A beginner’s guide to tanking in the home and why it may be necessary
Owning a home is one of life’s biggest achievements, offering stability and comfort for everyone living there. However, with this sense of pride comes the responsibility to maintain and protect the property against issues that can compromise its safety, structure, and value. Routine maintenance and addressing hidden risks are important, as proactive care ensures that a home remains a secure and healthy environment for years to come.
Something that requires special care and attention from those who can deliver damp and timber independent surveys is an assessment regarding damp and moisture in the home. Damp and water ingress can take huge chunks of value out of a home while creating structural impact, as well as the potential of health hazards arising. One solution often used in homes, particularly in basements, cellars, or areas below ground level, is tanking, which can be carried out by a recommended team.
What is tanking, many of you reading might wonder? Here is a beginner’s guide to it.
Tanking is a waterproofing method that involves applying a special coating or membrane to walls and floors to stop water penetration. It can be especially useful in older properties, of which there are many around London, with some going back to Edwardian and Victorian times. This is added to by the wet climate, underground streams and rivers, as well as the clay on which many properties are built. A PCA independent damp surveyor, such as those employed by us at London Damp Specialists, can soon take a look and provide the best advice for the course of action which will put things right. Tanking is commonly applied in basements, cellars, and below-ground spaces where water ingress and dampness are more likely to occur.
Homes built below ground level or in areas with high water tables are more vulnerable to moisture seepage, often making tanking essential and a smart investment. Homeowners should not worry about the phrase damp survey London cost, as having one delivered by our experienced team can save huge sums of money in comparison to hoping that the issues will simply disappear. Tanking is a proven way to stop the weakening of masonry, plaster, and timber at source, which is why it is a popular form of treatment.
Not only is the health of a property important to maintain, but so is that of the occupants. Tanking is a great way of achieving this by preventing damp, which in turn helps eliminate mould growth, which can cause allergies and respiratory issues. Looking for an independent damp surveyor near me is a smart move, especially if anyone vulnerable lives in the home. Occasionally, basements might have been out of commission for some time. Those who have tanking applied to them open new spaces and opportunities, whether it’s additional living space or to make a new activity area, while providing a permanent solution.
A call to our specialist professional team on 020 7523 5882 can quickly lead to a survey being arranged and then tanking being considered if required.
Damp Survey Costs
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for our independent, unbiased surveys.
Level 1
What’s included:
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 2
What’s included:
- Everything in Level 1
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 3 (Most Popular)
What’s included:
- Thermal Imaging
- Air humidity testing
- HD boroscope camera
- Brickwork pointing inspection
- DPC inspection
- Ventilation flow test on extractor fans
- 4K drone imagery roof, chimney stack
and guttering inspection - Structural condition inspection
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Survey Add Ons
Add On 1
Laboratory analysis Of plaster identifies hygroscopic salts such as chlorides and nitrates. which indicate whether damp is caused by rising groundwater or by plumbing leaks, This testing removes guesswork, allowing the exact source of moisture to be identified so the correct treatment is applied rather than carrying out unnecessary damp-proofing work.
Add On 2
qPCR DNA mould testing detects microscopic mould spores that are invisible during a normal inspection and van remain hidden behind walls, floors. or inside building rkaterials. It identifies the exact mould species present and the contamination level, allowing hidden mould problems to be confirrned and properly treated before they affect the property or occupants’ health.
Qualifications: All our surveyors are PCA and CSRT qualified for remedial treatments and also CSSW qualified for structural waterproofing.
Next day report: You will receive the report within 24 hours of the inspection taking place.
The survey fee will be deducted from the cost of any recommended repairs.
These are the tools we use
Damp Meter
A damp meter is a diagnostic tool used to detect and measure moisture levels within building materials such as plaster, brick, timber, and concrete.
Borescope camera
borescope camera is a small inspection camera attached to a flexible semi-rigid cable that allows you to see inside areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
Drone Inspection
A drone is a remotely operated aerial device equipped with a camera that allows visual inspection from above without the need for scaffolding or ladder.
Air Humidity Sensor
Air humidity sensor measures the amount of moisture present in the air, expressed as relative humidity (RH) in percentage. It helps determine whether indoor conditions are contributing to condensation, mould growth, or damp-related issues.
Thermal Imaging Camera
A thermal imaging camera detects temperature differences on surfaces by using infrared technology to produce a heat map image. In damp investigations, it helps identify cold spots, moisture intrusion, insulation defects, thermal bridging and leaks.
Air Flow Ventilation Detector
An air flow ventilation detector measures the movement and volume of air passing through vents, extractor fans, and air bricks. It confirms whether ventilation systems are working properly and achieving adequate air changes within a room. Poor airflow leads to trapped moisture, high humidity, condensation on cold surfaces, and ultimately mould growth.
Mould Lab Swab Testing
A mould swab test is carried out to confirm the presence of hidden mould growth and identify the specific species involved. Surface mould is not always visible, especially behind furniture, inside cavities, or within ventilation systems. Laboratory analysis of a swab sample determines whether active mould spores are present and what type they are, which helps assess potential health risks and decide the correct remediation approach rather than relying on visual assumption alone.
Lab Analysis of Plaster
Laboratory analysis of plaster is used to identify the type of salts present within the material, typically chlorides and nitrates. The presence and concentration of these salts help determine whether the moisture source is consistent with rising damp, ground contamination, or another forms [sic] of water ingress. such as mains water leak, This removes guesswork and prevents misdiagnosis, ensuring the correct remedial treatment is specified rather than applying unnecessary or ineffective solutions.
