This is why "Tanking" Damp Basements or Cellars
Does Not Work!

Tanking is an old fashioned method of attempting to convert a damp cellar or basement into a suitable dry and comfortable space for living or storage. Tanking involves the application, by spray or trowel, of a cement based material in slurry form (to build up a physical barrier), to both walls and floors in an attempt to hold back water from entering a basement or cellar. With time, the slurry gradually sets to form a bond with the brickwork substrate, with the intent of creating an impervious barrier to the movement of water from the outside wall of the basement to the inside wall / floor areas.

Tanking may stop water when first installed but does not address any existing water around the perimeter of the cellar. Eventually, any weakness in the depth, strength or adherence of the slurry to the walls or floor will be undermined by the presence (hydrostatic pressure) of water build up in the soil surrounding the external basement walls.

The best choice, as a reliable and long term means of making a basement or cellar waterproof, is to automatically drain the water away from below the floor level. This method does address the problem of existing water standing around the foundation area and does eliminate it before it can become a problem of seepage up onto the cellar floor because it relieves the build up of hydrostatic pressure.

Basement Systems' WaterGuard basement waterproofing drainage channel is the superior solution to keeping a cellar dry. Contact us for a Free Basement Waterproofing Estimate.