Damp Proofing a Basement Through Cementitious Tanking
Cementitious tanking is a relatively simple and cost effective way to damp proof your basement and turn a storage space into a new living area that can help to increase the value of your property.
Many basements suffer from damp, as moisture from the surrounding earth has a tendency to leach through the walls and render the space uninhabitable. Provided that your basement is not at risk of flooding, tanking will ensure that damp cannot penetrate through the walls, and means that you can use it just like any other room in your house.
Cementitious tanking involves building up a series of cement-based waterproof layers over the walls of your basement. Although it can take some time to apply, as each coat has to dry before the next one can be added, once the process is finished it provides a very effective barrier against moisture, and means that the basement can then be decorated just like a normal room.
Any size or shape of basement can be damp proofed through tanking, as the layers are simply skimmed over the existing walls. However, if your basement is prone to flooding, you will need to use a more complex system, such as cavity drain membranes in order to prevent flood water from damaging your basement.
A cavity drain membrane uses dimpled sheets of polyethylene to effectively construct a waterproof room within a room. The dimples on the sheets attached to the basement walls create a space through which water can flow and air can circulate. Any water which enters the basement is kept outside the waterproof sheets and can be safely drained away.
The effort and expense involved in reclaiming your basement from damp is more than made up for by the new living space you will gain. Whether you want a games room, study or child's bedroom, a damp proofed basement gives you a host of new options for your property.
Many basements suffer from damp, as moisture from the surrounding earth has a tendency to leach through the walls and render the space uninhabitable. Provided that your basement is not at risk of flooding, tanking will ensure that damp cannot penetrate through the walls, and means that you can use it just like any other room in your house.
Cementitious tanking involves building up a series of cement-based waterproof layers over the walls of your basement. Although it can take some time to apply, as each coat has to dry before the next one can be added, once the process is finished it provides a very effective barrier against moisture, and means that the basement can then be decorated just like a normal room.
Any size or shape of basement can be damp proofed through tanking, as the layers are simply skimmed over the existing walls. However, if your basement is prone to flooding, you will need to use a more complex system, such as cavity drain membranes in order to prevent flood water from damaging your basement.
A cavity drain membrane uses dimpled sheets of polyethylene to effectively construct a waterproof room within a room. The dimples on the sheets attached to the basement walls create a space through which water can flow and air can circulate. Any water which enters the basement is kept outside the waterproof sheets and can be safely drained away.
The effort and expense involved in reclaiming your basement from damp is more than made up for by the new living space you will gain. Whether you want a games room, study or child's bedroom, a damp proofed basement gives you a host of new options for your property.
