Expert Basement Tanking & Cellar Waterproofing in London

Basement Tanking & Cellar Waterproofing: Our Three Systems

Water damage can significantly impact your home or commercial property. Our basement and cellar tanking solutions are designed to provide complete, lasting protection against groundwater in below-ground areas.

Kenwood offers three proven systems for basement waterproofing:

• Kenwood SWS (Structural Waterproofing System) is a multi-coat cementitious tanking solution applied directly to masonry
• Kenwood Rapid Setting Tanking System is a high-strength, fast-setting option suited to underground vaults and challenging substrates.
• The Cavity Drain Membrane System is a managed drainage solution that incorporates a studded membrane and a sump pump.

All systems are installed by our experienced team and backed by a 10-year guarantee as standard. Additional insurance-backed guarantees are also available from leading providers.

Kenwood SWS: Cementitious Tanking for Basements & Cellars

The Kenwood SWS (Structural Waterproofing System) is our core cementitious tanking method, suitable for basement rooms, cellars and below-ground accommodation.

The process begins with the removal of all existing plaster, paints and finishes. Our team uses breakers, mechanical surfacing and needle gunning to remove latent coatings and ensure the substrate is in suitable condition for waterproofing. The condition and stability of the cellar walls at this stage are critical, as they directly influence the selected solution and the system’s long-term performance.

Once prepared, the masonry is coated with our specialist multi-coat tanking slurry, applied by brush, low-pressure spray or trowel. This cementitious tanking system provides a waterproof barrier across walls, floors and ceiling soffits as required. After the tanking is complete, walls can be re-plastered using our own waterproof rendering system, leaving the space ready for use.

Key features of the Kenwood SWS system:

• Covers walls, floors and ceiling soffits as part of a complete system
• No sump or pump installation required
• Re-plasterable using Kenwood’s waterproof rendering system
• Suitable for storage, guest bedrooms and additional living accommodation

Kenwood Rapid Setting System: Basement Waterproofing for Underground Vaults

The Kenwood Rapid Setting Tanking System is a premium waterproofing solution designed specifically for underground vaults and pavement vaults.

This high-strength, fast-setting material is composed of cements, binders and dried aggregates. It offers extreme resistance to water and sulphates, making it particularly effective on soft or sub-standard substrates, such as those typically found in pavement vaults. The Kenwood Rapid system is also capable of setting underwater, making it an exceptional solution for curing active damp conditions.

As with the SWS system, preparation involves removing existing surface materials, including plasters and paints, before the Rapid treatment is applied to all necessary surfaces. The Kenwood SWS, or waterproof rendering system, is then applied, leaving the area ready for decoration.

No sump or pump is required with this system, maximising usable space and eliminating ongoing maintenance costs.

Cavity Drain Membrane Systems: Managed Drainage for Below-Ground Spaces

The cavity drain membrane system takes a different approach to basement waterproofing. Rather than forming a direct barrier against water ingress, it manages water through an integrated drainage system.

Installation involves fixing a studded membrane to the substrate, with perimeter drainage, channels and gullies incorporated to direct water away. This drainage discharges water from behind the membrane into a sump pump. Unlike the SWS and Rapid systems, this solution requires a sump pump, and both the pump and drainage rodding points must remain accessible for regular maintenance.

Our pumping systems include a battery backup and alarm as standard, which activates in the event of power loss or pump failure, providing additional protection against flooding.

All joints are sealed to create a complete, watertight membrane envelope, preventing groundwater from entering the space. Once installed, the area can be resurfaced and plastered as required.

Why Choose Kenwood for Basement Tanking in London?

Kenwood has been delivering basement tanking and property preservation services in London for over 40 years. Due to the age and style of properties across the city, basement waterproofing is a common requirement for property owners looking to maximise their living space and add value to their homes. Our surveyors have the experience and technical knowledge to specify the right solution for your property.

Tanking a cellar or basement is a cost-effective way to increase usable space. Completed below-ground areas can be used for storage, guest bedrooms or additional living accommodation, and can contribute to the overall value of a property.

What’s included as standard with every Kenwood installation:

• 10-year guarantee on all basement tanking and cavity drain systems
• Battery back-up and alarm on all pumping systems
• Option for additional insurance-backed guarantees from leading providers
• Survey report and competitive quotation provided at your property

Kenwood Rapid Setting Tanking System

The Rapid Setting Basement Tanking System is a premium technique for use in underground vaults. This is a high-strength, fast setting concrete which consists of cements, binders and dried aggregates. This method for basement tanking has extreme resistance to water and sulphates, which is particularly effective on soft or sub-standard substrates such as those found in pavement vaults. The Kenwood Rapid Tanking System is also able to set underwater and thus is exceptional at curing damp conditions.

This treatment involves removal of the existing surface materials such as plasters and paints. From here, the Kenwood Rapid treatment is then applied to all necessary surfaces. The Kenwood SWS or waterproof rendering system is then applied and left ready for decoration as desired. This is a popular method for basement tanking London as a sump or pump is not required, maximising space and cutting out on-going maintenance fees.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basement Tanking

What is basement tanking and how does it work?

Basement tanking is a waterproofing process that protects below-ground structures from groundwater damage. It involves applying a waterproofing system, such as a cementitious tanking slurry or a cavity drain membrane, to the walls, floors, and ceiling of a basement or cellar to prevent water ingress and create a dry, usable space.

What is the difference between basement tanking and a cavity drain membrane?

Tanking systems,  such as the Kenwood SWS and Rapid Setting methods, form a direct waterproof barrier on the substrate to stop water from entering. A cavity drain membrane system manages any water that enters by directing it through a drainage arrangement into a sump pump. The most appropriate system depends on the condition of your substrate and the intended use of the space.

Do I need a sump pump with basement tanking?

Not with every system. The Kenwood SWS and Rapid Setting systems do not require a sump or pump to be installed, which maximises space and reduces ongoing maintenance requirements. A sump pump is required with the cavity drain membrane system, and must be kept accessible for regular maintenance.

How long does a basement tanking system last?

All Kenwood basement tanking and cavity drain systems are guaranteed for 10 years as standard. Additional insurance-backed guarantees are also available from leading providers if required.

Can basement tanking add value to my property?

Yes. Tanking a cellar or basement is a cost-effective way to increase usable living space and add value to your property. Completed below-ground spaces can serve as storage, guest bedrooms or additional living accommodation, depending on what is appropriate for the property.

Get a Quote for Basement Tanking in London

To arrange a quotation for basement tanking or any of our waterproofing services, contact the team at Kenwood. We will arrange for one of our surveyors to attend your property, provide an initial report and supply a competitive quote.

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