Newton provided their basement waterproofing products to save a young couple’s dream house from the results of rouge contractors.

The project, which appeared on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, fell afoul of rogue contractors when their site became a basement disaster. Excavations performed contrary to the structural engineer’s instructions resulted in the banks falling in beneath the street, whilst the shutters burst inwards under the weight of the compacted concrete.

In order to construct a waterproof and guaranteed basement, MJ Rooney, recommended by Newton, first had to secure the 3.5 metre high bank of unsupported earth.

Once this had been achieved with sheet piles, a new and safe structural shell of reinforced concrete was created and the first ‘Type A’ Newton systems were installed in the form of Newton 104 crystalline waterproofing, and Newton 106 FlexProof over the joints.

Finally, the ‘Type C’ Newton System 500 cavity drainage membranes were installed, fulfilling the BS 8102:2009 requirement for combined waterproofing. This was supported by a bespoke sump system with dual CP250 pumps, as no dedicated sump was formed by the first contractor.

Not only reviving the clients’ dream home from disastrous beginnings, MJ Rooney and Newton also provided complete waterproofing protection as well as contributing towards one of the smallest passive houses in the world.