EXTERNAL WATERPROOFING UK
Nationwide specialist services for warehouses, factories & commercial buildings
MPS Concrete Solutions delivers external waterproofing services across the UK. With over 25 years of experience, we serve industrial facilities, warehouses, factories, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects throughout England, Scotland, and Wales using advanced repair systems and professional-grade materials.
UK-Wide External Waterproofing
Our external waterproofing services protect and restore critical infrastructure across the UK. We deliver fast, effective solutions using high-performance materials including epoxy resins, polyurethane systems, and specialist repair products designed to restore structural integrity with minimal downtime.
We serve warehouses, factories, food production sites, cold storage facilities, car parks, and commercial buildings across 50 major UK cities. Our Sika-approved products and proven methodologies ensure lasting durability and compliance with industry standards.
Nationwide Coverage
Professional external waterproofing services available across England, Scotland, and Wales. Fast response times and consistent quality wherever you're located.
Why Choose MPS Nationwide?
Cities We Serve
Select your city to learn more about our external waterproofing services in your area:
London
Greater London
Birmingham
West Midlands
Manchester
Greater Manchester
Leeds
West Yorkshire
Glasgow
Glasgow City
Liverpool
Merseyside
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
Bristol
City of Bristol
Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
Leicester
Leicestershire
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
Coventry
West Midlands
Kingston upon Hull
East Riding of Yorkshire
Cardiff
South Glamorgan
Bradford
West Yorkshire
Belfast
County Antrim
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
Wolverhampton
West Midlands
Derby
Derbyshire
Southampton
Hampshire
Portsmouth
Hampshire
Brighton & Hove
East Sussex
Plymouth
Devon
Reading
Berkshire
Luton
Bedfordshire
Northampton
Northamptonshire
Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire
Swindon
Wiltshire
Warrington
Cheshire
Peterborough
Cambridgeshire
York
North Yorkshire
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
Dundee
City of Dundee
Norwich
Norfolk
Ipswich
Suffolk
Oxford
Oxfordshire
Bournemouth
Dorset
Swansea
West Glamorgan
Sunderland
Tyne and Wear
Middlesbrough
North Yorkshire
Slough
Berkshire
Telford
Shropshire
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
Exeter
Devon
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
Blackpool
Lancashire
Poole
Dorset
Colchester
Essex
External Waterproofing & Tanking Systems
We apply professional external waterproofing membranes and tanking systems to below-ground structures, creating permanent barriers against groundwater ingress.
Liquid Applied Membranes
Cold-applied liquid waterproofing systems that cure to form seamless, flexible barriers. Ideal for complex details, penetrations, and irregular surfaces on retaining walls and basement exteriors.
Sheet Membrane Systems
High-performance HDPE and bituminous sheet membranes mechanically fixed or torch-applied to below-ground walls, providing robust protection against hydrostatic water pressure.
Cementitious Tanking
Polymer-modified cement-based waterproofing slurries applied to external foundation walls, creating crystalline barriers that resist water pressure while remaining breathable.
Drainage Composites
Geocomposite drainage boards installed over waterproofing membranes to channel groundwater safely to perimeter drains, reducing hydrostatic pressure on basement walls.
Perimeter Land Drains
French drain systems with perforated pipes and gravel surrounds installed at foundation level, collecting and diverting groundwater away from structures before it can penetrate walls.
Structural Waterproofing
Integrated waterproofing strategies combining external membranes, drainage layers, and structural protection boards to BS 8102 Grade 3 standards for critical applications.
External Waterproofing Installation Process
Excavation & Exposure
Existing ground is excavated adjacent to foundation walls to expose below-ground surfaces. Temporary shoring installed if required for safety and access.
Surface Preparation
Walls are cleaned, defects repaired with cementitious mortars, sharp edges removed, and surfaces primed to receive waterproofing membranes according to manufacturer specifications.
Membrane Application
Waterproofing membranes are applied from footing level upwards with proper overlaps, sealed joints, and protection at penetrations. Drainage layers added over membranes.
Drainage & Backfill
Perimeter land drains installed at footing level, protection boards fixed over membranes, and excavations backfilled with free-draining granular material to prevent water accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does external waterproofing cost?
External waterproofing costs depend on wall height, excavation depth, membrane type, access constraints, and drainage requirements. Typical residential basement waterproofing ranges from £150-£250 per linear metre including excavation and reinstatement. Commercial projects vary based on scale and specification.
When is external waterproofing better than internal solutions?
External waterproofing is the gold standard as it stops water before it enters the structure, protects the concrete itself, and doesn't reduce internal space. It's essential for new builds and recommended when excavation is already required for other works. Internal systems are more practical for existing buildings where excavation is prohibitively expensive.
How long does external waterproofing last?
When properly installed with appropriate protection and drainage, external waterproofing systems have 25-50+ year lifespans. Sheet membranes and liquid-applied systems backed by manufacturer guarantees typically last the lifetime of the structure when correctly specified and installed.
Can external waterproofing be added to existing buildings?
Yes, external waterproofing can be retrofitted to existing buildings through excavation alongside walls. This is often combined with underpinning, foundation repairs, or basement conversions to maximise value from the excavation works. Access and adjacent structures must be considered during design.
Do I need land drains with external waterproofing?
Perimeter land drains are highly recommended alongside external waterproofing membranes. They reduce hydrostatic water pressure against walls by channelling groundwater away before it can accumulate. This dramatically improves membrane longevity and system effectiveness, especially in high water table conditions.
Related Resources
Useful guides and pricing information related to external waterproofing
Waterproofing Cost Guide
Indicative UK pricing for structural waterproofing systems including resin injection, cavity drain and tanking.
View guide → Technical GuideConcrete Waterproofing Guide
Type A, B and C waterproofing systems under BS 8102:2022 — selection criteria, design principles and compliance.
Read guide →Need External Waterproofing?
Expert services across the UK. Fast response, professional results, minimal downtime.
