Basement & Cellar Tanking

Tanking is one of the oldest and most reliable ways to waterproof a basement or cellar. A cementitious coating bonds directly to the masonry. It forms a continuous barrier that stops water and damp passing into the room.

Done properly, tanking turns a cold, damp cellar into a dry space for storage, utility or, with the right build-up, habitable rooms. However, the result depends on meticulous preparation and correct detailing at every junction. That is where specialist experience matters.

We tank cellars and basements across London's period property stock. First, we match the system to the condition of the structure and how you plan to use the space. For example, a wine cellar needs a different specification from a home office. Tanking is a Type A system under BS 8102, and we often combine it with a cavity drainage membrane for belt-and-braces protection.

Because tanking sits on the wall, the wall must be sound before we start. A free survey checks the masonry, the source of the water and any external defects. As a result, you get a written specification and a fixed price before any work begins.

Tanking suits solid masonry walls and floors. It works best when the wall is sound and the water source is clear. If the wall is weak, we repair it first. Our survey tells you which case applies, so there are no surprises on site.

Dry walls are only part of the job. We also look at floor levels, drains and the way each wall meets the floor. Since weak joints are where water gets in, we seal them with care. You then get a firm price and a guarantee in writing.