Basement waterproofing and conversions across the East Midlands
Damp Proofing Division

Basement Waterproofing & Conversions in the East Midlands

Professional basement waterproofing and tanking for homes and businesses across the East Midlands. Secure, reliable solutions with a free quote available.

20 Year Guarantee
Diagnosis-Led Approach
Since 1972

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Tell us what's happening and we'll get back to you quickly with honest advice and a no-obligation quote. Prefer to talk? Call 01780 410378.

  • No-obligation quote
  • Established 1972
  • Covering the East Midlands
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Basement Waterproofing & Tanking for Homes and Businesses

A wet, damp, or leaking basement is one of the most significant moisture problems a property can face. Whether you have a traditional stone cellar prone to seasonal flooding, a below-ground space with persistent water ingress, or you are looking to convert an existing basement into usable habitable space, effective waterproofing is essential.

Basement waterproofing is a specialist discipline that requires careful diagnosis and the selection of an appropriate system for the specific conditions present. The wrong approach - such as applying render over an active water source without addressing the cause - will fail. We begin every project with a detailed assessment of the construction, hydrostatic pressure, drainage, and intended use before specifying anything.

Our team has extensive experience with all major basement waterproofing systems across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, from Victorian cellars in townhouses through to modern basement extensions. We provide free quotations and a clear, transparent specification so you know exactly what is involved before any work begins.

Our Basement Services

  • Cementitious tanking & renders
  • Cavity drain membrane systems
  • Sump pump installation & maintenance
  • Drainage channel systems
  • Cellar conversion waterproofing
  • Full basement surveys & reports
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Waterproofing Systems

Choosing the Right Basement Waterproofing System

The British Standard BS 8102 defines three types of basement waterproofing protection. Understanding which is appropriate for your property is essential to achieving a lasting result:

  • Type A - Barrier protection (tanking): cementitious or crystalline coatings applied to the substrate to form a waterproof barrier. Suitable where water pressure is low and the substrate is sound and stable.
  • Type B - Structurally integral protection: reinforced waterproof concrete construction forming the structure itself, typically used in new-build basements.
  • Type C - Drainage protection (cavity membrane): a dimpled membrane creates a drainage cavity against the wall, with water directed to a sump pump. The most reliable system for active water ingress and is our most commonly recommended approach for conversions.

Many projects benefit from a combination of system types. Our surveyors will assess your specific conditions and provide a reasoned recommendation for the most appropriate and cost-effective solution.

Basement waterproofing installation in progress
Our Process

How We Waterproof Your Basement

From initial assessment through to guaranteed completion, every basement waterproofing project follows our structured process.

01

Basement Survey & Assessment

We begin with a thorough inspection of your basement, assessing the construction type, the nature and severity of water ingress, ground water conditions, drainage, and the intended use of the space. We identify any structural issues that need to be addressed before waterproofing and document our findings fully.

02

System Specification

Based on the survey, we specify the most appropriate waterproofing system for your basement, referencing BS 8102 guidance. We explain the options clearly, including the reasoning behind our recommendation, and provide a detailed, itemised quotation before any commitment is required from you.

03

Installation

Our trained operatives install the specified system to manufacturer's standards, ensuring full coverage, correct detailing at junctions and penetrations, and proper drainage provision where applicable. All associated trades such as sump pump installation, drainage channels, and service penetration sealing are co-ordinated and completed as part of the works.

04

Handover & Guarantee

On completion, we hand over full documentation including the system specification, installation records, and your 20-year guarantee. We provide guidance on maintenance requirements - for example, annual sump pump testing - and remain available to assist with any questions following completion.

Why Dower

Why property owners across the East Midlands trust us with their basement waterproofing

  • Three generations of specialist damp proofing and waterproofing experience since 1972
  • Systems specified in accordance with BS 8102 guidance
  • Full survey and diagnosis before any works are specified
  • All basement waterproofing works backed by our 20-year guarantee
  • Experience with all property types from Victorian cellars to modern extensions
  • Free quotations - transparent, itemised pricing with no hidden costs
Dower Damp Proofing team working on a basement waterproofing project
Common Questions

Basement Waterproofing FAQs

What is the difference between tanking and a cavity drain membrane system?

See the full comparison on our basement waterproofing page.

Can any basement be waterproofed?

In most cases, yes. The method and extent of works required will depend on the construction type, the severity of water ingress, the depth below ground, and the intended use of the space. Our surveyors will assess your basement thoroughly and recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective solution for your specific situation.

How long does basement waterproofing take?

See the answer on our basement waterproofing page.

Do you work on both residential and commercial properties?

Yes, we work across residential and commercial properties of all types and sizes - from Victorian cellars and terraced house basements through to commercial premises and listed buildings requiring specialist approaches. We have extensive experience with the full range of below-ground waterproofing challenges.

How much does a basement conversion cost?

A basement conversion is priced around the size of the space, its condition, the waterproofing system needed and the finish you want, so costs vary widely from tens of thousands of pounds upwards. The waterproofing design is the critical part and has to suit the structure, which is why we survey below ground first and set out a clear, itemised specification before giving you a price. All waterproofing is covered by our 20 year guarantee.

Is my cellar suitable for conversion?

Most cellars can be converted into dry, usable rooms, but the right approach depends on head height, the construction, how much water is present and how you want to use the space. The key is a waterproofing system designed for the structure, usually a cavity drain membrane taken to a sump and pump. We assess all of this at survey and tell you honestly what is achievable before any work is planned.

Got a wet or damp basement? Get a free quote today.

Contact us to arrange a survey of your basement and receive an honest assessment of what's required to waterproof it properly - along with a free, transparent quotation. Our team has been getting this right for over fifty years.