Tanking a basement means putting a waterproof coating on the walls and floor to keep water out. This can be a good way to stop water from getting into basements, which can cause damage to the building and make it unhealthy to live there.
Tanking a basement usually means getting the surfaces ready to be coated, putting down a waterproofing membrane, and then putting on a protective layer on top.
Depending on the materials and methods used, the steps will be different. When tanking a basement, it’s important to carefully follow the instructions from the manufacturer and take the right safety measures.
Also, it’s important to know that tanking a basement is not a permanent fix. Over time, the materials used to keep water out of the basement may wear out or get damaged.
If this happens, the basement may need to be re-coated. It is important to check the basement regularly for signs of water getting in and fix any problems as needed to keep the tanking working well.
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Types of Basement Tanking
One of the best ways to keep water from getting into your basement is to tank it, which is another name for a waterproof coating. Tanking can help keep water from getting into the space and causing damage to the structure and living conditions.
There are several different types of tanking systems, and each one has its own pros and cons. Here are a few of the most common ways to tank a basement:
1. Cementitious tanking: In cementitious tanking, a cement-based coating is put on the basement’s walls and floor. This type of tanking is strong and lasts for a long time, but it can be hard to put on and may need special tools.
2. Liquid tanking: A liquid waterproofing membrane is put on the walls and floor of the basement during liquid tanking. This type of tanking is usually easier to use than cementitious tanking, but it may not last as long.
3. Sheet membrane tanking: With sheet membrane tanking, a waterproof sheet, like polyethylene or PVC, is put on the walls and floor of the basement. This type of tanking is easy to put in place and can stop water from getting in, but it may not last as long as other types of tanking.
4. Mastic asphalt tanking: In this process, a hot, tar-like substance is spread on the walls and floor of the basement. This kind of tanking is very strong and works well to keep water out, but it can be hard to put on and may have a strong smell.
When choosing a tanking system for your basement, you should think about things like the condition of the surfaces to be coated, how you plan to use the space, and how much money you have.
Talking to a professional contractor is a good idea if you want to figure out the best way to tank your home.
Internal Tanking Basement
Internal tanking is a way to seal a basement from the inside to keep water out. It’s done by putting a waterproof coating or membrane on the walls and floor of the basement to stop water from getting in.
A homeowner might choose internal tanking to keep water out of their basement for more than one reason. One reason is that it can be a cheaper way to keep water out than other methods, such as digging up the ground around the foundation and putting in a drainage system.
Internal tanking is also a good choice for homes that don’t have a lot of outdoor space or access, or that are in areas with high water tables.
For internal tanking, you can use liquid-applied membranes, sheet membranes, or slurry coatings. These materials are usually put on with a trowel or roller, and they may need more than one coat to cover well.
Before putting on the waterproofing material, it’s important to make sure the surface is ready. This could mean cleaning the walls and floor, filling in cracks and holes, and putting a primer on the surface to help the waterproofing material stick to it.
For internal tanking to work, it must be put in place correctly. To make sure this type of waterproofing is done right, it is best to hire a professional contractor who has done it before.
Maintenance is also important to make sure that internal tanking keeps working well. This could mean checking the basement regularly for signs of water damage, like discoloration or peeling of the waterproofing material, and fixing it if necessary.
Overall, internal tanking is a good way to waterproof a basement from the inside, but it is important to use the right materials and have a professional do the work to make sure it works.
External Tanking Basement
With external tanking, a building’s basement is made watertight from the outside. It involves putting a waterproof coating or membrane on the outside of the basement walls to stop water from getting inside.
A homeowner might choose external tanking as a way to keep water out for more than one reason. One reason is that it can be better at keeping water out of the basement, especially if the foundation has cracks or other problems that let water seep through.
External tanking is also a good choice for homes in areas with high water tables or where it rains a lot.
External tanking can be done with a few different kinds of materials, such as liquid-applied membranes, sheet membranes, and slurry coatings. These materials are usually put on with a trowel or roller, and they may need more than one coat to cover well.
For external tanking to work, it must be put in place correctly. Before putting on the waterproofing material, it’s important to make sure the surface is ready. This could mean cleaning the walls, filling in cracks and holes, and putting on a primer to help the waterproofing material stick to the surface.
When it comes to waterproofing, external tanking is usually harder and more expensive than internal tanking because it requires digging up the soil around the foundation and installing a drainage system.
To make sure that the waterproofing stays effective, it is also important to make sure that the material is applied correctly and that any drainage systems are kept in good shape.
Overall, external tanking can be a good way to keep water out of a basement from the outside, but you need to use the right materials and have a professional do the work to make sure it works.
What is a Basement tanking membrane?
A basement tanking membrane is a waterproofing material that is put on the walls and floor of a basement, either from the inside or the outside, to keep water from getting in.
Tanking membranes can be made from a variety of materials, such as liquid-applied membranes, sheet membranes, and slurry coatings.
Tanking membranes are often used with other waterproofing methods, like installing a drainage system, to protect a basement from water damage.
