What really lies beneath our buildings? For most of us, it’s out of sight and out of mind. But for Stuart McGinlay - a Certified Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) with more than 30 years in the preservation and construction industry - what happens below ground is where the most important battles are won or lost.In this episode of Hard Hat Talks, Stuart joins host Kenneth Martin to shed light on the hidden world of structural waterproofing, damp, and rot - and why architects, engineers, and contractors can’t afford to treat it as an afterthought.From the devastation of the 2008 credit crunch on his own business, to today’s tightening regulations and professional indemnity pressures, Stuart shares the lessons he’s learned from decades at the sharp end of one of the industry’s most overlooked specialisms.With the 2022 update to British Standard BS 8102 placing new obligations on building designers, the stakes have never been higher. Stuart explains why early involvement of a qualified waterproofing specialist is now essential - not only to protect the integrity of a build, but also to safeguard reputations, reduce liability, and deliver lasting outcomes for clients.But this isn’t just about theory. Around 70% of Stuart’s work involves tackling water ingress and damp problems in existing commercial buildings - from hotels to shopping centres. These are the real-world challenges that test expertise, demand creativity, and make a specialist like Stuart the “go-to” guy when everything else has failed.Along the way, the conversation also dives into:Why advanced waterproofing expertise is in such short supply, with only two qualified design specialists in all of Scotland.How Stuarts company Timberwise invests in training and retention to keep vital skills alive in a struggling industry.The ongoing recruitment crisis in construction - and where Stuart sees the strongest opportunities for young professionals to build meaningful, future-proof careers.If you’re an architect worried about PI cover, a contractor dealing with persistent damp issues, or a student considering where to focus your career, this episode offers essential insights into an industry that’s both technically demanding and critically important.Structural waterproofing may not grab the headlines, but without it, our most ambitious projects are at risk of failure.Stuart’s message is clear: involve the specialist early, respect the standard, and you’ll avoid the costly mistakes that too often come from leaving waterproofing as an afterthought.🎧 Tune in now to hear Stuart McGinlay’s story and discover why what lies beneath could make or break your next project.

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