Weeks on from Storm Arwen and the UK sees the arrival of storm Franklin, just days after the widespread damage caused by Storm Eunice and the UK’s third storm in a week! Storm Arwen and Eunice left thousands of homes in Scotland and the North of England without power.   It is estimated 85,000 homes were without power following the storms.  An event, the likes of which we have not seen for years in the UK, should be something that homeowners prepare for more with climate change.  The UK is seeing so many storms right now because a corridor of wind called the jet stream which has been getting stronger because of big temperature changes in the Atlantic Ocean. For any homeowners who have a basement, a basement can offer a wealth of space and you will want to ensure that it stays dry and protected against flooding. Basement flooding can be devastating and a costly problem.  To prevent flooding and keep your basement dry, it is key to understand why flooding happens in the first place.  Basement flooding is often caused by four events:

Poor construction methods

Older properties at the time of construction, were typically constructed without any form of waterproofing or a lack of sufficient waterproofing solution.

Water tables

High water tables present one of the greatest risks of failure to a waterproofing system in underground structures. A water table is an underground boundary between the soil surface and the area where groundwater saturates spaces between sediments and cracks in rock. Water pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure in any given vicinity.

Poorly installed drainage systems

Gutter downpipes and soak aways installed close to foundation walls of a basement can results in added pressure on the structure causing additional water to penetrate the foundation walls of a property.

Circumstances

Acts of God/storms.  Most basements and cellars are constructed either fully or partially below ground level.  Any structure below ground level will be prone to water ingress.  If the property has a suitable waterproofing solution (whether Type, A, B or C, or a combination).  Usually, a combination will be two forms of waterproofing offering a completely dry internal environment, defined as ‘Grade 3’ within BS 8102:2009. Type C methods of waterproofing will often require a sump pump drainage system to maintain the dryness of the structure.

How battery backups keep basements dry during power outages

As a key component of a basement waterproofing system, sump pumps are vital in keeping a basement dry, especially a basement that is prone to leakage, seeping or flooding. One of the most important aspects of a Type C, cavity drainage system is the basement drainage system.  Sump pumps are designed to safely remove groundwater from basements/cellars/below ground structures, including any water collected from a cavity drain membrane system. Sump and pump systems/basement drainage systems provide homeowners with peace of mind, protecting their property against flooding and severe weather conditions. Any events which lead to power cuts or outages, a compatible battery backup system will function as a continuous power source for sump pumps to continue collecting water from a cavity drain membrane system in the event of mains power being unavailable. Delta battery backups can, on average (depending on cycle times of pumps) supply continuous power for hours/days dependent on the pump size and activation frequency. The basement drainage system is the beating heart of a Type C waterproofing system. It is essential that you can access your basement sump pump.  Basement drainage systems should be regularly inspected and maintained to avoid the build-up of limescale and other deposits that get into the basement drainage system.

We are always Happy to Help

Do you have questions about a project, product, or application?  In an ever-changing industry where reduced risk and higher quality is required, you need a waterproofing design partner that is proactive and dedicated to help you keep up with new technologies and solutions to ensure your projects thrive. Whatever the needs of your business, you can rely on the #DeltaTeam to ensure you get the right advice, support, and practical help at exactly the right time to keep you ahead of the competition.