Cavity drain membranes, tanking and drainage systems that turn damp cellars into dry, usable rooms, designed by Basement Waterproofing Association members. Covering Reading, Maidenhead and Windsor & Eton and across Berkshire.
Book a surveyBelow-ground rooms in Berkshire sit against wet ground, so water is pushed into them under pressure through walls, floors and the joints between them.
A standard damp proof course can't deal with that. Whether you want a dry storage cellar or a full conversion into living space, we design and install the right waterproofing system for your building and how you plan to use the room.
With the Thames and Kennet running through Reading, Maidenhead and Windsor, groundwater is the key design factor for Berkshire basements. Where flooding has happened before, we design systems with drainage capacity and pump backup so the space stays usable.
The Thames and Kennet valleys run through the county, and Reading, Maidenhead, Windsor, Datchet and Wraysbury all have low-lying areas with high water tables and a history of flooding. Below-ground rooms near the rivers often need properly designed waterproofing.
Berkshire's towns are full of Victorian terraces in Reading's distinctive red and silver-grey brick, Edwardian villas in Maidenhead and Windsor, post-war and new-town housing in Bracknell, and village cottages across West Berkshire. Victorian solid walls with ageing slate damp proof courses are a frequent source of rising damp.
Victorian terraces in the town's red and silver-grey brick close to the Thames and Kennet, where rising damp and flood-related damp are everyday problems.
Edwardian villas and riverside homes where high groundwater and flooding affect cellars and ground floors.
Historic properties, many listed, near the Thames, which need sympathetic damp and timber treatments.
For most conversions we recommend a cavity drain membrane (CDM) system. A studded membrane is fixed to the walls and floor, leaving a small air gap that lets any water that gets through the structure drain freely into a perimeter channel and away, usually to a sump pump. Because it manages water rather than trying to hold it back, it copes well with older walls and high water tables.
Where conditions suit, cementitious tanking can be applied directly to sound masonry to create a continuous waterproof barrier. We often combine approaches, for example tanking to light wells and a membrane system in the main room.
We can provide the waterproofing on its own, ready for your builder, or manage the specialist work from survey through to a dry, finished shell. Every system is designed in line with recognised industry standards and comes with a written guarantee.
A PCA-qualified, commission-free surveyor visits your Berkshire property, investigates with calibrated equipment and identifies the cause.
You receive a clear written report explaining what we found and what we recommend, with a fixed quotation and no hidden extras.
Our own trained team carries out the work, protecting your home, keeping dust down and leaving everything clean.
You receive a written guarantee, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee for a single premium.
We cover all of Berkshire and neighbouring south Buckinghamshire, including Marlow, Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross. We regularly work in Maidenhead, Slough, Bracknell, Finchampstead, Reading and Ascot, and throughout Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell Forest, Windsor & Maidenhead, Slough and West Berkshire.
Towns and areas we cover in Berkshire
Find out more about our basement & cellar waterproofing service.
Book a survey
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, arranging a professional survey is the best way to identify the cause and prevent further damage.
Most can. Headroom, access, natural light and the water table all affect what is possible and what the waterproofing needs to do. A survey tells you what is realistic before you commit to plans.
A studded plastic membrane fixed to the walls and floor that creates a drainage gap. Water that gets through the structure runs behind the membrane into a channel and is pumped or drained away, so the room stays dry.
If water can't drain away naturally, yes. Your surveyor will advise. Where a pump is fitted we recommend a backup and regular servicing.
Yes. Our systems carry a written guarantee, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) for a single premium. We are members of the Basement Waterproofing Association.
Yes. Alongside the whole of Berkshire we cover neighbouring south Buckinghamshire, including Marlow, Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross.
Yes. We dry and repair flood-affected properties in Reading, Maidenhead, Windsor, Datchet and Wraysbury, and can advise on waterproofing to protect below-ground rooms.
We cover all of Berkshire and neighbouring south Buckinghamshire, including Marlow, Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross. Towns we visit regularly include Maidenhead, Slough, Bracknell, Finchampstead, Reading, Ascot, Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross. If yours isn't listed, give us a call and we'll confirm.
Also in Berkshire
Our other specialist services for Berkshire homes, landlords and businesses.
Rising damp, penetrating damp and damp proof courses. Most common around Windsor & Eton and Reading.
Dry rot, wet rot and woodworm. Most common around Newbury & West Berkshire and Windsor & Eton.
Black mould, streaming windows and ventilation. Most common around Bracknell and Reading.
Pre-purchase and mortgage surveys. Especially worthwhile for older homes around Windsor & Eton and Newbury & West Berkshire.
Wall tie replacement and crack stitching. Most common around Wokingham and Bracknell.
Leaks, floods and burst pipes. Most common around Reading and Maidenhead.
Client testimonials
Tapco have been very helpful, responsive and professional in how they have managed and completed our re-roofing project, within budget and quote. We are very pleased with the result.
Live just outside Berkshire? We cover the neighbouring counties too.
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Tell us what you’re seeing and we’ll point you to the right treatment. Four quick questions.
From our offices in Thames Ditton and Esher, our surveyors cover London and the surrounding counties, providing fast response times for residential and commercial properties alike.
We regularly work with:
Whether your property requires a damp survey, timber inspection or basement waterproofing system, our experienced team is ready to help.
Our certifications reflect our commitment to the highest standards of work and quality.
Why Tapco
Established in 1971
Choosing Tapco HomeDry means choosing a company with a proven history of protecting properties across the South East.
We believe every property deserves an individual assessment. That’s why our recommendations are based on what your building genuinely needs, not unnecessary treatments.
Tapco (Preservation) Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 423558) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks.
