At Platinum Chemicals, we are proud to be one of the UK’s leading resellers of Wykamol Waterproof Membranes, supplying a complete range of BBA Certified (Certificate No: 18/5595) products for internal structural waterproofing in accordance with Type C systems as defined by BS8102:2009.
Designed to manage and control water ingress in below-ground structures such as basements, cellars, tunnels and retaining walls, these systems create dry, habitable Grade 3 environments by channelling moisture safely away from occupied spaces.
The Wykamol system consists of high-performance membranes, dedicated drainage components, specialist fixings, and associated accessories – all engineered to function in harmony, providing robust and reliable protection even in high-risk, water-prone environments.
What Is Type C Waterproofing and Why Is It Essential?
Type C waterproofing, or cavity drain membrane systems, work by creating a controlled drainage void between the internal wall lining and the external retaining wall. Any water that penetrates the outer structure is not resisted directly, but is instead collected in a cavity and directed to a safe discharge point via channels and sump systems. The system relies heavily on the effectiveness of the drainage pathways and removal methods (via gravity or mechanical pumping) to manage groundwater ingress.
It is particularly important that designers and installers consider all elements of the system – including load expectations, drainage capacity, maintenance requirements, and the presence of ground gases like radon – to ensure consistent, long-term performance. Redundancy features such as backup pumps and jetting eyes are recommended in many cases, especially where failure could result in costly damage.
Wykamol Cavity Drain Waterproof Membranes: A BBA Certified Range
The cornerstone of any Type C system is the cavity drain membrane itself. Wykamol offers a range of membranes, including Wykamol CM3, CM8, CM20, and meshed variants like CM3 Mesh and CM8 Mesh, all manufactured from durable, chemically resistant HDPE. The different stud depths (3mm, 8mm, 20mm) allow for flexibility depending on drainage requirements and headroom limitations.
CM3 membranes are ideal where space is tight – for example, in stairwells or vaulted soffits – while CM8 is the industry standard for most basement and cellar walls. CM20, with its deeper 20mm stud, is used on floor slabs where high water volumes are expected and enhanced drainage capacity is required.
For internal finishes, meshed membranes such as CM3 Mesh and CM8 Mesh offer a mechanically keyed surface for direct application of plaster, render, or dot-and-dab plasterboard systems. These solutions eliminate the need for timber battening or dry lining systems, simplifying wall build-ups and speeding up project completion.
Integrated Kits for Hassle-Free Installation
To simplify procurement and improve installation efficiency, Platinum Chemicals supplies pre-configured membrane kits such as the Wykamol CM3 Waterproof Membrane Kit, CM8 Waterproof Membrane Kit, and their meshed counterparts. These kits include everything needed for secure, watertight membrane installation, including:
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Membrane rolls (non-mesh or meshed)
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High-quality CM Brick Plugs or CM Plaster Plugs (with or without seals)
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Membrane Sealing Tape, Mesh Tape, or Corner Strip Tape (depending on application)
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SDS Drill Bits for fast plug fixing
Whether you’re carrying out a domestic basement conversion or a larger commercial installation, these membrane kits save valuable time and ensure compatibility across components.
Full Drainage Solutions with Wykamol Waterguard Channel
To ensure collected water is effectively removed from the cavity space, Wykamol provides a complete perimeter drainage system. Wykamol Waterguard Channel, used at the critical wall-floor junction, acts as a conduit to collect water from behind the membrane and direct it to a sump basin or gravity outlet.
Essential accessories such as the Waterguard T-Piece, Swept Corner Piece, and 50mm End Outlet offer push-fit solutions to build a continuous drainage system, while components like the Waterguard Felixible Jetting Eye and Extended Jetting Eye allow for easy cleaning and maintenance. The system is capped with Waterguard End Caps, providing neat and secure termination at key points.
Where cross-floor drainage is required, Wykamol Floor Drain Channel integrates seamlessly, extending the system to reach sump chambers or external drains. For long-term system performance, every junction and connection point should be securely fixed using the appropriate channel connectors.
Fixings and Ancillaries: Engineered for Seamless Integration
A high-performance cavity drainage system is only as good as its installation. That’s why Wykamol offers a full range of fixings and tapes to support the membrane system:
Every component is designed to integrate with Wykamol membranes, ensuring a completely sealed, robust system capable of dealing with high volumes of moisture.
Preparing Substrates for Long-Term Performance
Before the application of Wykamol membranes, certain site-specific challenges may need to be addressed. Free lime leaching from concrete slabs, for instance, can block membrane cavities and disrupt drainage performance. Wykamol Anti Lime Sealer provides a reliable pre-treatment, neutralising free lime and preventing long-term damage.
For enhanced performance on high-risk floors, particularly in agricultural or industrial settings, the addition of Wykamol LGM (Liquid Gas Membrane) beneath the membrane offers a supplementary barrier against water, vapour, radon, and methane – crucial in contaminated or high-water-pressure environments.
External Wall Drainage with Wykamol CM8 Geotextile Membrane
While Type C waterproofing typically addresses internal water management, Wykamol also provides external wall solutions. Wykamol CM8 Geotextile Membrane features an integrated non-woven geotextile layer, enabling filtered drainage water to pass safely to an external land drain. This relieves hydrostatic pressure on retaining walls and complements the internal membrane system by managing water at the source.
Certified, Compliant and Trusted
All Wykamol membranes supplied by Platinum Chemicals carry full BBA certification (Certificate No: 18/5595), providing complete assurance of quality, safety, and performance. They meet or exceed the standards laid out in BS8102:2009 and NHBC Chapter 5.4, ensuring they are accepted by leading structural engineers, architects, and insurers.
Why Choose Platinum Chemicals for Wykamol Waterproof Membranes?
As one of the UK’s largest and most trusted suppliers of Wykamol waterproofing products, Platinum Chemicals offers unmatched product knowledge, outstanding customer support, and fast nationwide delivery. Whether you’re waterproofing a single domestic basement or specifying a large-scale commercial drainage system, we supply the membranes, fixings, channels, and accessories you need – all in one place.
Our commitment to product expertise, technical advice and logistical reliability makes us the first choice for professional contractors, structural waterproofing specialists and trade buyers across the UK.
