Question
What is 'tanking' a basement?
Expert Answer
Tanking is a traditional term for applying a waterproof lining to a basement, effectively turning it into a watertight tank. It usually refers to Type A waterproofing using cementitious slurries or bituminous coatings. Tanking must be able to withstand 'negative hydrostatic pressure'—the water pushing the coating *off* the wall. Because of this, surface preparation (removing paint/plaster to reach the brick/concrete) is absolutely vital for a tanking system to hold.
