Waterproof tanking membrane systems

Waterproof tanking

Waterproof tanking is used to treat damp walls by preventing water getting through the walls and by making walls permanently watertight.  When a walls surface is below the damp proof course, or partially below ground then it will remain damp as it is constantly against areas that naturally contain moisture and water. These areas will need to be tanked. The goal of this waterproofing is to ensure that the internal area is completely dry at all times.

There are various methods of waterproofing a room and the choice is dependent upon the exact requirements and the type of damp that you might have in your property.  Sometimes a combination of methods is needed to ensure your walls remain dry.

There are British Standards for waterproofing and they define the level of risk by the level of the water table.  This aligns the risk factor against the suitability of each type of protection.  It is best to get expert advice on any waterproofing you need to complete, so please do give us, M Coatings of Surrey, a call on 07506 700 503

Membrane tanking explained

• Membrane tanking is defined as physical membranes that are fixed to the walls and floor
• Lining the walls and floor and providing a barrier to the damp
• A dimpled plastic sheet fixed to brick, stone, block or render with plastic plugs to form an air gap cavity
• The membrane can have a plain surface for battening, or a mesh surface for direct plastering or plaster boarding
• Barrier tanking is difficult to maintain
• The slightest defect will allow water to permeate
• Final surface can be painted

Liquid tanking explained

• Liquid tanking is a cement-based slurry used as a liquid waterproof coating
• The application of a liquid waterproof coating can be done to both walls and floors
• Expert installation is required to ensure that there are no weaker areas within the coating and no patches are left uncovered, so it’s best to contact us for an professional application
• Walls need to be cleaned and treated with salt neutraliser before applying slurry
• Drying time is required. This can be between 24 and 48 hours for curing
• Usually requires 2 coats and time to cure between each coat
• Finished walls can be plastered or painted

External waterproofing explained

This is the application of a coating of waterproof membrane to the outside of a property for protection against water damage and flood risk. There are alternative methods to achieve the waterproofing – sheet membranes, pre-applied membranes, liquid systems, spray-applied elastomeric systems and cementitious systems.

Primary waterproofing

• A waterproof material applied directly to the external wall with brush or trowel.
• Specially designed coatings with high compression strength
• Watertight even under pressure

Secondary waterproofing

• Cavity membranes working on a drainage system removing water
• An extra, protective layer for the primary waterproofing
• Channels water into a sump chamber with pump
• Water moves to a drain or soak away point

By combining both primary and secondary waterproofing the risks of any defects are greatly reduced, ensuring the property is really watertight.

Properties that are in a flood risk area are quickly vulnerable to water damage, but these properties can be recovered at minimal cost and disruption if affordable flood protection is either retrofitted or supplied with new build properties. to protect your properties with a professional finish, contact our plastering contractors.

Structural waterproofing

This is how a basement can be waterproofed; it is usually planned in the design and build of a building; however some basements are dug out after the property has been built. There are various elements that will impact on the choice of waterproofing material to be used.

• Waterproofing protection by means of a barrier such as bonded membranes or cement based slurry coatings
• Waterproofing achieved by the design of the structure, or the materials used in construction, such as utilising a hydrocrete concrete – a water resistant concrete in conjunction with waterbars
• Water management system, protection applied to the internal structure, using a membrane that forms a cavity enabling water to drain away  
• Water management system including sump pumps to move water out of the basement to drains or soak aways.

Points to consider if building a new basement

When installing a new-build basement it is important to consider the environment within which the new basement will be sitting.

You will require a professional to produce a report who can also

• analyse soil type
• analyse ground drainage
• check for the presence of any potential contaminants
• check height of water table

All the above elements will greatly impact on which method of waterproofing will be required.  Always ensure that you use professionals to execute waterproofing work, such as M Coatings, because once the waterproofing of a building is complete it is very difficult, and often costly, to rectify any damage to the waterproofing system.

Waterproofing your home

If you are looking to waterproof an existing area of your home, or build a new basement then make sure that you get all the information you need before making any decisions.  Talk to our experts and we will be happy to give you advice on your project and how best to take it forward.

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