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Transforming damp spaces: How the new Damp-Proofing Calculators in EstimatorXpress can help builders on renovation and retrofit projects

The latest update for HBXL’s EstimatorXpress software introduces powerful new estimating calculators tailored for renovations and retrofits for damp-proofing projects, with a specific focus on addressing water ingress in basements and cellars.

The damp-proofing to existing walls, plus tanking and waterproof membrane calculators, are designed to help builders accurately estimate materials and costs for transforming damp, uninhabitable spaces into functional, comfortable areas.

Also included in the January 2025 EstimatorXpress update:

• New Rendering to existing wall calculator
• New Window for Dormer calculator
• Updated Plumbing & Heating calculators 

There are also PlansXpress and Health & Safety Xpert updates too. See below.

First, here’s how these new EstimatorXpress calculators can support your renovation and retrofit projects:

EstimatorXpress Update:

NEW: Damp-Proofing for Basements and Cellars

One of the primary scenarios for these calculators is the conversion of existing basements or cellars into habitable spaces. These areas often suffer from water ingress or moisture problems, which, if left untreated, can lead to stained walls, damp conditions, and unusable rooms. The new calculators offer precise estimations for both minor and more severe water ingress scenarios, ensuring builders have the right solution for every project.

NEW: Tanking for minor water ingress

For cases where water leakage is relatively minor but sufficient to cause dampness or staining, this calculator provides options for tanking systems. Tanking involves applying a waterproof barrier to the walls and floors to keep moisture at bay. This solution is ideal for:

• Ensuring newly plastered walls remain stain-free.
• Preventing damp conditions that compromise the comfort of the room.

The calculator will help you select the appropriate materials, quantities, and costs for tanking, saving time and ensuring accuracy.

NEW: Waterproof Membranes for persistent water issues

For basements and cellars with more significant water ingress, the calculator enables you to estimate for waterproof membrane systems. These systems are designed to manage and redirect water safely, rather than attempting to block it entirely. Here’s how they work:

• A waterproof membrane is applied to the walls and floors, allowing water to trickle down behind it.
• Water is collected in a drainage channel and directed into a sump.
• A sump pump system then removes the water effectively, keeping the habitable space dry.

The waterproof membrane systems ensure that the plastered side remains completely dry, even in challenging conditions. You can use the calculator to plan for every component, from membranes to sump pumps, for a seamless project.

Beyond basements: Tackling above-ground water ingress

While primarily designed for basements and cellars, the new calculators can also support builders dealing with above-ground water ingress issues. For example, when water finds its way between two abutting buildings, where access to address the root cause is limited, damp-proofing may be the only viable solution. By using these calculators, you can:

• Estimate materials for waterproofing solutions to mitigate moisture in above-ground walls.
• Ensure affected spaces remain dry and habitable without requiring extensive structural intervention.

How can you benefit from the latest EstimatorXpress 2024 damp-proofing Calculators?

The damp-proofing calculators in the estimating software, join the hundreds of other useful estimating calculators.

• Time-Saving: Quickly calculate material quantities and costs for any residential construction scenario.
• Accuracy: Minimise guesswork and reduce the risk of underestimating project requirements.
• Versatility: Tackle issues with confidence.
• Customer Satisfaction: Deliver cost-effective and reliable solutions

Transform spaces with confidence

You can approach these projects with confidence, delivering accurate estimates and effective solutions every time. Don’t let water issues hold you back – start using the new damp-proofing calculators and transform even the dampest spaces into dry, usable environments!

More EstimatorXpress updates

NEW: Rendering to existing wall calculator

A choice of modern and traditional rendering systems – accessed from the renovation section.

NEW: Window to dormer calculator

Your direct route to putting a window in a dormer with all the flexibility of the window library that we added last year.

UPDATED: Plumbing & Heating

Also in the January update, you have these updated plumbing and heating calculators in EstimatorXpress:

• Updated plumbing and heating calculator to include the latest plastic pipework products – to make sure your new heating systems are ‘heat pump ready’
• Two new low profile underfloor heating calculators (one for installing into screed and the other a floating floor). When we say ‘low profile’ we mean a thin system for use in existing buildings/conversions.

PlansXpress update

PlansXpress 2024 has new tools for the following – for both your drawing in PlansXpress and an automatic estimate from your EstimatorXpress:

• Damp-proofing
• Rendering to existing wall
• Window to Dormer

Health & Safety Xpert update

While it’s cold out there, this is a timely addition to the valuable health & safety documents software tool.

NEW: Cold weather Risk Assessment

NEW: Cold weather Toolbox Talks

It’s vital that you protect workers during low temperatures and wintry conditions. And there’s lots to consider, like type of clothing, activity level, and exposure duration. What risks are they facing from slips, trips and falls? Sufficient breaks need to be put in place, warm drinks and so on. The last thing you want is for anyone to have an accident from being tired (the body uses up more energy trying to stay warm), or from poor circulation and fumbling fingers. Do I need to even bring up frostbite and hypothermia?

These new additions to Health & Safety Xpert cover all this and more.

Already an HBXL software user?

If you have the software already and you’re either a subscriber or a perpetual licence holder with in-date Support & Updates – then you’ll be able to download the update. Any questions about the HBXL software update call us on 0117 917 7892. If your Support & Updates has expired then renew here. Alternatively, if your software has slipped below the renewal zone, upgrade here.

Yet to buy or subscribe to EstimatorXpress, PlansXpress or Health & Safety Xpert?

If you’re an ex subscriber, or you’ve never used our software before, we’d love to talk to you on 0117 916 7898 or try for free now. There’s no obligation and no credit card details required. Make 2025 a productive, profitable and safe year!