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    KDS Property Preservation
    Cellar Tanking
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    Cellar Tanking

    Traditional cementitious tanking for robust waterproofing.

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    What is Tanking in Suffolk, Norfolk & Essex?

    "Tanking" is the traditional term for Type A Barrier Protection. It involves applying a waterproof coating directly to the porous masonry of your cellar walls.

    We use multi-coat cementitious slurries. These are polymer-modified cements that are applied by brush or trowel. When they cure, they form an incredibly hard, insoluble crystalline barrier that becomes part of the wall itself. This barrier is strong enough to hold back high levels of water pressure (hydrostatic pressure).

    Preparation is Key

    Tanking relies 100% on the bond ("key") with the underlying brickwork. We must remove ALL old plaster, paint, and bitumen back to the bare brick. If the preparation is poor, the tanking will blow off the wall.

    Fillet seal detail at floor wall junction

    The 'fillet seal' at the wall-floor junction is the most critical part of the system

    Installation Process in Suffolk, Norfolk & Essex

    1. Preparation

    We use mechanical scabblers or needle guns to remove all surface contaminants. This is a noisy and dusty process, but essential for a long-lasting bond.

    2. Fillet Seal

    The "weak point" in any cellar is where the floor meets the wall. We cut a channel here and fill it with a high-strength repair mortar fillet to reinforce the joint.

    3. Slurry Coats

    We apply a minimum of two coats of waterproof slurry. The first coat penetrates the capillaries; the second builds the thickness.

    Is Tanking Right for You in Suffolk, Norfolk & Essex?

    Tanking is excellent, but it's not the right solution for every basement. We will advise you honestly on whether Type A (Tanking) or Type C (Membrane) is better for your project.

    Pros

    • • No mechanical parts to fail
    • • No sump pump required
    • • Doesn't lose any floor space
    • • Ideal for spot repairs

    Cons

    • • Cannot handle structural movement
    • • Preparation is very disruptive
    • • Difficult to fix if it leaks later
    • • Walls remain cold (condensation risk)

    Ideal Applications

    • Damp proofing small storage cellars
    • Lift pits and inspection chambers
    • External retaining walls
    • Areas where a sump pump cannot be installed
    • Plinths and external rendering

    Robust Protection in Suffolk, Norfolk & Essex

    Create a dry, usable space with our expert tanking services.

    • Experienced Applicators
    • Industry-Leading Systems
    • 10 Year Protection

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    Cellar Tanking

    Investigating Damp in a Tanked Cellar

    What should I check if damp reappears on a tanked cellar wall?

    Note exactly where the damp appears, whether it is near a joint or floor junction, and whether staining changes after wet weather. Check for plumbing leaks and visible damage to the finish, but avoid drilling or cutting into a waterproofing layer before understanding the system. A patch alone cannot show how water is entering; the construction and tanking details should be assessed before deciding on a repair.

    Learn about basement waterproofing →
    Service Area

    Serving Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex

    KDS Property Preservation provides professional damp proofing, waterproofing, timber treatment and property preservation services across East Anglia. We cover Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and parts of London East.

    SuffolkNorfolkEssexCambridgeshireLondon East
    KDS Property Preservation service area map covering Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and London East