Cellar Damp Proofing — Treatment Options | Kenwood PLC

Cellars, due to their location below ground and being surrounded by wet soil, are highly susceptible to damp and other moisture-related damage. Cellar damp proofing is the best way to prevent this from occurring. Our experts implement a survey-led approach to ensure a cause is diagnosed before treatment begins.

Causes of Cellar Damp

Cellar damp is rarely a single issue, and is caused by varying forms of moisture-related damage. This includes:

• Penetrating damp, caused by water ingress through walls or floors due to external ground pressure.
• Rising damp, which is where moisture travels up through porous masonry from the ground.
• Condensation, where warm moist air condenses on cold surfaces, often in poorly ventilated cellars.
• Lateral damp, caused by water penetrating through below-ground walls due to pressure from surrounding soil.
• Structural defects, including cracked renders, failed DPC, and deteriorated pointing.

Without a professional survey and intervention, it can be difficult to diagnose the source of the issue on your own. Certain issues will require specific treatment, and they will not be universal solutions for all types of cellar damp.

Treatment Options

Cellar damp can be treated in many ways depending on the source of the damp, and the severity of damage caused. Some solutions include:

• Chemical damp proof course (DPC) injection: for rising damp, where chemicals are injected into the mortar course to stop moisture from rising.
• Cellar tanking: a waterproof render or slurry coat is applied to the walls and floor of the cellar to form a watertight barrier.
• Cavity drain membrane systems: a drainage membrane is fixed to the wall that channels water into a sump pump, managing it rather than blocking it.
• Structural waterproofing: external excavation or specialist internal systems are applied to treat significant water ingress.
• Ventilation improvements: PIV or mechanical extract units are installed to address condensation and improve overall airflow.
• Re-plastering with renovation plaster: appropriate when managing residual salts and moisture after treatment.

If the aim is to waterproof the entire cellar or basement, tanking is usually the appropriate solution, but it’s not always the right one. The cause of moisture must be confirmed first. For example, penetrating damp requires remedial repair before any type of waterproofing system is applied.

Kenwood’s Survey-Led Approach

When you suspect you have cellar damp, our specialists take a survey-led approach to diagnosis and treatment.

First, our PCA-accredited experts conduct a survey on your home and discover the source of moisture in your cellar, as well as the extent of damage caused. They will then recommend an appropriate course of treatment and confirm next steps.

If you’re not sure what’s causing damp in your cellar, our PCA-accredited specialists can diagnose the problem and recommend the right treatment for you. Get in touch today to secure a next-day survey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes damp in a cellar?

The main causes of damp in a cellar usually come from various forms of moisture-related damage, including penetrating damp, rising damp, condensation and lateral damp. An accurate diagnosis is needed to understand the source and how to tackle it, which may include cellar damp proofing as a solution.

What is the difference between cellar damp proofing and cellar tanking?

Cellar damp proofing is a broad term that refers to multiple treatments, while cellar tanking is a specific waterproofing method that creates a barrier against water ingress.

How much does it cost to damp proof a cellar?

The cost of damp proofing a cellar can vary depending on the cause of damp, the size of the cellar and the treatment required. A professional survey is needed to provide an accurate quote. Book a next-day survey for an accurate, no-obligation assessment

Do I need a survey before cellar damp proofing?

Yes – different types of damp require different treatments, and if you apply the wrong treatment, you could waste money and further exacerbate the issue. Our PCA-accredited specialists offer next-day surveys, which you can book with our team today.