Tanking Membranes

Tanking Membrane

Tanking membranes are essential components in waterproofing. These robust barriers protect structures from water ingress, ensuring long-term integrity. Tanking membranes come in various types, each suited for specific applications. 

They form a continuous, impermeable layer that protects buildings from moisture. 

What is a Tanking Membrane Used For? 

Tanking membranes are primarily used for basement waterproofing and sealing below-ground structures. They create a barrier against water ingress in foundations, retaining walls and underground rooms. 

These membranes are also effective for waterproofing flat roofs, balconies and terraces. In areas with high water tables, tanking membranes protect against hydrostatic pressure. They're essential in preventing water damage, mould growth and structural deterioration. 

Is a Tanking Membrane Fully Waterproof?

When properly installed, a high-quality tanking membrane provides excellent waterproofing. However, no system is 100% waterproof. Factors affecting waterproofing effectiveness include the following.

  • Installation quality: Proper application techniques, including correct overlaps and sealing of joints, are crucial. Even small errors can compromise the entire system
  • Membrane type and thickness: Different membranes suit various conditions. Thickness affects durability and resistance to hydrostatic pressure (force of water)
  • Substrate preparation: A clean, smooth surface ensures proper adhesion. Imperfections can lead to weak points in the waterproofing system
  • Environmental conditions: Extreme temperatures, ground movement and chemical exposure may impact membrane performance over time

To maximise waterproofing, use a waterproof tanking membrane with appropriate thickness. Also, combine membranes with other waterproofing measures for better protection.

4 Top Pro Tips on How to Install Tanking Membranes

If you’re looking to improve your tanking membrane installation skills, consider these advanced tips.

  • Multi-layer system: Combine different membrane types for enhanced protection. Use a self-adhesive membrane as a base layer, followed by a torch-on membrane for added durability. This dual-layer approach provides redundancy and improved resistance to water ingress
  • Use termination bars: Install aluminium or stainless steel termination bars along the top edges of vertical membranes. These bars, when properly fastened and sealed, prevent water from migrating behind the membrane and offer a clean finish
  • Expansion joints in large installations: For extensive basement tanking membrane jobs, add expansion joints to accommodate structural movement. Use specialised expansion joint tapes or pre-formed components compatible with the membrane system to maintain waterproofing integrity
  • Staged curing process: When using liquid WP membranes, apply in multiple thin coats rather than one thick layer. Allow partial curing between coats to enhance overall membrane performance and reduce the risk of solvent entrapment

How Do I Properly Prepare Concrete Surfaces Before Applying a Tanking Membrane?

Proper surface preparation is crucial for effective tanking membrane installation. Start by thoroughly cleaning the concrete surface. Remove all dirt, dust, and loose particles. Repair any cracks, holes or imperfections using an appropriate filler or mortar.

Next, ensure the surface is dry and free from moisture. Apply a suitable primer to enhance adhesion. Allow the primer to dry completely before membrane application. For very smooth surfaces, consider light abrasion to improve bonding.

What Are the Differences Between Positive Side and Negative Side Tanking Membrane Applications?

Positive side tanking involves applying a waterproof membrane to the exterior of the structure. This method covers the below.

  • Prevents water from entering the structure
  • Protects the building material from water damage
  • Is typically more effective and longer-lasting
  • Requires excavation for existing structures

Negative side tanking applies the WP membrane to the interior surface. This approach covers the following.

  • Used when exterior access is impossible or impractical
  • Can be applied to existing structures without excavation
  • May not prevent water damage to the building material
  • Requires careful surface preparation and detailing

Both methods have their place in basement waterproofing.

Tanking membranes are essential components in waterproofing. These robust barriers protect structures from water ingress, ensuring long-term integrity. Tanking membranes come in various types, each suited for specific applications. 

They form a continuous, impermeable layer that protects buildings from moisture. 

What is a Tanking Membrane Used For? 

Tanking membranes are primarily used for basement waterproofing and sealing below-ground structures. They create a barrier against water ingress in foundations, retaining walls and underground rooms. 

These membranes are also effective for waterproofing flat roofs, balconies and terraces. In areas with high water tables, tanking membranes protect against hydrostatic pressure. They're essential in preventing water damage, mould growth and structural deterioration. 

Is a Tanking Membrane Fully Waterproof?

When properly installed, a high-quality tanking membrane provides excellent waterproofing. However, no system is 100% waterproof. Factors affecting waterproofing effectiveness include the following.

  • Installation quality: Proper application techniques, including correct overlaps and sealing of joints, are crucial. Even small errors can compromise the entire system
  • Membrane type and thickness: Different membranes suit various conditions. Thickness affects durability and resistance to hydrostatic pressure (force of water)
  • Substrate preparation: A clean, smooth surface ensures proper adhesion. Imperfections can lead to weak points in the waterproofing system
  • Environmental conditions: Extreme temperatures, ground movement and chemical exposure may impact membrane performance over time

To maximise waterproofing, use a waterproof tanking membrane with appropriate thickness. Also, combine membranes with other waterproofing measures for better protection.

4 Top Pro Tips on How to Install Tanking Membranes

If you’re looking to improve your tanking membrane installation skills, consider these advanced tips.

  • Multi-layer system: Combine different membrane types for enhanced protection. Use a self-adhesive membrane as a base layer, followed by a torch-on membrane for added durability. This dual-layer approach provides redundancy and improved resistance to water ingress
  • Use termination bars: Install aluminium or stainless steel termination bars along the top edges of vertical membranes. These bars, when properly fastened and sealed, prevent water from migrating behind the membrane and offer a clean finish
  • Expansion joints in large installations: For extensive basement tanking membrane jobs, add expansion joints to accommodate structural movement. Use specialised expansion joint tapes or pre-formed components compatible with the membrane system to maintain waterproofing integrity
  • Staged curing process: When using liquid WP membranes, apply in multiple thin coats rather than one thick layer. Allow partial curing between coats to enhance overall membrane performance and reduce the risk of solvent entrapment

How Do I Properly Prepare Concrete Surfaces Before Applying a Tanking Membrane?

Proper surface preparation is crucial for effective tanking membrane installation. Start by thoroughly cleaning the concrete surface. Remove all dirt, dust, and loose particles. Repair any cracks, holes or imperfections using an appropriate filler or mortar.

Next, ensure the surface is dry and free from moisture. Apply a suitable primer to enhance adhesion. Allow the primer to dry completely before membrane application. For very smooth surfaces, consider light abrasion to improve bonding.

What Are the Differences Between Positive Side and Negative Side Tanking Membrane Applications?

Positive side tanking involves applying a waterproof membrane to the exterior of the structure. This method covers the below.

  • Prevents water from entering the structure
  • Protects the building material from water damage
  • Is typically more effective and longer-lasting
  • Requires excavation for existing structures

Negative side tanking applies the WP membrane to the interior surface. This approach covers the following.

  • Used when exterior access is impossible or impractical
  • Can be applied to existing structures without excavation
  • May not prevent water damage to the building material
  • Requires careful surface preparation and detailing

Both methods have their place in basement waterproofing.