Basement Tanking

Many London homes have below-ground living space and with a damp climate, basement waterproofing is in high demand. London Damp Specialists are to go-to company for all basement waterproofing solutions, including basement tanking and cavity drainage systems, which are installed by a team of professionals and guaranteed for 30 years.

We cover all London Boroughs within the M25 and we have an excellent reputation within the industry; we have been serving London Homeowners since 1981 and we issue an unconditional 30-year guarantee on all damp-proofing work.

Different Types of Basement/Cellars

There are quite a few types of below-ground spaces, which include:

• Daylight Basement – This style of basement is on a slope and a section of the floor is above ground and a door to the outside. Only a portion of this basement is below ground level and a window would provide essential ventilation.
• Walk Up Basement – Typically found in Victorian terraced houses where there is an exterior door and a staircase that leads to the basement. A second door prevents water from entering from the outside.
• Look Out Basement – A level basement with walls that extend above ground level, with small windows above the ground level.
• Underground Cellar – A fully below-ground living space that can be used as living space or for storage. Some homeowners create a wine cellar with climate control, which would need to be waterproofed.
• Underground Crawl Space – A cellar where it is not possible to stand up. This space is usually used for storage.

Main Types of Basement Waterproofing

There are two main forms of basement waterproofing, which are as follows:

• Basement Tanking – This involves the removal of damp and damaged plaster, the cleaning up of the substrate and the application of waterproof render. Several coats are required, with each application fully dry before the next is added. Finally, a skim of plaster and the walls are ready for paint or wallpaper. When applied correctly, this system is 100% waterproof and our highly experienced damp-proofing teams work quickly and cleanly, leaving your basement ready for occupation. Furthermore, we issue an unconditional 30-year guarantee on all damp-proofing work.
• Cavity Drainage System – Ideal for basements with serious damp issues, a cavity drainage system involves the complete removal of all plaster and render, then the substrate is cleaned and prepared for the installation of a studded membrane that creates a cavity for water to run down to a sump area under the floor. The same studded membrane is fitted to the ceiling and a sump pump is put in place to send the water to designated drainage points. Once in place, the contoured membrane is fitted with special plasterboard and a coat of render is added, with a final skim of plaster to leave the walls and ceilings ready for decoration.

The Many Benefits of Waterproof Render

Using numerous coats of special waterproof render is a very effective way to keep a basement dry; the substrate must be prepared correctly and each coat of waterproof render allowed to dry thoroughly before the next coat is applied. The render bonds well with the substrate and remains watertight, keeping the basement dry at all times. Ceilings are fitted with a special plasterboard, then waterproof plaster is added to give a watertight seal, while floors are also treated with waterproof products for a complete job.

Basement Surveys

At London Damp Specialists, we have an excellent reputation when it comes to waterproofing basements and cellars; start with a professional survey to accurately assess the situation, then our PCA-certified surveyor can make recommendations and provide an all-inclusive quote for the best long-term solution.

Should the customer be in agreement, a work timeline is scheduled and the work commences and is completed according to the timeline. We issue a full and unconditional 30-year guarantee on all our basement damp-proofing work, which gives the customer peace of mind.

Payment is not requested until you are satisfied with the work and you have the added security of a full 30-year guarantee.

If you would like to book a survey to accurately assess your basement, call London Damp Specialists on 020 8242 9391 or enter your information in our online booking form and we will be in touch shortly.