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Tanking Walls

Tanking Walls by London Property Preservation offers a specialised solution in waterproofing and protecting your property’s walls from moisture ingress. With expert techniques and durable materials, we ensure your walls remain dry, secure, and aesthetically pleasing, safeguarding your property’s integrity and value.
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What Is Tanking Walls?

Tanking walls refers to a method of waterproofing and damp proofing walls, primarily in below-ground level areas like basements or cellars. This process involves applying a waterproof coating or membrane to the interior or exterior surfaces of the walls, creating a “tank-like” barrier against moisture. Typically, this is crucial in areas where the water table is high or where lateral damp penetration can occur. The tanking material, which can be a cement-based slurry, a liquid membrane, or a sheet membrane, is applied to ensure a fully watertight seal. This technique is vital in preventing not only water ingress but also issues related to damp such as mould growth, structural damage, and heat loss. Appropriate for new constructions and existing buildings, tanking is an essential measure in maintaining a dry, healthy, and structurally sound environment.

Why You Need Tanking

Tanking is essential for several reasons, particularly in maintaining the structural integrity and internal environment of a building. Primarily, it protects against water ingress in areas prone to high moisture levels or where subterranean water can seep in, such as basements, cellars, and underground garages. Without adequate tanking, buildings are at risk of developing damp issues, leading to mould growth, which can have significant health implications and deteriorate indoor air quality. Structurally, water penetration can weaken walls, causing cracks, decay in timber, and corrosion in metal reinforcements. Tanking also plays a critical role in insulating properties, contributing to thermal efficiency by preventing damp and cold spots. In terms of property value, a well-maintained, damp-free property stands at a higher market value, making tanking a wise investment. Whether for renovation, new construction, or historical restoration, tanking ensures longevity, safety, and comfort in a building.

Keep Your Home Looking Like New For Years To Come

Why Choose Us

London Property Preservation is a local and trusted firm in the areas in and around London. With a strong passion for helping our customers combined with our great attention to detail, you can rest assured that your property is in the right hands.
1
Damp Solution Specialists
Our team of staff is highly knowledgeable when it comes to finding and removing dampness from your home. With many years of experience in providing damp solutions and proofing services, our team is the go-to company for any damp problems.
2
A Family-Run Business
London Property Preservation is a close-knit, family-run business of which we are openly proud. With open communication between the team, our services are seamless, efficient, and reliable.
3
Solutions That Are For The Future
At London Property Preservation, we understand that dampness can be a reoccurring issue if the root issue is not amended effectively. Our mission is to protect our customers’ homes from dampness, in the present as well as the future.

