Historic buildings often have basements and cellars which have been used over the years for various purposes. Some are very well designed with drainage and cavities or sumps. Over a period of time water ingress has introduced large amounts of salts into the structures or the use of the space has changed and requires dry internal finishes.
Traditionally this has been achieved with Cement renders or Asphalt and more recently cement slurries.

The property shown has more recently been waterproofed by LSE with a cavity drainage system.



The photo shows a typical Asphalt application sandwiched behind a brick wall and below the screed. The wall has in more recent times been tanked with a strong cement render.

 

The Cavity drainage system is described in BS8102 as the most reliable form of waterproofing. It is also the most suitable for historic or traditionally built buildings.
The system is completely demountable in most situations. It can be finished with lime plasters or independent dry linings. The moisture in the walls behind the membrane can evaporate  unhindered (“breathe”) unlike with any waterproofing system.