Basement Waterproofing & Water Ingress Specialists
Harding Homes Building & Preservation Ltd specialise in diagnosing and solving basement water ingress and waterproofing problems. We investigate where water is entering your basement or cellar and recommend an appropriate waterproofing system based on your property and how you want to use the space.
Basements and below-ground spaces in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Berkshire and surrounding areas are exposed to groundwater pressure and weather. Our investigation-first approach focuses on finding the likely source of moisture before we design any waterproofing system or remedial work.
Basement Water Ingress
Water entering through walls, floors or joints, often driven by groundwater pressure. We investigate the likely entry points before recommending a suitable waterproofing approach.
Leaking & Damp Basement Walls
Signs such as damp patches, staining or running water on basement walls. We assess the structure and external factors to understand why moisture is appearing.
What is Basement Tanking?
Basement tanking is a form of barrier waterproofing where specialist products are applied to walls and floors to help resist water ingress. The right approach depends on the structure, ground conditions and how the space will be used.
Existing Failed Waterproofing
Peeling coatings, damp returning after previous works, or systems that no longer perform as intended. We investigate why a system has failed before advising on repairs or replacement.
Cellar & Basement Conversion Waterproofing
Designing waterproofing for new or upgraded living spaces, with systems chosen to suit the property, planned finishes and ongoing maintenance needs.
Groundwater Pressure & External Defects
We look at groundwater levels, drainage and external defects that may be driving water towards the structure, so the waterproofing design considers both internal and external factors.
Basement Waterproofing Systems We Install
Type A (Tanking)
A waterproof barrier coating or render bonded to the walls and floor. Best where water pressure is low and the structure is sound. Often used together with a drained system rather than on its own.
Type C (Drained Cavity System)
A studded membrane fixed to walls and floor that lets water in behind it, then channels it away to a drain or sump. It manages water rather than fighting it, which is why it's the usual choice for habitable basements.
Cavity Drainage, Sump & Pump
Perimeter channels collect water from behind the membrane and carry it to a sump chamber, where a pump discharges it safely outside. Pumps need servicing to keep the system working.
Finished Basement
Once the waterproofing is in, the space can be boarded, plastered and decorated as a dry, usable room: a cellar, gym, office or extra living space.
How Our Basement Waterproofing Process Works
Detail Around Junctions & Penetrations
Most basement leaks start at the weak points: floor–wall junctions, service pipe entries and construction joints. We detail each one so the system stays dry.
Assess
Identify
Design
Waterproof
Finish
We carry out a detailed survey of your basement or cellar, looking at the structure, visible signs of moisture and how you plan to use the space.
We identify the likely causes of water ingress or damp, including groundwater pressure, defects and any issues with existing waterproofing.
We design an appropriate waterproofing approach for your property, which may include tanking, drained cavity systems or a combination of measures.
Our team installs the agreed waterproofing system with care, coordinating with other trades where needed to protect the structure and finishes.
We complete finishes in line with the agreed specification so the space is ready for its intended use, with clear handover information on how the system works.
What is Basement Tanking?
Tanking refers to Type A barrier protection, where specialist products are applied to walls and floors to help resist water ingress. It can be suitable for some basements, but the right solution depends on the structure, ground conditions and how the space will be used.
Can an Existing Basement Be Waterproofed?
Many existing basements and cellars can be improved with carefully designed waterproofing, even in older properties. A survey is essential to understand the structure, previous works and moisture sources before deciding on the most appropriate system.
Investigation, Design & Installation
Effective basement waterproofing starts with investigation, followed by clear design and then careful installation. At Harding Homes, these stages are treated separately so you understand what is being recommended and why, before any works go ahead.
Designed to BS 8102
BS 8102:2022 is the British Standard for protecting below-ground structures from water. It sets out three types of protection: Type A (barrier), Type B (structurally integral, built into new concrete) and Type C (drained). It says the design should suit the ground conditions and how the space will be used. For existing basements, Type B is rarely an option, so most solutions combine Type A and Type C.
Looking After Your System
A drained system is only as good as its pump. We recommend an annual service: checking the pump and back-up, clearing the channels and testing the alarm.
Guarantee
Completed basement waterproofing is typically guaranteed for 5 years. Every basement is different, so the guarantee for your job is confirmed in writing with your quote.
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Basement Waterproofing FAQs
How much does basement waterproofing cost?
It depends on the size of the space, how much water is getting in, and how you plan to use it. After a survey you'll get a written specification and a fixed quote, so there are no surprises.
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Do I need planning permission?
Waterproofing an existing cellar usually doesn't need planning permission, but converting it to a habitable room normally needs Building Regulations approval. We can advise on what applies to your property.
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How long does installation take?
A typical domestic cellar takes from a few days to around two weeks, depending on size and finishes. We'll give you a timeline with your quote.
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Will I lose much headroom?
A cavity membrane system is thin, usually taking up only a few centimetres on walls and floor. Where headroom is tight, we'll design around it.
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My basement was tanked before and it's damp again. Why?
Tanking can fail if it's cracked, poorly bonded, or if water pressure is higher than it was designed for. We investigate why it failed before recommending repair or a drained system.
Basement Waterproofing in Basingstoke, Hampshire & Berkshire
Harding Homes Building & Preservation Ltd provide investigation-led basement waterproofing for homeowners in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Berkshire and surrounding areas. If you are worried about basement water ingress, damp walls or a failed system, we can assess the situation and recommend appropriate next steps.