If you have a basement area, it does not matter if your property is new or old, it can still be affected by below ground damp. Many properties do not have an existing tanking solution and others are built with traditional damp proof barriers built into the walls and floor slab.

Water and damp can enter the property when these systems:

  • Are not fitted properly – common in new and older buildings
  • Become damaged – caused by shifting foundations or tree roots
  • Become bridged or overwhelmed – underground water levels rising

This could result in damp patches or even flooding in more severe cases, and once this happens your basement could be at risk of further damp problems such as condensation and mould growth. A more effective alternative to traditional waterproofing is a water management system that manages and directs any free water to a drainage system leaving your basement dry and damp-free.

Basement waterproofing - damp specialist working

These modern basement waterproofing systems work by managing the water using a drainage system in conjunction with a cavity membrane system that waterproofs the walls and floor. If any water enters the basement area it is directed to a drain or a pump system that extracts the water from the property, keeping the walls and floors dry. You can find more info about basement waterproofing by visiting our Basement Waterproofing FAQ page.

Tanking a basement means that you apply a waterproof coating on the inside or outside of the basement walls and floor. This coating can either consist of cement, bitumen or other waterproof products or a membrane system. This waterproof coating or membrane will create a barrier that prevents water penetration affecting the inside space of your Basement or Cellar.

It is very important that the condition of the existing basement walls and floors are assessed before choosing the appropriate tanking method. Only an experienced team of tanking specialists will be able to select the right tanking solution, as well as carry out the necessary preparation needed on the existing wall and floor surface to achieve a dry basement.

Basement and cellar tanking

There are 3 types of waterproofing systems that can be applied to new build properties:

  • External – when the waterproofing system is applied to the outside face of the external walls and below the floor slab
  • Internal –when the waterproofing system is applied to the surface of the internal walls and floor slab
  • Waterproofing the structure - when the concrete used to build the basement is made water resistant by using additives

Systems that are adhered directly to the structure are known as ‘Type A’ waterproofing by British standard 8102:2009, and the correct system can only be specified once the project requirements are understood.

Where the concrete structure is waterproofed this is known as a ‘Type B’ waterproof system.

Internal waterproof systems are used when access to the external faces of the walls are restricted, and the suitable system will depend on the proposed use of the area, as well as the site conditions. The most effective solution is designated as ‘Type C,’ and works by managing water entering the basement using waterproof cavity drainage membranes in conjunction with drainage, sumps and pumps.

new build waterproofing in progress

No charge if you Own the surveyed property located within 25 miles from our nearest branch. An administration fee may apply if a written report is required. Contact your local branch for advice or a property survey.

Our qualified damp surveyor will inspect your basement and measure the scale of the damp problem. Our hand-picked team of experienced surveyors are highly trained in identifying damp and rot problems in your property. This means we can find the cause of the problem and give the correct remedial recommendations for a cost-effective solution that you can trust.

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