3 Tested & Proven
Basement Tanking & Waterproofing Solutions
- To waterproof or tank a basement is to add a form of non-porous material or coat which is obviously waterproof to prevent damping.
- Diligent Development the experts in basement tanking have come up with a few solutions you can learn about.
The Best Top 2 Tested & Trusted Basement Tanking Systems
Water, moisture, or dampness in a cellar or basement is a common nuisance that can lead to a problem with mould or mildew.
To stop wetness from coming in, all underground walls require the process of basement tanking to keep water at bay and turn the space below your house into liveable rooms. A dry basement or cellar is the ultimate goal if you want to use the space even if it’s just for storage.
What is basement tanking?
Tanking is a term used when talking about basement waterproofing, creating a waterproof foundation, damp proofing, or tanking a cellar.
While you may think the word tanking implies something like a fish tank where you fill a container with water to keep the water inside, tanking a basement instead creates a seal on your walls to keep the water out of your basement or cellar.
Tanking uses either a special slurry mix or a completely waterproof membrane to apply to the surface of the walls to keep water out. If you want to keep water or dampness from coming into your basement, tanking is the way to go.
Waterproofing Damp Cellars
Why is dampness a problem?
Waterproofing basement walls with basement tanking can be used to prevent water from entering a building or after flood waters have come in either from above or from below in the water table. However, your home doesn’t have to be built near a river or flooding-prone area to benefit from proper basement waterproofing. Construction that is even partially below ground is most susceptible to a moisture problem because the space is underground where water from the retaining soil seeps through the walls. Besides the wetness, when this water comes through the wall, it brings the minerals and salts that are in the soil surrounding the basement or cellar walls. When this happens, the walls become damp and wet with condensation that can lead to a problem with mould.
Three tested and proven water tanking or waterproofing methods
Depending on who you talk to, each water tanking option may be called something slightly different with some terms used such as bitumen, cementitious, or liquid waterproofing.
The two most common waterproofing solutions used for tanking are a pore-blocking tanking slurry mix and tanking membrane sheets with cavity drainage. Both methods are easiest done during the construction process as a preventative step to keep moisture out when applied from the outside of the walls. A third method that some may recommend is an epoxy resin or polyurethane fill injection that is best used as an interior remedy to repair cracks or holes.
Of course, before any waterproofing basement walls begins, make sure you have taken care of the root of the problem by discovering where the dampness or flooding is coming from and addressing a solution to stop the source of the water first. One way to tackle an ongoing water issue is by using a sump and pump system that channels water to be drained out of the building. If you are having new construction built, make sure you start with a dry basement foundation that is properly tanked to avoid a wet basement.
Of course, before any waterproofing basement walls begins, make sure you have taken care of the root of the problem by discovering where the dampness or flooding is coming from and addressing a solution to stop the source of the water first. One way to tackle an ongoing water issue is by using a sump and pump system that channels water to be drained out of the building. If you are having new construction built, make sure you start with a dry basement foundation that is properly tanked to avoid a wet basement.
Pore-blocking water tanking slurry seals out water
Seal the walls
The basement tanking slurry mix is, also called cementitious tanking, is intended to block the pores on the surrounding walls and floor to create a watertight seal that keeps water out by creating a damp proofing barrier.
Tanking slurry is a mixture of cement, aggregates, and chemicals. Sometimes, an acrylic polymer is added to create a stronger bond. The slurry comes either pre-mixed or in the form of a powder that is mixed with water before applying it to the walls and floor. It is applied in between multiple coats of cement and is used for structural waterproofing.
The slurry mix contains polymers that adhere to the walls to increase strength. The slurry can be applied directly to the walls even if they have already become damp. Once it has been applied, it is able to stand up to water pressure from outside and becomes a physical barrier to keep water from coming through the walls creating a water tight solution.
Preparing the surface of walls already built is important
In existing walls, the first and very important step is preparing the masonry surfaces for the application of the pore-blocking slurry. In new construction, this is part of the build. In established homes or older cellars, this step may take some time depending on how much plaster, paint, mortar joints, or other components of construction needs to be stripped to reach the underlying original masonry as well as whether or not cracks or holes need to first be filled or unstable walls need to first be repaired to make sure it will stand up to water pressure. It’s important to do it right to ensure waterproofing.
Membrane water tanking tackles the drainage
Installing a membrane allows water to drain while sealing it out
A studded membrane consists of high-density polyethylene and is adhered to the basement walls using plastic lugs, sometimes called studs. The lugs used have mastic seals which are attached behind the head. These studs create an air gap that depressurises any water that attempts to force through the walls causing the moisture to go back into the membrane and be channeled out through the drainage, either using gravity or a pump. After installing the membrane sheet, water is allowed to flow down from the cavity and exit through the drainage system.
Waterproof and drain
The membrane system is most effective for homes located in high water table areas or for older buildings that have failing masonry work.
The membrane cavity drainage method works together with a separate drainage water management system that may allow water in before sending it out through a sump pump or other drainage means. It provides a dimpled membrane that is applied to all of the areas prone to water damage. The dimpled sections of the membrane work to create continuous air cavities that allows air to circulate and water to drain. When used to waterproof a basement, the membranes are fully sealed and help with managing water ingress.
Epoxy resin or polyurethane fill is a quick and easy fix
Fill foundation cracks and holes
An epoxy resin or polyurethane fill method of waterproofing is an affordable method of sealing off cracks or holes found in basement floors and walls. This method is generally considered a fix to cracking that has occurred due to ground settling or some other problem that is causing the walls or floors to crack and allow water in. The epoxy resin or polyurethane fill is applied from the inside of the house and is injected into the hole or crack and dries quickly leaving a sturdy waterproof seal. While the end result is very durable, it’s important that you also address the root of the issue as to what caused the crack. Often, it’s a water drainage issue that may be due to faulty gutters or the slope of your ground.
Keep these important tips in mind before beginning to water tank your basement or cellar
Using earth-friendly, sustainable options is good for the environment
To uphold an earth-friendly solution to your water problem, it is important that the tanking or waterproofing method you use is compliant with sustainable home codes and can be used in existing or newly built construction. Some tanking sealers are made with recycled materials.
Before you start water tanking consult an expert
Before you begin any basement tanking work to create a waterproof foundation for your basement or cellar in an existing home, it’s important to consult with a structural engineer to make sure your walls are sturdy enough to withstand water pressure before applying a water tanking fix.
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