When is Basement Tanking Necessary?

Water and moisture-based damage are some of the most common causes of serious structural damage. As a result, many homes and commercial property owners can be left with expensive and extensive repair tasks that demand immediate treatment to ensure the property remains safe. A continual and frequent cycle of redecoration is not the answer.

Water, being perhaps the most invasive of all elements, can make its way through any material that is even remotely porous. This can spell trouble for home and business owners who have basements that are adjacent to sources of high moisture and have partial or fully earth retaining walls, as the moisture can quickly penetrate the mortar within the wall and cause damage internally.

One of the most efficient ways to prevent moisture-related structural issues within your basement is through waterproofing or tanking. Basement tanking is possible with and without a supporting wall depending on the specific situation and structure, but before exploring how basement waterproofing can help, it’s important to understand exactly what damage damp can cause.

Types of Water-Related Damage

Basement tanking can become a requisite in conditions of extreme moisture and in regions where the climate is mostly damp. Properties built in areas where rainfall is abundant or the earth permanently has a high water content that makes it difficult for the ground to drain thus placing a strain on the structure. It can sometimes require drastic waterproofing measures to ensure structural health.

This is to prevent key or supporting walls from pressure caused by the groundwater coming to bear on the structure, thus becoming susceptible to seepage and damage to decoration. However, this is not the only type of water damage that occurs. There are other less superficial and more serious concerns that damp and water penetration can lead to.

Some of these issues include:

• Rusting of brick supporting iron armatures and rods within walls due to the moisture and/or water seepage
• Paint deteriorating and flaking due to persistent moisture, sometimes a lumpy finish plaster due to salting
• Supporting walls beginning to sag, bow, bend or give way as a result of excessive water pressure
• Structural integrity of the affected room, walls and pillars becoming compromised over time
• Worst case scenario - walls caving in and support structures giving way, resulting in extensive damage and potential injury

4 Key Benefits of Basement Tanking

These different types of water-related damage clearly demonstrate how important it is to take preventive measures, rather than tackle the problem when it becomes severe. Following are some of the benefits of basement tanking, as well as guidelines on when it’s necessary to take the appropriate waterproofing measures.

• A basement can be an asset to your home and business if made safe and comfortable through waterproofing. Having removed the threat of structural instability or musty environment concerns, basements are excellent as additional living, home office or storage spaces. Such areas are gaining more use in the commercial sector too
• Supporting walls and pillars can be protected from moisture, thereby allowing them to retain their structural integrity for far longer, even permanently, in the case that the basement has a full tanking system
• There are several health risks associated with water seeping through walls and dampening them. Walls which are damp are generally colder as well as prone to mould, which could be toxic or cause respiratory problems
• Installing adequate waterproofing measures can potentially increase the value of your home or commercial space and make it safer for users and residents. If you plan on selling your property, having basement tanking can be a prominent plus point for the buyer, making for a quick and successful sales process

When to Waterproof Your Basement

Regarding when you should consider basement tanking, the key point to consider is that prevention is better than cure. If you have an underground space and you know the supporting walls have not been tanked, then moving quickly is the best way to avoid long-term structural issues or expensive repair bills. Additionally, if you notice mould growth, damp walls, or any general water damage, then you should consider basement tanking an absolute priority. The faster and more efficiently that you can get these issues addressed, the more futureproof your property.

Regardless of whether your business or home currently has basement health issues or not, staying aware of the threats that it could face is the best way to prevent future issues. At Garratt’s Damp and Timber, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with an impartial, honest and reliable basement tanking service. Whatever your issues, we can help to create a safe, waterproof underground space that will last you for decades to come. Give us a call now on 0208 535 7536 for more information or book your survey today.