About Tanking
What Is Tanking?
Tanking Is A Generic Term Used To Describe Various Mediums Which Are
Used To Prevent Water Entering A Below Ground Building Such As A
Basement Or Underground Vault. Tanking Membranes Are Specialist
Barriers Which Are Applied Within The Structure To Physically Hold
Back Water Ingress And Are The More Traditional Method Of Protection
From Water Rising At Ground Level.
Will Tanking Stop Damp?
YES! Is the simple answer....
Tanking walls will prevent damp problems as it forms an impermeable waterproof barrier.
The barrier is formed using a specialist tanking slurry or mortar that is applied directly
on to the walls and/or ceiling, in most cases some form of bonding material is also used to
help the mortar stick. Tanking Slurry is easy to apply with the correct skills and is the
coating for foundation walls below-ground level. Incorrect use of materials or application
may still allow damp to penetrate these areas as extra stress is applied to below-ground areas.
Tanking Is A Generic Term Used To Describe Various Mediums Which Are
Do I Need To Tank My Basement/Cellar?
It depends on what you use it for, in short...
Cellars and basements are often damp and unusable unless you are only storing the odd bottle of wine
and household tools. If you would like to make full use of your cellar or basement, then you will
need to keep it dry to protect the items you are storing. Tanking systems provide a waterproofing
coating to the walls and floor creating an impermeable layer, helping keep cellars moisture-free.
How Do I Reduce Moisture In My Basement/Cellar?
There are a number of suggestions that may help to reduce the moisture such as:
- Repair Settlement Cracks
- Extend Downspouts to Reduce Seepage
- Naturally Reduce Moisture With a Rain Barrel
- Reduce Condensation
- Dryer Ventilation
- Run a Dehumidifier to Reduce Moisture in the Air
These methods are only a short-term solution. The only true way to fully remove moisture and water-proof
your under-ground storage space are to have specialist water-proofing agents applied to your walls
and/or the ceilings.
How Long Does It Take To Waterproof A Basement/Cellar?
This depends largely on several factors...
Most internal de-watering underground systems take between 2-5 days to complete. The timeline
greatly depends on any obstacles that may be in the way, concrete thickness, the stability of the
current structure, as well as taking into account the size of the area.