The method we recommend, and use, will depend upon the circumstances prevailing on site. Wall construction, siting and environmental considerations will all be appraised.
Holes are drilled in a horizontal plane at approximately 100mm spacings and a damp proofing cream is injected.
The cream will disperse through the wall to form a barrier which resists moisture, rising by capillarity.
These systems are suitable for help in preventing damp in walls which have no damp proof course incorporated or where the existing has broken down.
Alongside this process defective damp hygroscopic plaster will be removed approximately up to 1.2mt above ground level and replastered to our specification, incorporating our waterproof additives.
Wall tanking or “tanking” is a method of preventing water ingress by creating a completely impermeable waterproof barrier on an internal wall.
When we refer to tanking walls, it’s usually in reference to below ground structures like basements or as a precautionary measure on damp walls above ground.
The term “tanking” comes from the idea that by completely sealing a room, a waterproof tank-like barrier is created.
Often, walls below ground like basements, cellars and sunken garages are surrounded by earth. This means that moisture, water pressure and ingress are serious considerations.
To tank a wall, there are two common methods available depending on your needs –
Cementitious Tanking Slurry – a paint-like substance that has been chemically engineered to form a protective barrier when applied to internal walls.
Cavity Drain Membrane (CDM) – a plastic membrane/sheet barrier designed to achieve the same aim.
Tanking slurry or cementitious tanking is a thick liquid coating that is applied to the masonry surface to create a waterproof barrier. It is essentially a type of cement fortified with polymers and other aggregates.
The slurry penetrates the porous passageways in the stone/brick and sets to create a watertight bond, blocking water from travelling through the wall.
Tanking slurry can be used on a damp wall above ground, to stop the passage of water. Ideally you will want to identify and resolve the source of damp before applying it.
Below ground, you can use tanking slurry by itself as a form of Type A Waterproofing (barrier system). This offers you reliable protection from water ingress.
Having said that, many people like the reassurance of drained protection with a cavity drainage system (wall and floor membranes and sump pumps). If there is already water ingress of a substantial volume in a cellar or basement, you can use the tanking slurry to reduce the load on the system and the pumps before installation.
Cavity Drain Membrane is a system used to manage water ingress into below-ground structures. It works by creating space behind the membrane where water can flow, preventing it from damaging the structure.
It can also be used above-ground as a barrier against salts and moisture within a wall.
The membrane is installed on walls and floors, creating a small cavity between the membrane and the building structure.
Any water that penetrates the external walls or floors is collected and directed behind the membrane into this cavity.
The cavity is then connected to a drainage system, often including a perimeter channel and a sump pump, to remove collected water.
This system prevents moisture from seeping into the building structure, reducing the risk of dampness, mould and damage to interior finishes.
Delta Cavity Drain Membranes are used in various situations, including basement conversions, new construction of below-ground structures, and remedial waterproofing projects.
3mm/8mm wall membrane – a common cavity drain membrane, typically made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), with a studded profile to create a cavity.
Perimeter Channel – a drainage channel used to collect water at the perimeter of the structure.
Sump Pump – a pump that removes water collected in the cavity drainage system.
In principle, a cavity drainage membrane system allows moisture or running water to travel behind the membrane within a controlled drainage system.
A cavity drainage system requires minimal preparation and disturbance to an existing substrate. It is a favoured method for listed buildings as is deemed a reversable system and so not having permanent impact on the structure.
Our surveyors will visit the site, inspect the problem and offer a suitable damp control method, providing guidance on improved land and rainwater drainage systems.
Once a tanking system has been introduced, care must still be exercised in the treatment of the wall. Plastering specifications are critical.
Condensation is another hazard as the tanked wall, being soil bearing, is often cold, therefore surplus moisture will tend to be deposited on its surface, in the form of condensation.
In poorly ventilated areas, often the case with high external ground level situations, additional control aids are necessary. Dehumidifiers, condensation control units, humidistat-controlled extractor fans and dry background heating can usually assist in the relief of these problems.
TDT have experienced and qualified surveyors, one of whom will visit your property to carry out a full and detailed inspection, report on their findings and recommend suitable eradication measures.
Where applicable, our work is backed by a 10-year company warranty, with the option of an independent Insurance Backed Guarantee for added peace of mind.
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TDT provide our own 10-year warranties for works, where applicable.
Warranties can be underwritten and protected by a separate and independent Insurance Backed Guarantee for complete reassurance.
The Construction Work Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) is an insurance product, provided by an installing contractor, which provides long term protection for homeowners when undertaking construction work at their home.
Please contact our offices for full details of this scheme.