Will tanking stop penetrating damp?

Author: Willow Willms  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Tanking is a reliable way of dealing with the effects of penetrating damp once the root cause has been fixed.

What is the best treatment for penetrating damp?

The best way to treat penetrating damp is to apply a water-repellent treatment like Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream to halt further dampness and allow walls to dry out.

Does tanking cure damp?

Damp rooms often need tanking, particularly if they are below ground level. If your walls are damp, it doesn't only cause decorative issues but can also lead to a cold home. Tanking a room can help tackle mould and damp problems, as well as stopping water penetrating your building.

What are the problems with tanking?

Limited Compatibility. Basement tanking may not be suitable for all types of basements or foundations. Homes with specific construction materials or structural issues might not be good candidates for this waterproofing method.

How do you dry out penetrating damp?

Open windows and doors to allow air to circulate freely, and use fans to speed up the drying process. If possible, use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. A dehumidifier absorb moisture from the air, which helps to reduce dampness and prevent mould growth.

Stop Penetrating Damp Coming Through Your Walls

Is penetrating damp expensive to fix?

Penetrating Damp Internal Wall Treatment

Costs vary significantly between areas and suppliers, but a rough average is around £70 per metre of the treated wall or around £280 per wall. The costs could easily reach several thousand pounds if you need to treat every wall.

How serious is penetrating damp?

If penetrating damp is left untreated it can cause significant structural damage to your property. This can include deterioration of plaster in walls and ceilings and can even lead to wet rot and dry rot in structural timber in trusses, joists and beams.

How many years does tanking last?

Tanking systems can also be utilized in existing basements or cellars, particularly when the external sides are inaccessible. The longevity of these systems can span up to a decade, and with proper installation, they might even endure beyond that.

Why is tanking bad?

Tanking can also lead to strife with players' unions, as tanking teams choose rookies on inexpensive contracts over free agents wanting multimillion-dollar deals.

How to stop rising damp on an internal wall?

To stop rising damp in walls, a remedial DPC needs to be installed. Since 2000, the most popular and effective method for installing a new damp-proof course is Dryzone Damp-Proofing Cream – a fast, uncomplicated and effective way of stopping rising damp at its source.

How do you get rid of damp permanently?

The best way to get rid of damp is to prevent it starting in the first place and the best way to prevent it is to ensure your home is consistently well ventilated. A good habbit to get into is to open the windows but keep doors closed to prevent spores spreading to other areas of the house.

How long does tanking take to cure?

Curing procedures should be strictly adhered to. It is important that the surface of the slurry is protected from strong sunlight and drying winds, with either a suitable curing compound, polythene sheeting, damp hessian or similar, for a minimum of 48 hours.

What is the difference between tanking and waterproofing?

Tanking typically involves using a thicker, more heavy-duty material, such as cementitious coatings or epoxy resins, to create a strong barrier against water. Waterproofing involves using lighter-weight materials, such as liquid-applied membranes or sheet membranes.

What is the best product for penetrating damp?

Microshield. Permagard's Microshield is an effective high-performing water repellent suitable for external use on masonry materials such as brick, concrete and stone. In one single coat, this microporous water repellent will protect masonry materials against penetrating damp.

What happens if you leave penetrating damp?

If a penetrating damp problem is left untreated it can cause deterioration to the fabric of your property including damage to walls, floors, ceilings and can even cause rot to timbers. Unlike rising damp penetrating damp, can happen at any level of your property. Damp penetration can affect any age of property.

Does house insurance cover penetrating damp?

Most buildings and contents home insurance policies won't cover you for damage caused by damp and condensation. When you apply for home insurance, you need to agree to a list of assumptions, and one of them is that your home is in a 'good condition'.

Why does tanking fail?

Damp-proof tanking can fail due to several factors. Some of them are: Poor surface preparation. Tanking weak and unsuitable structures.

How much does tanking cost?

Conclusion. In 2024, the cost of basement tanking can range from £2,500 to £20,000+, depending on the size of the project and additional requirements. While it's a considerable investment, basement tanking protects your property from damp issues and enhances its value.

Is tanking necessary for shower?

Are you using a shower tray? If you are using a shower tray then No you dont need to tank the floor, if you are using a wetroom deck or tilable shower tray, and tiling the floor then yes you need to tank the floor.

What is the alternative to tanking a wall?

Instead of tanking slurry, a damp-proof membrane or damp-proofing paint can be used. The latter is a far cheaper and easier alternative, but will only be effective for about 5 years. Damp-proof membranes, on the other hand, can last as much as 30 years as it is made from high-quality HDPE.

What are the disadvantages of basement tanking?

If your cellar is close to something like a subway, train tracks, a road, or even if the property itself is vulnerable to the likes of structural issues such as subsidence, then you may well find that the tanking becomes ineffective in certain areas, and leaks can slowly build up again.

Does tanking stop water ingress?

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.

How do I stop penetrating damp?

Treating bricks with a breathable masonry protection cream is the best way to protect your property from penetrating damp when property maintenance is not the root cause. Masonry Protection Cream provides protection from rain penetration by lining the pores of the masonry to form a water-repellent silicone matrix.

Will a dehumidifier help with penetrating damp?

Other problems related to damp such as rising damp and penetrating damp are something that a dehumidifier cannot deal with. Having structural defects at your property will need a professional to provide an inspection at the property and identify what remedial action needs to be taken to resolve the problem.

Who can help with penetrating damp?

It is important that penetrating damp is identified as soon as possible to ensure that the property structurally isn't severally damaged, call our penetrating damp specialists today on 0800 288 8660 to receive the right penetrating damp solutions or click the link below to arrange a survey online.

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