Waterproofing Is No Longer Secondary
Gone are the days when waterproofing was treated as an afterthought. With the Building Safety Act in full swing, accountability is tighter, traceability is mandatory and liability sits squarely on project teams.
That's why CSSW qualification isn't just a badge. It's the benchmark.
What Exactly is CSSW?
Certified Surveyor of Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) is the highest professional qualification in the waterproofing industry.
It proves competence in:
- Designing to BS 8102:2022
- Integrating waterproofing and ground gas protection (BS 8484)
- Managing design liability and risk allocation
- Understanding install methods and long-term performance
Put simply: CSSW = professional waterproofing done right.
Why CSSW Matters More Today
Under the Building Safety Act, project teams face:
- Gateway 2 submissions needing robust documentation
- Full traceability of design decisions
- Professional indemnity cover as standard
Unqualified design input is no longer acceptable. CSSW credentials show regulators and insurers that waterproofing has been handled professionally.
The Complexity of Modern Waterproofing
This isn't about picking a product off the shelf. Proper design requires:
- Integration with RC frames, slabs, joints and details
- Coordination with gas protection (radon, methane, CO₂)
- Compliance with BS 8102 + BS 8485
- Long-term performance projections for 25+ years
Unqualified suppliers leave projects exposed to failure and liability.
The Risk of Cutting Corners
Choose a supplier without CSSW-qualified staff, and you risk:
- Design errors → system failure
- No PI cover → liability falls back on your team
- Weak documentation → Gateway 2 rejection
- Increased cost → rework + redesign + delays
On high-value projects, that's a gamble no one can afford.
What CSSW Qualification Guarantees
When you work with a CSSW-qualified professional, you get:
- Mastery of waterproofing standards + compliance
- Practical install + sequencing knowledge
- Seamless integration into wider design packages
- PI-backed accountability you can trust
How to Vet Suppliers Properly
Before appointing, always:
- Ask for CSSW credentials in writing
- Confirm PI insurance cover
- Review past project experience
- Test design capability during consultation
This due diligence prevents costly mistakes later.
The Premcrete Difference
At Premcrete, our design team includes CSSW-qualified experts backed by:
- £10M professional indemnity insurance
- 25-year single-source warranties
- Proven delivery on complex, high-risk projects
That's compliance confidence, built in.
Protecting Complex Structures With Professional Standards
In today's regulatory climate, product alone isn't enough. You need expertise, documentation and accountability.
CSSW is the qualification that proves it.
Ready to Check Your Waterproofing Design?
Speak to Premcrete's CSSW-qualified team about your next project: sales@premcrete.com
