Basement Waterproofing for London Properties

Many London homes have below-ground living space and with a high level of moisture retention, basement waterproofing is big business. Damp is a very real threat to all London buildings and especially so with properties that have basements and cellars that are prone to rising and penetrating damp. Mould is another major threat, especially in moist environments with little or no ventilation, which is a known health hazard. If you notice a musty smell in the basement, it is likely that mould is present, in which case, you should book an independent damp survey by calling London Damp Proofing Ltd or entering information in the online booking form on this website.

There are two main types of basement waterproofing treatment, which are as follows:

Basement Tanking

Basement tanking involves the removal of damp and damaged plaster, then treating the substrate before applying a waterproof render, which is allowed to dry fully, then another coat is added. Finally, a skim of plaster is added and the walls are ready for paint or wallpaper. Ceilings are also treated this way and flooring would be treated with waterproof cement, with several layers added. If done correctly, basement tanking provides a watertight seal for below-ground space and in many cases, basement tanking is the best solution.

Cavity Drainage System

Designed for basements with serious moisture presence, this is a system that creates a space between the outer and inner walls, ceilings and floors, which is used to channel water to a sump area under the floor, where it is pumped to designated drainage points. Studded membrane is fitted to all walls and ceilings and a waterproof render is applied to the internal surfaces, followed by a skim of water-resistant plaster. The floor has channels for water to run to a waiting sump area, thus keeping the internal area dry and fully waterproof.

Surveying London Basements

At London Damp Proofing Ltd, we have more than 40 years of hands-on experience inspecting below-ground living space, looking for signs of damp, mould, woodworm and timber rot. We can provide an accurate assessment and long-term treatment options; we do not undertake basement waterproofing, however, we do work closely with one of London’s top basement waterproofing companies.

Tell-Tale Signs of Damp and Mould in a Basement

The signs include:

• Damp and damaged plaster
• A musty smell in the basement
• Mould growth on walls and timber
• Peeling wallpaper
• Bubbling paint on walls and timber frames
• Condensation forming on walls and windows

Damp can quickly cause serious damage in a basement, especially if it is only used for storage and not visited very often. A few months is all it takes to cause thousands of pounds worth of damage, so regular inspections are advised.

The Importance of Ventilation in Basements and Cellars

Underground living space needs to have a positive airflow, which can be provided by a series of extractor fans; there are specific cellar ventilation systems that top damp-proofing companies use that are heavy-duty, easy to maintain and silent when operational. The vast majority of basements that we assess do have ventilation issues and we carry out a ventilation flow test that accurately measures air movement within a space.

Basement Waterproofing New Builds

Of course, if you are planning to build a basement under your London home, it is much easier to carry out the damp-proofing during the construction, especially if a cavity drainage system is recommended. If you are still in the planning stage, this is the ideal time to contact us and we can send a PCA-certified surveyor to advise you accordingly.

Waterproofing an Existing Basement

Regardless of which system is used, the basement must be completely emptied of all furniture and objects. The basement tanking company we recommend work quickly and the project is completed according to the agreed timeline, and they are so confident in their workmanship.

If you would like a professional damp survey carried out, contact London Damp Proofing Ltd during office hours or complete the online survey booking form on this site and we will be in touch shortly.