Tanking membranes are put on the walls and floor of the basement from the inside, and tanking membranes are put on the outside of the walls. Both types of tanking membranes are made to make a watertight barrier that keeps water out of the basement. They are usually put down with a trowel or roller.
Before putting on a tanking membrane, it’s important to properly prepare the surface. This could mean cleaning the walls and floor, filling in cracks and holes, and putting on a primer to help the membrane stick to the surface.
For a tanking membrane to work, it must be put in place correctly. To make sure this type of waterproofing is done right, it is best to hire a professional contractor who has done it before.
In addition to the initial installation, the tanking membrane needs to be checked and fixed up on a regular basis to make sure it keeps working.
This could mean looking for signs of water damage in the basement, like discoloration or peeling of the membrane, and fixing it if necessary.
Overall, a tanking membrane is a great way to protect a basement from water damage and make it waterproof. By installing and maintaining a tanking membrane correctly, a homeowner can help make sure that their basement will last for a long time and stay strong.
How to do a Tanking Basement
1. Figure out how big the project is: Find out what needs to be done in the basement, such as cleaning, fixing damage, or making improvements.
2. Make a plan: Write down all the things that need to be done and put them in order of how important they are.
3. Get supplies: Make sure you have all the tools and materials you need for the job, such as safety gear, cleaning supplies, and anything you might need to fix or improve something.
4. Get rid of clutter. To make it easier to work in the basement, start by getting rid of anything you don’t need.
5. Clean and get rid of clutter: Dust, sweep, and mop the basement to clean it thoroughly. Get rid of anything else that doesn’t belong or isn’t needed.
6. Fix any damage: Fix any damage to the basement’s structure or appearance, like leaks, cracks, or holes in the walls or floors.
7. Make any improvements that are needed. You might want to add storage or make other changes to the basement, like installing a dehumidifier or finishing the walls and floors.
8. Get things in order: Put things back in the basement in an orderly way, using storage solutions as needed.
9. Take care of it: Clean and clear out the basement regularly to keep it in good shape.
Do Basements Need Tanking?
Not all basements have to be tanked. Whether or not a basement needs to be tanked depends on a number of things, such as the amount of moisture in the soil around the foundation, the condition of the foundation, and how the space is going to be used.
Some basements are naturally dry and don’t need to be tanked. In other cases, though, a basement may be prone to water getting in, which can damage the building and make it unhealthy to live in.
If water tends to get into a basement, tanking may be a good way to stop it.
If you’re not sure if your basement needs to be tanked, it’s a good idea to have a professional check it out. They can look at the condition of the foundation and the soil around it and tell you what steps to take to keep water from getting into your home.
Does Tanking Stop Damp?
Tanking is the process of covering the walls and floor of a basement with a waterproof coating to keep water from getting in. When done right, tanking can be a good way to stop water from getting into a basement and stop it from being damp.
But it’s important to remember that tanking is not the only way to fix a damp basement. There may be other things going on, like high humidity or not enough air flow, that are making the space feel damp.
In addition to tanking the walls and floor, you may need to fix these other problems if you want to get rid of the dampness in your basement.
It’s also important to remember that tanking is not a permanent fix. Over time, the materials used to keep water out of the basement may wear out or get damaged.
If this happens, the basement may need to be re-coated. It is important to check the basement regularly for signs of water getting in and fix any problems as needed to keep the tanking working well.
How Long Does Tanking Last?
Tanking in a basement can last for a long time or not, depending on things like the quality of the materials used, the condition of the surfaces being coated, and how carefully they are put on.
In general, a tanking system that has been done right should last for a few years, but it is not unusual for it to last longer.
Tanking is not a permanent solution. Over time, the materials used to keep water out of the basement may wear out or get damaged. If this happens, the basement may need to be re-coated.
It is important to check the basement regularly for signs of water getting in and fix any problems as needed to keep the tanking working well.
To make sure your tanking system lasts as long as possible, it’s important to follow the care and maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer.
This could involve regular inspections, repairs as needed, and putting a new layer of protection over the waterproofing membrane.
By taking care of your tanking system, you can help it last longer and keep water from getting into your home.
How Much Does it Cost to Tank a Basement UK?
The cost of tanking a basement in the UK will depend on many things, such as the size of the basement, the condition of the surfaces being coated, the materials used, and how complicated the project is.
For a professional tanking job in the UK, you can expect to pay anywhere from £2,000 to £6,000.
It’s important to remember that these are just rough estimates, and the real cost of tanking your basement could be different.
To get a better idea of how much it will cost, it’s a good idea to get quotes from more than one contractor and compare their prices.
Make sure to ask about any extra costs, like the cost of getting the surfaces ready or the cost of getting rid of the materials.
You should also think about what tanking your basement might cost you in the long run. For example, if you want to keep the tanking system in good shape, you may need to set aside money for regular inspections and maintenance.
You can make an informed decision about whether or not tanking your basement is a good investment for your home if you carefully think about the costs.