What Our Customers Say

patricia wolf
patricia wolf
2023-11-20
Terribly disingenuous, do not use! We asked London property preservation to sort a bit of damp in our lower ground in 2020. I did not want much upheaval as I had tenants in the house. They promised us all would be sorted with little disturbance and they would guarantee the work. I got a quote, accepted it (not cheap, but o they offered a guarantee). Once they arrive on site they told me there were additional works. They showed a video, again, we agreed and paid, no questions asked. Water started coming in again… it took ages for them to answer emails (the server was apparently down), I then had to pay for them to look at the damage and now they are coming up with every excuse in the book to wiggle out of repairs. It clearly is the area they repaired, the same problem as before. I paid, I kept all reports and videos. These are not honest trades men. Don’t use them.
Brijesh Patel
Brijesh Patel
2023-11-09
Excellent customer service from Denise from the start to the end. Work was done to a high standard & also would like to mention surveyor James who pinned pointed the cause of damp. Thank you all.
Dilith Nanayakkara
Dilith Nanayakkara
2023-09-22
LPP, specifically Jim, provided exceptional service, promptly resolving my damp issue. Highly recommended for their professionalism and expertise.
Richard Chapman
Richard Chapman
2023-08-12
Must say thanks to Jim and his team for doing a fantastic job on my dry rot issue. They were always on time and very courteous. The work was of a very professional quality. Will definitely hire them again.
Jack Robins
Jack Robins
2023-08-09
I noticed a damp patch on my wall and contacted a few local damp companies to come and carry out a quote. I chose to go with London Property Preservations recommendations due to their fair price and above average customer service, they answered any and all questions and concerns I had. The works were done within schedule & the operatives were clean, tidy and polite. I’ll definitely use them and recommend them to others.
Lorraine Egan
Lorraine Egan
2023-08-09
We used LPP to survey and rectify a damp problem in one of our rental properties that we own in Purley. The surveyor came out and met us at the property. He looked at the problem, proposed a remedy and quoted a good price which was much more reasonable compared to other quotes we had. They also liaised directly with our tenants as well as keeping us informed at all times. A convenient date for the work to be completed was arranged. LPP were on punctual and polite, completed the work within the agreed timeframe and left the property clean and tidy. I was extremely impressed and happy as were our tenants. Thanks to all at LLP great job!!! would never go anywhere else and would recommend to anyone.
John Egan
John Egan
2023-08-09
We used LPP to survey and rectify a damp problem in a flat we own in South Croydon. The surveyor came out and met me there. He looked at the problem, proposed a remedy and quoted (which was very reasonable compared to others). LLP liaised with the tenants of the property as well as myself and arranged a date for the work to be completed. On the date of works they turned up on time, completed the work to be done and cleared up after themselves. I was extremely happy as were my tenants. Thanks LLP and the team! I wouldn’t use anyone else now…. Thanks again.
Kenny & Jackie McFarlane
Kenny & Jackie McFarlane
2023-08-09
Jim and his boys were brilliant, very professional, always on time and cleared up everytime before they finished for the night, never left any tools lying about where you could trip over them and excellent value.
Tracey Absballoony
Tracey Absballoony
2023-08-09
Prompt and professional. Work carried out to a high standard and communication was excellent at all stages. Totally recommend.

Our Process

The team at London Property Preservation understands that finding dampness in your home can be a worrying and distressing time. This is why we put great importance on providing a service that is efficient, simple, yet still accurate and reliable.
1
Get In Touch
The first step for anyone worried about dampness in their home is to get in touch with a friendly member of the team. From there, they can help you arrange a free damp survey, based on your date and time requirements.
2
A Specialist Will Survey & Investigate Your Home For Damp
Once the damp survey has been scheduled, one of our damp specialists will be around on the specified date to begin the investigation process. This will be as hassle-free as possible, to ensure there are minimal disruptions in your home.
3
A Plan For Damp Removal & Damp Proofing Will Be Put Together
After our specialist knows exactly what work needs doing and what the cause of the dampness is, they can then put together a plan. This will go through what method of damp proofing needs to be taken, as well as extra recommendations to avoid any future issues.

Kickstart Your Damp Proofing With Our Free Damp Surveys

How Do You Tank a Wall

Tanking a wall involves a series of steps that must be followed to ensure a completely waterproof barrier. The process begins with preparing the surface; the wall needs to be clean, free of loose material, and as smooth as possible. Any cracks or openings should be sealed with a suitable filler. Next, the choice of tanking material is critical. For cement-based tanking, the mix should be prepared following the manufacturer’s guidelines. The tanking application starts at the wall-floor junction, proceeding upwards in a uniform layer. It’s essential to cover the entire area uniformly, paying extra attention to corners and joints, which are potential weak points for moisture ingress. For optimal results, especially in areas with high water pressure, a second coat may be necessary. The tanking must then be left to cure as per the specified time before any further work, like plastering or painting, is carried out.

How to Apply Tanking Slurry

Applying tanking slurry is a critical part of waterproofing walls. First, the wall surface must be adequately prepared. It should be structurally sound, free from loose particles, dirt, oil, and grease. Any existing paint or coatings need to be removed to ensure the slurry bonds effectively to the wall. Holes, gaps, and cracks must be filled and smoothed out. Prior to the application of the tanking slurry, the wall should be dampened with water to help the adhesion of the slurry. Mix the tanking slurry according to the manufacturer’s instructions until a smooth, lump-free consistency is achieved. Apply the slurry with a stiff brush, working it well into the surface. Start from the bottom and work upwards in a vertical motion to avoid missing any areas. A second coat is usually applied at right angles to the first, ensuring a thorough coverage. Allow adequate drying time between coats and before finishing the wall.

