Below-ground walls are in constant contact with moisture in the surrounding ground. Where water is present, hydrostatic pressure forces it through porous masonry, cracks and joints into your basement or cellar. A standard damp proof course is designed to deal with rising damp and doesn’t, by itself, protect against water entering laterally through below-ground walls and floors. That is where tanking and waterproofing come in.
Waterproofing & Tanking
An effective barrier against water in basements, cellars and below-ground rooms, designed around the condition of your building.
Book a survey- PCA-qualified surveyors
- Commission-free advice
- Fixed, written quotations
- Insurance Backed Guarantees
- Trading since 1971
Experts in Waterproofing & Tanking in London and the Home Counties Since 1971
A damp basement is more than an inconvenience. Persistent water leads to mould, musty smells, damaged finishes and deterioration of the building fabric.
For over 55 years, Tapco HomeDry has helped homeowners and businesses across London and the Home Counties keep below-ground spaces dry with professional waterproofing and tanking.
Why basements need waterproofing
Our tanking and waterproofing systems
Cementitious tanking
A specialist waterproof render or slurry applied to prepared, sound masonry to form a continuous barrier bonded to the structure.
Cavity drain membranes
A studded membrane that creates a drainage gap so water is collected and removed rather than held back. Ideal for conversions.
Drainage and pumps
Perimeter channels and sump pumps that take water safely away, with backup options for peace of mind.
Depending on your building and the source of the water, the right system may combine protective membranes, drainage channels, pumps and other measures to manage water ingress and protect the internal environment.
Planning a conversion?
If you are thinking of converting a basement or cellar, waterproofing should be considered at the planning stage rather than added at the end. Our team can survey the space and recommend a solution that suits how you want to use it. Read about basement and cellar conversions.
Accredited and experienced
We are long-term members of TrustMark and members of the Basement Waterproofing Association (BWA), and a CHAS-accredited contractor. Our surveyors are trained to the standards of the Property Care Association (PCA), so we can assess the cause of damp accurately and recommend the right waterproofing solution.
1971
Established in Thames Ditton
55+
Years of damp & timber expertise
4,000+
Properties visited every year
10
Counties covered across the South East
Why choose Tapco
Waterproofing & Tanking done properly. Diagnosed first, guaranteed after.
Every property gets an individual assessment from a qualified surveyor before anything is recommended.
A little more about us-
01
Commission-free surveys
Our PCA-qualified surveyors are not paid commission, so we only recommend the work your building genuinely needs.
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02
Fixed, written quotations
After your survey you get a clear written report and a fixed quote, with no hidden extras.
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03
Our own trained teams
Our own teams carry out the work, protect your home, keep dust down and leave everything clean.
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04
Guaranteed for peace of mind
Written guarantees, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee.
Book a survey
Get started today
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, arranging a professional survey is the best way to identify the cause and prevent further damage.
Frequently asked questions
What is tanking?
Tanking is a waterproof coating or render applied to the inside of below-ground walls and floors to form a continuous barrier against water pushing in from the surrounding ground.
Is tanking better than a membrane?
Neither is always better. Tanking bonds to sound masonry and suits some situations well. Cavity drain membranes manage water rather than resisting it and are often preferred for full conversions or where walls are uneven or the water table is high. Many projects use both.
Will a damp proof course stop water in my cellar?
No. A DPC stops moisture rising up a wall. It doesn't stop water entering sideways through below-ground walls, which is why basements need tanking or a membrane system.
Client testimonials
The Tapco team helped me and my family escape an awful damp problem which was penetrating across all floors and up into the wall joints. It was a big job, with a great team and professional service. Job well done and one satisfied customer.
What else we do
Our other services
Damp, timber and structural problems rarely come alone. Our surveyors look at the whole picture, so nothing falls through the gaps.
- Damp Proofing Rising damp, penetrating damp and damp proof courses
- Dry Rot & Timber Treatment Dry rot, wet rot and woodworm
- Basement & Cellar Waterproofing Basement damp proofing, tanking and conversions
- Condensation & Mould Control Black mould, streaming windows and ventilation
- Damp & Timber Surveys Pre-purchase and mortgage surveys
- Cracked Walls & Wall Ties Wall tie replacement and crack stitching
One specialist team, from survey to guarantee.
Not sure which you need?
