prior to installing the Newton CDM. We included within our design proposal recommendations for new external drainage and for existing drainage lines to be cleared and regularly maintained – this would assist in diverting water at its source.

The Outcome

• The result was a successful and straightforward solution that:
• Had no impact on the structure
• Was installed quickly with minimal disruption
• Provided maintainable, triple protection against vapour, dampness, and water ingress

For the Avondale church building, the Newton Type C system delivered long-term protection, ensuring the basement and lower ground levels now meet the required Grade 3 internal environment.