Trace Basements & Trace Remedial Building Services

Contact us to discuss a project, arrange a meeting, inspection, or simply send us drawings and supporting information and we can provide support and proposals based upon this. From small scale residential to large scale commercial, we design, install, maintain, guarantee, insure and advise on all forms of basement waterproofing, ensuring that client requirements are met. We take the risk out of the waterproofing, providing a single point of responsibility for the whole process from start to finish.

Trace began life in 1974, established by George and Julia Hockey, as 'North West Damp Proof Services'. In the 80's the trading name was changed to 'Trace Remedial Building Services' as we began to work outside of the North West and also to take on works beyond damp proofing. In 1998 we linked up with Basement Systems, an American basement waterproofing manufacturer, pioneering use of innovations such as the drainage channel system which changed the industry and was subsequently widely copied by every single UK based waterproofing material manufacturer.

Our ability to undertake analytical investigations where problems of groundwater penetration occur is borne of our extensive experience in remedying failed waterproofing/tanking systems. In such cases, one must always investigate to understand the structure, system and other factors of influence, which then allows the design of appropriate remedial solutions. Other independent construction consultants will in many cases take on work investigating all varieties of defects within structures, and are unlikely to be as experienced or knowledgeable as a dedicated waterproofing consultant or waterproofing expert, while often requiring equivalent investment.

While simplistically this is 'rising damp', there is much more to understand in correctly diagnosing and 'damp proofing' such issues associated with movement of moisture via capillary action. We hold some of the most experienced, and highly qualified Surveyors in the industry and are well placed to advise you on issues associated with rising damp. While we focus on work within Manchester & North West England, we commonly travel further afield, and would encourage you to contact us with your queries.

The identification and rectification of building defects and associated issues of dampness such as condensation, penetrating damp, rising damp, bridging, high external ground levels, plumbing leaks, leaking rainwater goods and driving rain. We advise private and commercial clients through a process of inspection, following which a report is produced in which we diagnose and provide schedules of repair work where necessary. We pride ourselves on the standard of report that we produce and the advice provided to our clients.

Trace have been installing sump pump systems since 1998. We know what's good, and bad and want to advise our clients what they need toconsider in looking for the right sump pump system. Foul pumping systems are designed for use in scenario's where there is a requirement to lift waste water from low level (i.e. from a bathroom within a basement), up to the level of the main sewer system. We have a great deal of experience in the installation of packaged sump pump systems using effluent class pumps and can assist where such requirements are necessary.

Well it's slightly old news now but still needs to be posted; we won the 2012/13 Property Care Association project of the year award at the recent PCA awards dinner! The project was a remedial scheme addressing failed mastic asphalt and cementitious waterproofing in a complex structure with multiple ground retaining storeys cut back into a sloping site, with split level decks above, which included block paved parking areas and terraces with planters and paved areas. The ground retaining elements were protected using internal cavity drainage supplied by John Newton & Co., while deck areas over were protected using an external elastomeric barrier tanking (also by Newton's) to the deck areas above.

What makes us unique, is that we take total responsibility for the waterproofing, controlling all aspects of it to ensure a successful outcome. We design, supply, install, guarantee, insure and maintain waterproofing in-house, so there are no split responsibilities. We have a 46 year trading history and have changed the waterproofing industry (twice). From private clients to national housebuilders and tier-1 main contractors, Trace provides effective waterproofing solutions for new-build projects.