Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing
Survey-led basement waterproofing options, including tanking and maintainable cavity-drain systems.
Why diagnosis matters
Treat the cause, then repair the damage
Below-ground waterproofing must account for water pressure, structure, drainage, use and maintenance. We assess the space before discussing barriers, drained protection or specialist design.
Complimentary survey
Book Your Complimentary Survey
Over 35 years of independent expertise. Written findings included. No sales pressure. No obligation.
Book your complimentary surveyTechnical review
Dan, Director / Surveyor
Last reviewed: July 2026. Advice is general until the property, access and visible evidence have been assessed.
Guarantee & aftercare
Written guarantee terms are matched to qualifying work, with inclusions, exclusions and aftercare explained before acceptance.
What we consider
Possible causes and lookalikes
Groundwater pressure
Defective external drainage
Cracks and service entries
Unsuitable previous coatings
Inspection method
A clear work sequence
Step 1
Survey structure and water behaviour
Step 2
Define performance objective
Step 3
Select or refer design approach
Step 4
Install, test and document maintenance
Scope boundaries
Honest about what the work does—and does not—cover
Structural waterproofing design, pumps and complex conversions are supplied only where competence, insurance and design responsibility are confirmed. Otherwise we refer appropriately.
Complimentary specialist survey
Your Complimentary Specialist Survey
Backed by over 35 years of independent damp and timber expertise.
We believe in diagnosis before treatment. That's why we offer every homeowner and property manager in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire a complimentary specialist survey — carried out by an experienced specialist, not a salesperson.
Over 400 combined reviews across Google and Checkatrade. Over 35 years protecting Dorset homes.
Common questions
About basement waterproofing
Is tanking or a membrane better?+
Neither is universally better. Substrate, water pressure, maintainability, use and drainage determine the appropriate approach.
Do pumps need maintenance?+
Yes. Pumped systems require planned servicing, alarm consideration and clear responsibility.
Can I tank a cellar myself?+
Below-ground water pressure and junction detailing create significant failure risk. A proper survey and specification are strongly recommended.
Is the specialist survey really free?+
Yes — completely. We offer every homeowner and property manager across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire a complimentary specialist survey at no charge. This includes an on-site inspection, written findings, a clear scope of any recommended work, and an honest referral if the problem falls outside what we do. You pay nothing for the survey. You only pay if you commission the remedial work, and you are under no obligation to do so. The reason we do this is straightforward: we believe in diagnosing the problem before recommending a treatment. A proper inspection takes time, and we'd rather invest that time up front than quote a solution before we've understood the cause.
Not sure if this is your problem?
That's exactly what the survey is for. Book your complimentary specialist survey and one of our experienced team will identify the cause on-site, consider the alternatives, and give you written findings — at no charge and with no obligation.
Related services
Continue your investigation
Recent work
Photographed on our own projects
A selection of real jobs from this service, photographed on site across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
Reviewed by local homeowners
Trusted across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire
Independent feedback from customers on Google and Checkatrade — alongside over 35 years of damp proofing and plastering experience.
Next step
Claim your complimentary survey before choosing a treatment
Tell us what you can see, when it changes and where the property is. Photographs can help us triage the next step.