STRUCTURAL WATERPROOFING & TANKING IN CAMBRIDGE
Specialist external waterproofing for commercial properties in Cambridge and Cambridgeshire across Cambridge
Professional external waterproofing services throughout Cambridge. Serving warehouses, factories, and commercial properties with proven liquid waterproofing.
How We Work in Cambridge
We carry out external waterproofing across Cambridge and Cambridgeshire for warehouses, distribution centres, food production facilities, and commercial properties. Our engineers assess each job thoroughly — specifying liquid waterproofing where appropriate — and complete most works with minimal disruption. Sika-approved. Free survey available.
Areas We Cover in Cambridge
And across Cambridgeshire
Why Choose MPS?
Barrier & Tanking Systems
We apply membranes and tanking to the outside face of below-ground structures, stopping groundwater before it reaches the concrete (Type A protection under BS 8102).
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.
How the Installation Is Carried Out
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?
Applying the barrier externally is generally the preferred option 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, manufacturers typically state design lives of 25-50+ years for these systems. 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, it 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 an external membrane. 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.
Standards, Credentials & Documented Work
What you can check before appointing us.
Standards that govern this work
- BS 8102:2022 — Type A (barrier) protection, water-table assessment and the choice of combined systems
Who does the work
MPS Concrete Solutions was founded in 2013 and works from Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire (SG19 3JW). Our operatives hold NVQs in resin and grout injection, CSCS, SSSTS and SMSTS cards, and PASMA and MEWP (3a/3b) training, and are confined-space trained.
- Constructionline Gold member; SSIP accredited
- UKAS-accredited certification to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
- Concrete Repair Association (CRA) member
- Sika-specified applicator
Reviewed by Jerry Blears, Director (LinkedIn), MPS Concrete Solutions. Last reviewed September 2026.
Based in Cambridgeshire
Cambridge is in our home county. Our base is at Gamlingay in South Cambridgeshire, so Cambridge sites are close to home rather than a travelling job — which keeps survey visits, return visits and phased works simple to schedule.
Related external waterproofing projects
The Dumont, Albert Embankment, London Internal cementitious render to a PUDLO waterproof-concrete attenuation tank for St James Group, working in confined space; turned around in three days. Hilsea Lido, Portsmouth Full Sika waterproof coating system across the pool shell — walls, floor, ramps and curved transitions — with lane markings reinstated.Other Services in Cambridge
We offer a complete range of concrete repair and waterproofing services across Cambridgeshire.
Industrial Concrete Repairs
Fix cracks, spalling & structural damage
Resin Injection & Crack Sealing
Stop water ingress & seal cracks
Penetration Sealing
Seal pipe & cable penetrations
Cavity Drain Installation
Control basement moisture
External Waterproofing
Protect below-ground structures
Membrane Installation
Waterproof barriers for all surfaces
Need External Waterproofing in Cambridge?
Expert external waterproofing services across Cambridgeshire. Fast, professional, durable.
