A Comprehensive Guide to Tanking and Sika Rendering for Basement Waterproofing
Many London properties have a basement, indeed adding below-ground living space has become popular in this vibrant city, where space is at a premium and here at London Damp Specialists, we have successfully waterproofed basements when they are being constructed and we also work with existing below-ground living space, providing essential damp protection.
What exactly is basement tanking?
Basement tanking is the waterproofing of the floor, walls and ceiling of a basement, totally sealing it from exterior moisture. This ensures the space is free from mould and mildew and when carried out by our tanking experts, we offer a 30-year guarantee, which is a reflection of our workmanship. Of course, the ideal time to tank a basement is when it is under construction, however, our technicians can work on existing basements, achieving a total waterproof barrier. The ground gets very wet thanks to the damp UK climate and basements are at high risk of moisture penetration and require a system that is totally waterproof.
What is Sika rendering?
Sika is a waterproof type of rendering that is applied to the floors, walls and ceilings of basements; which is ideal for pre-built basements that require moisture protection. Some existing layers may have to be removed and the surfaces are prepared prior to applying a waterproof membrane; our qualified technicians can make recommendations based on their extensive knowledge and experience. A lot depends on the extent of any water damage, as to how much of the existing surfaces need to be removed. Sika is a brand name of top-quality waterproof rendering and there are several products that we use to waterproof basements.
Mould
Mould grows in damp places and that causes respiratory issues, not to mention the unpleasant odour that emanates from damp materials. Our team can quickly identify whether or not your basement is in need of tanking, especially when mould is present. You should not take chances when you and your family’s health is concerned, a damp basement can quickly become a health hazard; call in the experts and remedial work can be carried out by professionals.
Tanking basement testing
If you would like a quote to carry out tanking on your basement, our professional teams at London Damp Specialists are happy to visit your site and provide you with a written quotation to carry out the necessary work to completely waterproof the space.
If you are in the process of planning to build below ground on your property, it makes total sense to call in a top-rated basement tanking specialist, a company with the knowledge and resources to make your basement fully waterproof and what’s more, we offer a 30-year guarantee on all our work. This is the best time to undertake basement waterproofing, but if your existing cellar or basement is showing signs of damp penetration, our experts at London Damp Specialists are ready and waiting.
Call us on 020 8528 3864 anytime and our team of experts can visit your site and offer a professional quote, then you can start the process before any damage is caused.
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: