Basement Waterproofing – A Comprehensive Guide to Tanking and Sika Rendering
There are many properties in London that have basements, while quite a few homeowners decide to add a basement at a later stage. London real estate is very expensive and when you can’t build up or to the side, the only way to increase your living space is to build an underground room, which brings with it many challenges, not least keeping moisture and water at bay. In this short article, we take a look at basement tanking and Sika rendering to help you gain a deeper understanding of how to waterproof a basement.
Common basement waterproofing systems
Popular basement tanking solutions include the following:
Cavity drainage system
If regular tanking (waterproofing the walls) is not going to keep the interior dry, then a cavity drainage system is the way to go. The system has 3 main components; textured membrane, floor drainage channels and a sump area with a pump that directs the water to designated drainage locations. The membrane is studded to create a cavity behind the walls, which becomes a sealed area to contain water.
Basement tanking
A very effective way to waterproof a basement is to apply Sika rendering, which is a water-resistant cement that can be applied to walls and ceilings, effectively creating a waterproofed square enclosure. This is the most common solution for basement tanking in London; the ideal situation is to waterproof the basement when it is being built, yet many of our projects involve waterproofing an existing structure.
Multi-layered cement
Using the best water-resistant cement with multiple layers creates a strong seal; at London Damp Specialists, our teams are highly skilled at what they do. They love a challenge, rest assured that you won’t have damp issues with our basement tanking solutions. The walls, floors and ceilings are coated and when dry, we inspect the seals; this solution is ideal for ground with adequate drainage.
Professional survey
If you are ready to have your basement damp protected, call London Damp Specialists on 020 7458 4864 or complete the online form on this website. A homeowner survey is comprehensive and involves the use of thermal imagery, borescope cameras, moisture metres and drone imagery, when we need to closely inspect areas of the roof and upper walls. We can check the guttering, unblocking it to avert a waterfall cascading down the walls. If you are looking to waterproof the basement, we can put a proposal together, recommending the most effective solution.
Gold seal guarantee
We are proud of the high standards we achieve, so much so that we offer an unconditional 30-year guarantee; if your basement leaks, we will carry out repairs at no cost to you. The peace of mind such a warranty brings is value in itself; we create a plan, clear the space and start the process, with each stage meticulously implemented and we invite you to inspect the finished job.
Basement waterproofing is our business and we cover every London Borough; we can treat woodworm, wet and dry rot, while we also deal with condensation, which is common with the wet, damp weather that never seems to end!
Damp Survey Costs
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for our independent, unbiased surveys.
Level 1
What’s included:
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 2
What’s included:
- Everything in Level 1
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 3 (Most Popular)
What’s included:
- Everything in Level 1 & Level 2
- Thermal Imaging
- Air humidity testing
- HD boroscope camera
- Brickwork pointing inspection
- DPC inspection
- Ventilation flow test on extractor fans
- 4K drone imagery roof, chimney stack
and guttering inspection - Structural condition inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Survey Add Ons
Add On 1
Laboratory analysis Of plaster identifies hygroscopic salts such as chlorides and nitrates. which indicate whether damp is caused by rising groundwater or by plumbing leaks, This testing removes guesswork, allowing the exact source of moisture to be identified so the correct treatment is applied rather than carrying out unnecessary damp-proofing work.
Add On 2
qPCR DNA mould testing detects microscopic mould spores that are invisible during a normal inspection and van remain hidden behind walls, floors. or inside building rkaterials. It identifies the exact mould species present and the contamination level, allowing hidden mould problems to be confirrned and properly treated before they affect the property or occupants’ health.
Qualifications: All our surveyors are PCA and CSRT qualified for remedial treatments and also CSSW qualified for structural waterproofing.
Next day report: You will receive the report within 24 hours of the inspection taking place.
The survey fee will be deducted from the cost of any recommended repairs.
These are the tools we use
A damp meter
A damp meter is a diagnostic tool used to detect and measure moisture levels within building materials such as plaster, brick, timber, and concrete.
Borescope camera
borescope camera is a small inspection camera attached to a flexible semi-rigid cable that allows you to see inside areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
Inspection Drone
A drone is a remotely operated aerial device equipped with a camera that allows visual inspection from above without the need for scaffolding or ladder.
Air Humidity Sensor
Air humidity sensor measures the amount of moisture present in the air, expressed as relative humidity (RH) in percentage. It helps determine whether indoor conditions are contributing to condensation, mould growth, or damp-related issues.
Thermal Imaging Camera
A thermal imaging camera detects temperature differences on surfaces by using infrared technology to produce a heat map image. In damp investigations, it helps identify cold spots, moisture intrusion, insulation defects, thermal bridging and leaks.
Air Flow Ventilation Detector
An air flow ventilation detector measures the movement and volume of air passing through vents, extractor fans, and air bricks. It confirms whether ventilation systems are working properly and achieving adequate air changes within a room. Poor airflow leads to trapped moisture, high humidity, condensation on cold surfaces, and ultimately mould growth.
Mould Swab Test Kit
A mould swab test is carried out to confirm the presence of hidden mould growth and identify the specific species involved. Surface mould is not always visible, especially behind furniture, inside cavities, or within ventilation systems. Laboratory analysis of a swab sample determines whether active mould spores are present and what type they are, which helps assess potential health risks and decide the correct remediation approach rather than relying on visual assumption alone.
Plaster Salt Analysis Lab
Laboratory analysis of plaster is used to identify the type of salts present within the material, typically chlorides and nitrates. The presence and concentration of these salts help determine whether the moisture source is consistent with rising damp, ground contamination, or another forms [sic] of water ingress. such as mains water leak, This removes guesswork and prevents misdiagnosis, ensuring the correct remedial treatment is specified rather than applying unnecessary or ineffective solutions.
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form: