Lifecote Tanking Systems

Tanking systems are applied to either the positive pressure side or the negative pressure side of a substrate. Positive tanking pressure is achieved when the hydrostatic water pressure is pushing tanking onto the substrate. Negative tanking pressure is where the tanking system is applied to the other side of a wall and the hydrostatic water pressure will try to push the tanking of the substrate. Successful tanking on the negative side is difficult and requires a more comprehensive specification.

When tanking existing basements internally then products such as asphalt, self adhesive membranes or liquid applied membranes all require a supporting vertical brick or blockwork lining wall, which is normally backfilled with sand/cement mix and a minimum 50 mm sand/cement screed. Such systems incur space penalties unlike the Lifecote Systems, which can be applied direct to the substrate with a final thickness of less than 5 mm without the necessity of a supporting backfilled wall. The treatment can be applied to both walls and floors.

Tanking is the creation of a watertight envelope. If there is hydrostatic water pressure present or possible high water table in the future, then the floor must also be tanked to complete the watertight integrity. If continuity is not achieved, or where different systems cannot be tied effectively together, then the system will remain vulnerable to possible water ingress. Where continuity has not been achieved, e.g. for commercial reasons at the clients instruction, then this should be unambiguously identified for future reference. We would recommend identifying such areas as 'sectional tanking' with liability restricted to those areas actually tanked.

Lifecote has extensive experience with tanking systems over the last 14 years and have undertaken over 1000 tanking applications across the UK. 

Cementitious "tanking" and epoxy systems are a traditional method of waterproofing and can be used as an alternative to cavity drain membranes in certain applications. Cementitious systems are suited to contracts where limited areas are to be treated or where drainage cannot be easily achieved. These systems can also be used in combination with cavity drain membranes, most commonly where headroom is limited or where there is a flat soffit with no drainage falls.

    * Single component, polymer modified cement "tanking" system for walls and floors
    * Highly effective damp proof membrane for brickwork, concrete or any cementitious substrate
Surfaces to be treated should be correctly prepared, free from all loose materials and contaminants and be in a sound and solid condition. For application to floors products should be applied directly to the structural slab. For wall applications products should be sandwiched between sand/cement render coats. For all applications, special attention should be given to wall/floor junctions.

NB: Fillet Seal is a pre-packed, cement based and polymer modified product for use as a floor to wall junction seal during waterproofing works when using cementitious slurry coatings and renders. Fillet Seal helps to ensure a smooth transition between horizontal and vertical surfaces which minimises the risk of leaving gaps or holes unsealed during the waterproofing works. 

An Example of a Lifecote Tanking Project

This was a damp cellar at a property in Hertfordshire.The current owners only had one reception room and required
an additional area for their expanding family.  








Wall preparation.

The walls and floor are prepared ready for the cellar conversion.









The floor and walls are repaired and the structural Water Proofing Begins.









The Walls are ready for insulation and plastering.










The Ceiling insulation process and plastering.











The Project is complete.

The property has been valued at £25,000 more with two dry reception rooms rather than one.





Lifecote charged the customer £11,000 + vat which included all decoration, electrics, heating and flooring.
A substantial discount would be available for tanking only.

Lifecote Membrane Systems

In many properties particularly in cities, there are unused lower ground floor/basement or cellar areas, where externally high ground levels to the
 perimeter, typically to the main front elevation will encourage dampness to penetrate laterally.                                Typical unused space

When considering the very high cost of property in this region, and with living space at a premium, inevitably it would be considered cost effective to successfully damp proof the basement or cellar area, to form part of the living accommodation, and this would involve internal remedial structural water proofing and associated damp proofing works and replastering.

The cementatious systems normally require plasters and renders internally to be removed back to the original
masonry, and it may also be necessary at the same time to consider incorporating within the cementatious      
system (or the cavity drain membrane system) a chemically injected damp proof course depending on the external ground levels or adjoining property levels which will be taken into consideration by our surveyor during his inspection.

Generally cementatious systems such as Vandex BB.75 or Triton TT.55 waterproof slurry, require a render coat of washed sand and cement to be applied to the prepared clean brick or stone masonry with the cementatious membrane applied to the surface of the new render as per the manufacturers recommendations in a minimum of two coats (green on green) with suitable overlap detailing between the vertical membrane of the walls with any proposed horizontal membrane depending on floor construction or proposals.
The cavity drain membrane systems, such as Tritons Isola Platon System, provides an alternative to        
conventional cementatious tanking systems. Cementatious systems work by holding the water back within    
the wall structure, the cavity drain membrane system works on the principal of allowing water to continue to       
penetrate the structure, but controlling the dampness in the air gap and diverting it to a suitable drainage point.
Depending on circumstances this could involve the installation of a suitable sump pump which may incorporate
 a backup and failure warning system. This system does not allow pressure to build up against the internal
construction, and the air gap behind the membrane allows the structure to breath ‘and to some extent dry’.
Membranes are of plastic, type, and are fixed to the masonry using special damp proof seal plugs, sealing
tape and rope, with overlap detailing at junctions, which involves minimal preparation required to the substrat.
It is often a requirement when installing cavity drain membrane systems however as mentioned earlier, to
incorporate within the programme the installation of a drainage sump pump system which may include a back
up pump and failure warning alarm.
Water Based Epoxy Coating

    * Two coat system comprising primer and top coat
    * Epoxy based waterproof coating for walls and floors
    * Suitable for use as a damp proof finish
    * Water based formulation safe for use in confined spaces





Product can be used as a damp proof membrane where none exists or the original has failed, or as a tanking layer in a "sandwich" construction between sand and cement renders. It is also suitable for use as a durable finish.

Product can be applied to most building substrates and to damp surfaces. When fully cured product resists petrol, oil and mild chemicals. Application can be by brush or roller.







Damp proof membrane and water vapour suppressant
A solvent free, two part epoxy resin coating, typically used as a surface damp proof membrane and a water vapour suppressant. Well suited for use as a water and water proof barrier, beneath raised access floors, in plant rooms and bunded areas. It is also suitable for application on damp surfaces, such as sand/cement and cement floors subject to rising damp or containing residual construction moisture. Product can be used as a general purpose coating for surfaces subject to foot and light wheeled traffic. Product can be applied using a brush or medium pile roller onto sound, clean surfaces.

NB: New concrete subfloors or sand/cement screeds should be left for a minimum of seven days to cure before applying this product.


Want a Dry Basement or wish to create greater living space? Why not contact us today for a highly competitive quotation.

Call Lifecote Birmingham today on Freephone 0800 043 2096