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A person wearing a white work glove uses a brush to apply waterproofing sealant to a concrete floor and wall joint.
A gloved hand uses a wide brush to apply waterproofing sealant to a concrete surface, likely for construction or repair purposes.

Turning Basements Around WSM, Bridgwater & the Surrounding Area Into Dry, Liveable Rooms

Tanking involves sealing walls and floors below ground level to prevent water from seeping through. It’s especially useful in properties where earth-retaining walls are exposed to water pressure or rising damp. Here at Somerset Damp Proofing, the first-choice damp proofing contractor for Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare, and all nearby locations, we provide seamless, effective, affordable tanking solutions for home and business owners alike.

We’ve integrated domestic tanking in family homes and masterminded commercial tanking projects in pubs, showrooms and basement shops throughout the wider region. So if you’re planning a basement apartment, games room or just want to stop that damp smell for good, get in touch with our friendly team today: a properly fitted tanking system is likely the answer. Our tailored systems stop water ingress and keep walls dry—even under serious hydrostatic pressure.

Tanking is a process our team employs in waterproofing underground or damp-prone rooms in properties around Bridgwater and Weston-super-Mare. It sees us expertly apply a barrier to the internal surfaces, most commonly walls and floors. This barrier prevents moisture from entering the space, making it safe for living, working, or storage.

We offer two main forms of tanking, depending on your building type and its conditions:

Cementitious Tanking

This is a rigid system where a thick, waterproof slurry is applied directly to the internal walls and floors. Once cured, it forms a solid, impermeable layer that resists water pressure.

  • Ideal for solid masonry walls
  • Cost-effective and long-lasting
  • Frequently used in domestic tanking systems

Cavity Drain Membrane (CDM) Systems

These systems allow moisture to enter a controlled cavity behind a membrane, where it’s then directed into a sump and pumped away. It’s more flexible and allows for easy maintenance access.

  • Perfect for new builds or larger projects
  • Common in commercial tanking applications
  • Can be installed with dry lining and insulation

Both methods are proven, reliable, and suitable for a wide range of projects in Weston-super-Mare and Bridgwater, from residential basement conversions to shop renovations and even underground gyms.

A gloved hand uses a paintbrush to apply a layer of blue waterproofing sealant to the floor near a rough, white plastered wall.

Why Choose Somerset Damp Proofing for Tanking?

We’re a local, independent damp proofing contractor with over 35 years of experience working on Somerset homes and businesses. We don’t over-specify or use off-the-shelf kits; our tanking is always tailored to your space, your building, and your goals.

What sets us apart:

  • Personal service from start to finish
  • Expert knowledge of groundwater conditions in Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare, wider Somerset and its surrounds
  • Fully insured and trained to use modern waterproofing materials
  • Competitive prices and transparent quotes

We’ll inspect your space, offer the best damp prevention method for your property, and deliver lasting results for both domestic tanking and commercial tanking projects.

A gloved hand uses a large paintbrush to apply a thick, gray liquid coating onto a smooth concrete surface, likely as a waterproofing or sealing process.
A paint roller with a red handle is being used to apply light gray paint to a concrete floor, partially covering the darker surface.

You might need tanking if:

  • The basement smells musty or feels damp
  • You see salt deposits or dark patches on the walls
  • Paint is bubbling or plaster is flaking
  • Floors are wet, sticky or growing mould
  • You want to make the space habitable, safe or compliant

We’ll survey the area thoroughly and give honest, jargon-free advice. If tanking is needed, we’ll do the job right—no shortcuts.

Water droplets and streaks on a foggy glass surface, suggesting rain or condensation, with a soft, diffused light in the background.

Tanking is one of the most reliable forms of damp prevention, but it has to be done right. That means correct surface preparation, correct materials, and the skill to apply the system thoroughly, corner to corner.

We always ensure the finished space is protected, ventilated, and finished properly. That’s why we’re the go-to damp proofing contractor for Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare, and across Somerset.

Tanking FAQ

If applied correctly, tanking systems can last for decades. Cementitious coatings are especially durable, and cavity systems can be maintained and upgraded over time.

Yes, it’s commonly used in older homes and listed properties. We’ll make sure it’s breathable and compatible with your structure.

In many commercial tanking and some domestic tanking projects, yes—especially where groundwater pressure is high. We’ll advise on the need for pumps, drains, or other water management systems.