Basement tanking refers to the process of construction of a constant waterproof tank to an area of some building. The area for which basement tank is formed is mostly underground. Waterproof material is used to construct the wall of this tank and the floor so as to make it completely waterproof. The tank may be formed internally or externally.
The main aim of construction of basement tanking is to keep the basement or the structure that has been constructed underground safe from water. It helps in avoidance of dampness in the underground area or the structure. In simple words, basement tanking is a waterproofing system which is designed and developed to prevent water or moisture from entering any underground structure. As already stated, basement tanking is done in two ways. Let us discuss these methods in details.
External basement tanking- It is done when the basement or the underground structure is made. The main aim of external basement tanking is to prevent water from coming in contact with the points, where the walls and the floors meet each other. Since these points are quite weak therefore water may enter through them easily. To prevent this situation, a waterproof membrane is used to wrap around the concrete. This membrane is wrapped around the underground structure before pouring over the cement. The membrane is enclosed inside the tank as well.
Drainage pipes are used on the outer edges of the walls of the basement. Gravel is also used in this process to take water away from the cement and prevents it from beating against the walls of the basement. Since waterproof membrane and drainage pipes are used externally in this process therefore the process is known as external basement tanking.
Internal basement tanking- Contrary to external basement tanking, internal basement tanking involves use of waterproof membrane inside the walls of the tank. Apart from waterproof membrane, sometimes, a coating of waterproof material is also sprayed on the inner walls as well as floor of the basement with the help of roller or brushes.
The main aim of this process is to make a drainage field along the outer walls of the basement tank. In this process, a sump pump is also used which helps in throwing out any water from the basement into the surrounding area. This in turn helps in keeping the inner surface free from water content.
Benefit-The main aim of both the systems is to keep the underground structure free from any damage or destruction caused due to excess of water or moisture content. Both internal as well as external basement tanking systems work equally and efficiently well. It all depends upon individual requirements and preferences.
There are multiple basement tanking installers operating at all the places across the globe such as basement tanking London to cater to the basement tanking needs of the users. You may also contact them for installation of basement tanking system for your building and save it from getting damaged.