London homes are under serious threat from damp, mould and timber rot, which can cause serious damage. Located in the Thames Valley Basin with a clay layer, our capital city has moisture in the ground and rising damp thrives in such conditions, especially in underground structures.
Type A Barrier System
Known also as ‘tanking’, this involves applying a waterproof render on floors and walls, which creates a barrier to prevent water from reaching the surfaces. This method needs substrate with good adhesion to create a strong bond and if the brickwork is crumbling and soft, tanking is not the best solution. Failed tanking is messy and the cost of fixing can be very high; all the render must be removed and the substrate prepared, then a Type C barrier needs to be installed. If the damp issues are minor, waterproof render might be the best solution, where a Sika product is applied to the substrate using several layers, allowing each to dry before adding more. Finally, a thin layer of screed is applied.
Type C Cavity Drainage Membrane
This is the most comprehensive system to waterproof a basement, which uses a polymer-studded membrane on the walls and floor, water is separated from the walls and a channel collects the water and it is pumped to designated drainage points. Another major plus for the Type C Cavity Drainage System is that it is much easier to add features and fixtures; a dry-lined wall, for example, can be secured to the membrane and rendered with Sika products that are of the highest quality.
What is the best solution for my basement?
If you are unsure about which method is right for your basement, you can arrange for London Damp Surveys to send a certified damp surveyor to assess your basement. A wealth of hands-on experience in basement tanking in London enables the surveyor to recommend a solution with your best interests at heart. He would be happy to discuss the options with you and point out the pros and cons of each option.
Professional damp-proofing advice
In most cases, the best long-term solution is the Type C Cavity Drainage Membrane System, which is very effective at keeping the interior dry; of course, this means removing everything from the space and preparing the substrate for the studded membrane. Drainage channels must be created; a sump area and a location for a pump, which sends water to the current drainage points. At London Damp Surveys, we only offer damp surveys, yet we do have an affiliation with top basement waterproofing contractors that service the London area.
If you are planning to make an offer on a London property with a basement and you want an accurate assessment for damp and mould, call London Damp Surveys on 0207 305 5997 or fill in the form on this website.
Make the right decision regarding your basement and damp-proofing by contacting us to arrange a basement damp-proofing survey from one of our experienced damp surveyors.
