BS 8102:2022
Key changes from BS 8102:2009.
More than a renaming exercise. The 2022 standard restructures the grades, strengthens combined-protection expectations, formalises the role of the competent designer, and tightens the documentation chain the design team is expected to produce.
Why it matters
The 2022 standard is what you'll be judged against.
The 2022 revision of BS 8102 is more than a renaming exercise. It restructures how performance grades are described, strengthens the expectation for risk-led combined protection, formalises the role of the competent waterproofing designer, and tightens the documentation chain that the design team is expected to produce.
For architects, structural engineers, project managers, asset holders and Building Safety Act duty holders, the practical effect is that the 2022 standard is likely to be used as a key benchmark by courts, adjudicators and insurers when assessing whether a below-ground waterproofing failure could reasonably have been prevented.
Change 1
Grade structure.
BS 8102:2009 specified three grades: Grade 1, where some seepage was tolerable; Grade 2, where no liquid water was acceptable but water vapour was tolerable; and Grade 3, which required a dry environment.
BS 8102:2022 splits the old Grade 1 into two distinct grades: Grade 1a, where some seepage and damp areas are tolerable, and Grade 1b, where no seepage is acceptable but damp areas may be tolerable. This produces four grades in total.
The practical effect is that the previously broad Grade 1 condition is now specified with greater precision.
Change 2
Combined protection at Grade 3.
BS 8102:2009 permitted Grade 3 to be delivered by a single waterproofing system in some circumstances. BS 8102:2022 places greater emphasis on combined protection where the risk profile, intended use, consequence of failure and maintainability requirements justify it.
This commonly means using two of the three waterproofing types in combination: Type A barrier protection, Type B structurally integral protection, and Type C drained protection. In higher-risk situations, all three types may need to be considered.
The practical effect is that a Grade 3 specification using a single system carries a higher technical risk and a higher dispute risk under the 2022 standard, unless the design team can clearly justify the approach through risk assessment, buildability, inspection access, maintenance strategy and consequence of failure.
Change 3
Formal role of the competent waterproofing designer.
BS 8102:2009 referred to the waterproofing designer but did not strongly define who that designer should be or where in the design programme they should be appointed.
BS 8102:2022 formalises the expectation that a competent waterproofing designer should be appointed as early as possible, typically by RIBA Stage 2 or equivalent. The designer should be suitably qualified and experienced in below-ground waterproofing design and should contribute to the design philosophy, risk assessment and performance specification.
The CSSW qualification, Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing, is a recognised UK credential for waterproofing designers. We see asset holders and Tier 1 contractors increasingly asking for CSSW credentials in PQQs and pre-construction information for below-ground projects.
A higher standard of qualification for a structural waterproofing designer is the Waterproofing Design Specialist (WDS). This is a peer reviewed Register held by the Property Care Association. The clearest evidence of competence within the structural waterproofing design discipline is membership of the WDS register and it is therefore highly recommended on major complex schemes.
Need a competent waterproofing designer on the appointment?
CLW holds three registered Waterproofing Design Specialists. Ben Hickman sat on the BS 8102:2022 committee.
Contact CLW