Types of Damp Proofing

Basements are more prone to receiving dampness than other areas in a home, and therefore, basement waterproofing is a popular process for the team here. Rejuvenate your basement into a usable or living space by damp proofing.
Plastering
Our plastering and replastering services allow your walls to be revived from dampness. There are many possible causes for dampness occurring on your walls, which is why we put such a strong focus on providing leading-quality plastering services.
We specialise in providing solutions and treatments for any wood or timber surfaces that are struggling with dampness. Utilising the latest techniques and equipment, you can rest assured that London Property Preservation will take care of your dry rot treatment requirements.
Rising damp, although rare is very important to treat sooner rather than later. This type of dampness can cause structural damage in the long run and should be looked at by professionals as soon as possible.
Basements are more prone to receiving dampness than other areas in a home, and therefore, basement waterproofing is a popular process for the team here. Rejuvenate your basement into a usable or living space by damp proofing.
Condensation is one of the biggest causes of dampness in UK homes, which is why condensation control solutions are crucial if your home is struggling with the correct levels of ventilation.

Tanking Membrane for Walls

Tanking membranes for walls are an effective solution for waterproofing, especially in areas prone to dampness or water ingress. Unlike tanking slurry, which creates a rigid barrier, tanking membranes offer a more flexible approach, making them ideal for structures susceptible to slight movements or vibrations. These membranes are typically dimpled sheets that allow water to channel away from the wall surface. Installation begins with the preparation of the wall surface, ensuring it is clean and even. The membrane is then cut to size and securely fastened to the wall, often using special fixing plugs. This method creates an air gap between the wall and the membrane, allowing the wall to breathe and preventing moisture from coming into direct contact with the building fabric. This system is highly beneficial as it not only stops water penetration but also deals with any condensation issues. Tanking membranes can be used in combination with internal drainage systems for areas with high water tables, providing a robust solution for basement conversions or retrofits in older properties.

basement

Tanking Walls Cost

The cost of tanking walls can vary widely, depending primarily on the size of the area, the method used, and the condition of the walls. Generally, a basic tanking job using slurry might cost from several hundred to a few thousand pounds. Factors affecting the price include the type of tanking material (slurry, membrane, or a combination of both), the extent of wall preparation required, and whether additional features like insulation need to be incorporated. Installation of a tanking membrane, for instance, might be more costly than applying a slurry due to the materials and labour involved. However, it’s a long-term investment in protecting a property against potential damages caused by damp and water ingress, which can be significantly more expensive to rectify later. It’s also worth noting that professional installation is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the tanking and typically comes with a guarantee, adding value despite the initial expenditure. When considering tanking, obtaining multiple quotes and understanding the guarantees offered by different suppliers and installers can help in making an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tanking walls involves applying a waterproof barrier to the walls, primarily below ground level like in basements or cellars, to prevent moisture ingress. This can be done using various methods such as cement-based tanking slurry, liquid membranes, or tanking membranes, depending on the specific requirements of the building.
Tanking can be applied to most types of walls; however, the effectiveness and method will depend on the wall’s material, condition, and the level of moisture it’s exposed to. A professional assessment is recommended to choose the most suitable tanking method for your walls.
The lifespan of a tanking system varies based on the materials used and the quality of installation. Generally, a well-installed tanking system can last several decades. Regular checks and maintenance can help ensure its longevity.
Tanking methods like slurry or membrane systems are usually applied beneath the final wall finishes, so they won’t affect the appearance of your walls. Post-tanking, walls can be plastered, painted, or decorated as normal, in line with your interior design.
Tanking is primarily used to prevent lateral moisture ingress in below-ground structures. For rising damp issues, a damp proof course (DPC) is typically more appropriate. However, in some cases, especially in older buildings where installing a DPC is not feasible, tanking can be part of a broader damp proofing strategy. It’s essential to get expert advice for the correct treatment based on your specific damp problems.

Contact Us !

London Property Preservation is one of the leading property maintenance companies in South London and the surrounding areas.

Feel Free To Reach Us !

At London Damp Solutions, we invite you to connect with us for all your damp-proofing needs. Our team of experts is ready to provide tailored solutions, ensuring your property remains safe and dry. Whether it's damp surveys, dry rot treatments, or plastering, we are just a call or message away. Don't let dampness compromise your property's integrity. Reach out today for professional assistance.

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