Damp proofing/tanking a basement

Basement Tanking is the application of a membrane or coating to the inside or the outside of the structure. This stops water entering the habitable space of the property thus making the basement watertight. Within the waterproofing industry this is defined as ‘Type A’ waterproofing.

Is Tanking the same as damp proofing?

Tanking membranes also known as damp proof membranes are sheets of specially designed plastic material that act as a waterproof barrier to protect walls and floors from water ingress.

How do you tank a damp basement?

How to tank a cellar – a step by step guide

1. 1) Clear the working area. The first step to tanking your basement or cellar is to prepare the area and walls. …
2. 2) Prepare the walls. …
3. 3) Cut the damp proof membrane to size. …
4. 4) Apply the product to the walls. …
5. 5) Add quick seal plugs. …
6. 6) Install the drainage channel.

Does my basement need tanking?

Cellars are often damp and unusable beyond storing the odd bottle of wine and old tin of paint. If you want to make full use of your cellar or basement, then you will need to keep it dry. Tanking systems provide an impermeable waterproofing coating to the walls and floor, helping keep cellars dry.

Will tanking stop damp?

If your walls are damp, it doesn’t only cause decorative issues but can also lead to a cold home. Tanking a room can help tackle mould and damp problems, as well as stopping water penetrating your building.

Is it worth tanking a cellar?

Cellar and Basement tanking is a great way to waterproof your basement, If you ever decide to go through with a cellar conversion (or basement conversion). Cellar tanking makes your cellar waterproof, which is important if you want to use the room for any living activities.

Can I plaster over tanking?

Can NO MORE DAMP Tanking Slurry be plastered over? NO MORE DAMP Renovation plaster can be used directly on top of NO MORE DAMP Tanking Slurry, but to improve adhesion we recommend first applying NO MORE DAMP SBR Latex as a bonding compound.

Does Tanking Slurry sweat?

Curing Cellar tanking



You may notice moisture as the slurry cures, this is ‘sweating’ and is nothing to worry about. It is a natural part of the curing process that normally occurs in the early drying stages and is caused by water vapour condensing onto cold surfaces.

How much does it cost to tank a basement UK?

To waterproof a damp cellar through tanking can cost as little as £40-80/m². However, remember that lowering the floor level to increase headroom costs around £200-300/m². A rough cost for underpinning the walls will come in at around £500-1,000/m².

How is tanking done?

Quote from Youtube video: Use a large masonry brush to brush of tanking onto the wall in horizontal lines don't brush it out quite paint get plenty on and make sure you've got a uniform thickness you'll need to keep whisking.

Does tanking require building regulations?

The Building Regulations stipulate that tanking must be applied to all new build structures below ground, but tanking can also be applied to existing buildings, to prevent water penetration into basements and cellars, as well as helping to tackle rising damp.

Can you paint over tanking?

A: Yes, you can paint over KA Tanking Slurry after it has dried, but treat it must be treated like new plaster and only a water based emulsion paint should be applied within the first 6 months..

How thick should Tanking Slurry be?

Tanking slurry can be either brush applied or trowel applied. On large scale jobs it can be spray applied but in the main, we advise the use of a good quality masonry brush. Above ground damp proofing typically only require a one coat application of 1.5 or 2mm thick.

Is Tanking Slurry any good?

Tanking slurry, though, does an excellent job of stopping this mould and water ingress in its tracks. It’s equally useful both above and below ground level, which is why it’s also commonly used for damp-proofing wet rooms and wet zones before they’re tiled.

Can tanking fail?

Tanking can fail for a number of reasons: Vibrations in the ground from passing trains or small earthquakes. The property settling into the ground. A build-up of hydrostatic pressure behind the tanking system.

How do you stop damp coming through walls?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Then use damp seal it'll seal your wall and stop any more damp coming through and damaging your new paint or wallpaper. First get your surface ready it doesn't need to be dry.

How do you damp proof an old building?

Install extra air bricks to allow ventilation. Get a professional to carry out a chemical injection DPC or any other retrofitted DPC if required. Use lime-based plasters and renovating plasters rather than cement where possible.

Will a dehumidifier get rid of damp?

A dehumidifier will extract moisture from the air, a bit like a tumble dryer extracts moisture from clothing. This will help your home dry out much faster. If you’re damp problem was caused by condensation in the first place, then a dehumidifier will solve the problem without you having to get the landlord involved.

How much does rising damp treatment cost?

The cost of fixing rising damp can be anywhere from £200 to £5000 depending on the scale of the problem. You must treat rising damp sooner rather than later.



Labour Costs and Timescales.

Can you damp proof without removing plaster?

Damp proof courses can sometimes be replaced or inserted / injected without removing plaster however the contractor must ensure the plaster is tested for the presence of hydrscopic salts which are often present due to being drawn up into the plaster by the rising damp.

Can I treat rising damp myself?

The only way to treat rising damp is to create a new damp-proofing course to prevent moisture movement through the structure. Historically, walls were cut into and masonry removed to install a new physical damp-proofing course along the masonry line. This process poses a number of problems for most structures.