Basement Tanking

At Garratt’s Damp & Timber LTD, we understand that not all damp and timber issues require a one-size-fits-all solution. Therefore, we pride ourselves on offering bespoke solutions that allow us to effectively work with each unique issue presented to us by our clients. Don’t just take our word for it; visit our case studies page to discover the range of damp and timber solutions we’ve successfully completed for all manner of properties.

What is Basement Tanking?

Anyone who has sloshed around in six inches of water in a basement knows the despair of having this issue happen repeatedly. You can pump out the water, try to find the cause, fix it (temporarily), and then have it happen all over again.

There is only one way to combat persistent flooding of a home that is built below or partially below ground level – that is basement tanking.

Why do basements flood?

When a property sits below ground, water can easily penetrate the porous brick walls. During wet weather, water builds up and seeps through the walls into the basement.

Persistent flooding can cause serious damage to the fabric of a building. The build-up of water can put pressure on the main structure, weakening the brickwork and foundations. Extensive damp and mould issues can recur. Even if your basement does not flood outright, if there is a consistent smell of damp, then there is an ingress issue that needs resolving before it worsens.

Can you smell damp in your basement?

What does a damp survey involve?

Our experienced surveyors will visit your London property to assess the conditions that led to the flooding. The immediate area surrounding the house is considered, such as the flow of rainwater, the presence of groundwater, and the condition and size of the building. Sometimes a flood simulation is conducted to clarify the points of intrusion.

We then put together a programme of basement tanking works that is designed to eliminate any future risk of flood and water ingress, giving you the confidence to refurbish and redesign your basement into a viable space for living or business.

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FAQ

What happens if the basement is left un-tanked?

If you decide not to tank your basement and water ingress happens regularly, flooding can result in hydrostatic water pressure, which, in turn, decreases the stability of the basement walls. This can affect the integrity of the building as a whole and cause lasting damage that is increasingly expensive to repair.

Do you deal with Type B Waterproofing?

Type B Waterproofing relates to building fabrics that are prefabricated to provide damp/water barriers, generally introduced during property construction and not a specialism for Garratt’s.

What are the regulations relating to basement taking?

Any basement or cellar tanking in the UK is bound by British Regulations BS8102 2022 and has two remedial categories: Type A Waterproofing (cementitious tanking) and Type C Waterproofing (membrane tanking).

How much does basement tanking cost in the UK?

The cost of basement tanking is variable depending on the methods used, the amount of damage incurred, the size of the cellars and building, and access issues. We offer a survey to assess your individual damp proofing needs and quote individually for each job.

What is cementitious tanking?

Cementitious Type A Waterproofing is the simpler and more common waterproofing option. It involves creating a simple barrier that stops groundwater from entering and flooding your basement or cellar.

When is Type A waterproofing suitable?

Type A cementitious tanking is usually used for simpler remedial damp-proofing projects where there is little danger of serious groundwater ingress. You can learn more about Type A Waterproofing here.

What is Type C waterproofing?

Type C is a membrane-sealed tanking system that involves the implementation of a membrane to trap any water ingress before pumping it away.

When is Type C suitable?

Type C basement tanking is a more expensive and complex process but is more reliable, particularly for handling large and unpredictable volumes of water, and has a less structural effect on the building. You can learn more about Type C Waterproofing here.

Can I get a grant to tank my basement?

Unfortunately, there are no specific grants to help you with your basement tanking. If you have been flooded, then you need to contact your insurance company. Speak to the Garratt’s surveyor when they visit, as there may be some specialised schemes available depending on your building type and use.

Does basement tanking come with a guarantee?

All Garratt’s basement tanking solutions are signed off with an industry-standard 10-year guarantee.

What areas are covered by Garratt’s?

Garratt’s works across the London region. You can call us directly on 0208 535 7536 if you would like to book a survey, or simply fill in the form below, and we’ll get back in touch.

Basement Tanking

Membrane Sealed Tanking or Water Management System: Type C Waterproofing

Membrane Sealed Tanking is a more complex waterproofing system that involves the implementation of a membrane to trap any water ingress water before pumping it away.

Installation and How Type C Waterproofing Works

The process of implementing a Membrane Sealed Tanking system begins with clearing the internal walls of any loose, friable, and organic material prior to the installation of the membrane on all applicable walls, floors and ceilings, using specialised plugs. Any necessary piping or plumbing is sealed to the membrane using pre-prepared plugs or plyboards to ensure nothing is disrupted by the basement tanking process. Afterwards, perimeter channels are installed around the base of the walls or floor, leading to a sump and pump system that will carry the water away from the property to a suitable external drainage system.

In the same manner as Type A Waterproofing, Membrane Sealed Tanking installations are usually finished using high-quality plasterboard so that you can decorate your new space with ease.

This basement tanking system is designed to trap any water and guide it into the perimeter channels, where it is pumped away safely into the drains. The key difference between Type C Waterproofing and Type A Waterproofing is that Type C removes the water once inside. In contrast, Type A simply stops it from entering the basement structure.

Basement Tanking and Waterproofing Specialists in London

Boasting over 20 years of experience, the knowledgeable team at Garratt’s Damp & Timber is perfectly placed to survey your property and advise you on the best course of action. Our basement tanking solutions come with a 10-year guarantee, the industry standard so that you are 100% confident the work will last the duration.

We strive to offer honest, no-nonsense advice that works around you and your needs. Therefore, we offer a survey from one of our qualified surveyors (CSSW: Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing), complete with a post-survey report of everything we have found. We will answer all questions, such as, “how much does it cost to tank a cellar?”, anything you would like to know about the basement waterproofing membrane as well as how long the renovation works are expected to take.

We pride ourselves on offering impartial advice and a bespoke service, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch at 0208 535 7536 if you have any questions or if you would like to book a survey. Our catchment area for basement tanking in London includes the following:

  • North London
  • West London
  • Southwest London
  • East London
  • Surrey
  • Kent
  • Essex
  • Middlesex

To book a survey or submit an enquiry about cellar tanking in London, please use the form below. Once complete, we will be able to provide you with a cellar tanking cost:

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