Basement Damp Survey London

From a wasted space into your favourite room

If you are considering converting your disused basement or cellar into your favourite room or actually creating a new basement the most important aspect of the whole project is damp proofing. Basement damp proofing should only ever be carried out by a specialist company such as Tapco HomeDry, which has been established since 1971. With over 44 years’ experience we are recognised as one of London, Surrey and the Home Counties premier basement and cellar damp proofing companies and all of our work is covered by our established 20 year guarantee.

Utilising existing basements, cellars or vaults is an ideal way of creating more living space, whilst at the same time adding value to your property.

The basement damp proofing survey

Prior to instructing Tapco HomeDry to carry out a survey it would be advisable to ensure you have a specification and plan of the proposal and what you expect the rooms to be used for as most of the electricity cables and plumbing can be enclosed behind the damp proofing system and positioned in the correct places.

Tapco HomeDry’s fully qualified timber and damp surveyor will inspect and assess all aspects of the project and recommend the most suitable damp proofing system for your particular project. Often this may include incorporating a special sump and pump which we will install in the most appropriate position to discharge water should it be necessary.

Following our survey you will be provided with our very detailed report and damp proofing recommendations to ensure your new rooms are dry for many years to come

How is the basement damp proofing carried out?

The method of damp proofing we carry out will depend on your particular project but Tapco HomeDry mainly use two systems:

Cavity Drain Membrane System

A Cavity Drain Membrane System is the most popular basement damp proofing system used today. It’s not designed to stop the water entering but allows it, so it can be controlled and pumped out to where we want it to go. A Cavity Drain Membrane is a high density polyethylene (HDPE) studded membrane which is installed to the walls and sometimes ceilings, using special waterproof fixings. At the base of this we often include a drainage channel and a floor wall joint which is then connected to a larger studded floor membrane. The whole system is installed in such a way that any water that enters behind the membrane can be diverted into our sump and pumped out to a designated drain.

Once the system is fully installed a special frame is installed in preparation for dry-lining and finishing’s. We realise that with the exception of the damp proofing a lot of work can be carried out by your own builder who we can advise accordingly if you wish.

Structural Waterproofing(Tanking System)

Structural waterproofing, commonly known as ‘tanking’ is when several prepared coats of a cementitious waterproofing system (alkali-resistant synthetically modified cement) are applied to damp walls that are usually below the external ground level and affected by lateral damp penetration. This system has the benefit of being suitable for small areas or complete basements, cellars and vaults. Often it may also be necessary to carry out the injection of a chemical damp proof course all of which will be allowed for by our specialist damp proofing surveyor.

It is very important that all of the damp proofing works are carried out to a high standard by a specialist damp proofing company such as Tapco HomeDry who are long term members of the Property Care Association (PCA) and Trust Mark (Government Endorsed Standards). Our long term guarantees can be protected by Guarantee Protection Insurance (GPI)

Do it once, do it right. For a thorough Basement and Cellar damp proofing survey in London, Surrey or the Home Counties call Tapco HomeDry on 020 8298 6663.