RESOURCES
6 TYPES OF BASEMENT STRUCTURES
When designing a basement waterproofing system, it is important to identify the basement structure type, but more importantly, what the intended end use of the area will be as this will provide the guidance for the design and specification of a suitable waterproofing system.
Any below ground, earth retaining walls that are not landscaping are considered a basement structure for the purpose of waterproofing.
BASEMENT
A basement is defined as an area that is one or more floors of a building that is either partly or completely below the ground floor.
SUB-BASEMENT
A sub-basement is another level of basement below the first level.Commercial building car parks are a typical example of basement and sub-basement construction, and is also referred to as ‘deep basement’
DAYLIGHT
BASEMENT
A daylight basement is where at least part of the entire basement construction is above the external ground level, to provide reasonably sized windows on at least one side. This would also include basements with ‘light wells’.
WALK OUT
BASEMENT
A below external ground level area that can be accessed from the ground level on at least one side. Most commonly referred to as ‘Terraced Construction’ or a building constructed on a sloping or’ cut and fill’ block, and is one of the most common designs in Australian residential properties.
CELLAR
Defined as an underground room that is used for the storage of wine (or coal in years gone by), and is constructed with the purpose to remain ‘cool’ all year, with the items stored not subject to moisture damage. Cellars originally had earth floors, however this has changed to concrete over the years.
CRAWL SPACE
Crawl spaces provide access to pipes, sub structures and other services which may otherwise be difficult to access. You generally cannot stand up in a ‘crawl space’.
