A Comprehensive Guide to Waterproofing Your UK Property

Got damp patches creeping up your walls? Thinking about converting your cellar? Or maybe you’re mid-build and want to avoid costly mistakes? Whatever the reason, if you’re researching waterproofing in the UK, this is the guide for you.

We’ve been sorting out waterproofing problems since 1967. And with the amount of basement waterproofing, damp control and structural waterproofing jobs we’ve tackled over the years, we’ve seen what works – and what doesn’t.

Your Straightforward Guide to Waterproofing

Most UK homes run into some kind of water issue eventually. Here’s what you’re usually up against:

• A new basement build that needs to stay dry
  
• An old cellar or undercroft that’s letting water in
  
• Damp problems on lower ground floors
  
• Failed tanking or membrane systems

Whether you’re dealing with structural waterproofing or just trying to prevent long-term water damage, you need the right system. Installed properly. First time.

Types of Waterproofing Systems Explained

British Standards split waterproofing into three main types (BS 8102):

Type A – Barrier Systems

Think coatings, slurries, tanking membranes – applied to surfaces to block water out. These are used inside or outside structures, depending on access.

Type B – Structural Waterproofing

This relies on the structure itself being watertight – typically reinforced concrete. Great for new builds but still needs good detailing at joints.

Type C – Cavity Drain Systems

This is where a membrane is installed on the inside of walls and floors, allowing any water that gets in to be safely drained away via a sump and pump. It’s the go-to choice for retrofits and basements.

Basement Waterproofing in the UK

Basement waterproofing is probably the most common waterproofing job we get asked about. Why? Because most UK basements were never built to be lived in – and definitely not built to be dry.

Typical systems we install:

• Cavity drain membranes (Type C) – flexible, proven, long-lasting
  
• Cementitious tanking (Type A) – cost-effective, but needs sound substrates
  
• Combination systems – for areas with a high water table or hydrostatic pressure

Done right, your basement becomes usable – and stays that way.

Waterproof Membranes: What They Are and Why They Matter

A waterproof membrane is your barrier between the wet and the dry. There’s a few different kinds:

• Bituminous membranes – sticky, traditional, used for decades
  
• Cavity drain membranes – studded plastic sheeting, great in basements
  
• Liquid-applied membranes – sprayed or rolled on, ideal for awkward areas

Each plays a different role, depending on whether you’re going external, internal, or a mix.

Waterproofing Products and Materials You’ll Come Across

When we spec a job, we match the material to the problem. Some of the most common products we use are:

• Tanking slurry
• Cavity drain membrane systems
• Sump and pump units
• Drainage channels
• Polyurethane coatings
• Bitumen-based sealants

Whatever you go with, make sure it’s designed for the UK waterproofing industry, complies with BS 8102, and is installed by people who know what they’re doing.

New Builds Vs Refurbishment Projects

If you’re building from scratch, you’ve got options:

• Start with Type B concrete
  
• Add a Type A coating or Type C system for belt and braces
  
• Design in access for maintenance (especially pumps)

For existing buildings, access and surface condition often dictate what’s possible – but that’s where cavity systems shine.

What UK Properties Typically Face

We waterproof buildings across Cambridgeshire and the East of England, and here’s what we usually find:

• Rising damp and salt contamination
  
• Failed tanking systems
  
• Mould from condensation in cold basements
  
• Water ingress after heavy rain
  
• Improperly installed membranes

All of this is fixable but only if you know where the problem starts.

Cost, Guarantees and What to Expect

We get this question daily: “How much is waterproofing going to cost me?”

Truth is, it depends. Some ballpark ranges:

• £80–£150 per m² for cavity systems
  
• £50–£100 per m² for tanking
  
• £2,000+ for sump and pump install (including hardware)

Whatever you do, make sure you’re getting:

• Detailed written guarantees
  
• Insurance-backed cover
  
• Fully qualified PCA contractors

Why Work With Waterproofing Specialists Like APP?

At APP Protect, we’ve been waterproofing homes, basements and cellars for over 50 years. We design and install tailored waterproofing systems – no sales waffle, no third parties passing the buck.

When you work with us, you get:

• Full design, install and warranty – no split responsibility
  
• Qualified PCA surveyors – not commission-chasing sales reps
  
• Clear quotes, real advice, and a team that’s been doing this longer than most companies have existed

We work on everything from Victorian conversions to commercial plant rooms.

Common Problems We Fix

• Black mould on basement walls
  
• Pooling water in cellar floors
  
• Flaking plaster caused by trapped moisture
  
• Wet patches after heavy rain
  
• Failed bitumen tanking

These aren’t niche problems – they’re what we deal with week in, week out.

FAQs

Can I waterproof a basement that’s already wet?

Yes, but the source of water needs managing. Often with a cavity drain and pump.

Do waterproofing systems need maintenance?

Type C systems (with pumps) need periodic checks. Others, not really.

How long do systems last?

Properly installed, most systems will last decades. Guarantees often cover 10–30 years.

What’s the best waterproofing for a basement in the UK?

Almost always Type C – it’s flexible, maintainable, and works with old buildings.

The Bottom Line: Protect Your UK Property the Right Way

When it comes to waterproofing in the UK, don’t guess, don’t go cheap, and don’t put it off. Whether it’s a bituminous waterproofing system, a tanking membrane, or a full-on cavity drain system, the goal is the same: keep the space dry, permanently.

If you’re working on a new build, a conversion, or fixing a long-standing problem – get in touch. We’ll make sure the job’s done right.