Lined concrete - review

Concrete, brickwork, blockwork and masonry structures can be used in conjunction withwaterproof membranes. The membrane can be:

• on the inside of the structure
• on the outside of the structure
• sandwiched between two structural layers
• a combination of the above

The following points should be considered when choosing between the above alternatives:

• when the membrane is inside the structure, it may difficult to keep the membrane in position during the construction works
• if brickwork, blockwork or masonry will be saturated in water then the materials must be frost resistent in cold climates
• if the membrane is on the inside face of the structure then it is exposed to UV light and to physical damage. It will also be unsightly
• if placing a membrane inside a rectangular structure it is best to have it pre-formed to a box shape to fit the structure exactly (if membrane comes in a roll it has to folded at the corners, risking damage and ugliness)
• membranes can be fixed to concrete with adhesivesand secured with a clamping bar and mastic seal (see detail)