Cellar tanking in Sidmouth
Looking for professional cellar tanking help in Sidmouth? Hembury Contracting provides reliable misc services across Sidmouth and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
Quote
Typical Duration
Multiple days
Location
Sidmouth
Professional cellar tanking to waterproof your basement. Stop damp, create usable space. Not a quick fix - proper waterproofing that lasts.
### Transform Your Damp Cellar
Got a cellar that's basically unusable? Damp walls, puddles on the floor, that musty smell that makes you hold your breath?
**Cellar tanking fixes this properly.** Waterproof membrane system installed to walls and floor, drainage channel fitted, new screed laid. You end up with a genuinely dry space you can actually use.
> 💡 **Pro tip:** Tanking doesn't stop water trying to get in - it creates a barrier that keeps it out. The water is still there in the ground, you've just made your cellar watertight against it.
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### Why Tanking Works Where Damp Treatment Doesn't
| ✅ Proper Tanking | ❌ Just Painting Over It | |-------------------|--------------------------| | Waterproof membrane barrier | Temporary cosmetic fix | | Drainage channel for water | Water has nowhere to go | | Dry, usable space created | Still damp, just hidden | | Lasts decades | Fails within months |
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### What's Involved
**🔧 The Tanking Process**
| Stage | What Happens | Time | |-------|--------------|------| | **Prep** | Clear cellar, remove old finishes, clean walls/floor | 1 day | | **Drainage** | Install perimeter drainage channel | 1 day | | **Membrane** | Apply waterproof membrane to walls and floor | 2-3 days | | **Floor** | New screed over membrane | 1-2 days | | **Finish** | Walls plastered, floor finished | 2-3 days |
**📦 What You End Up With** - Completely waterproof cellar - Dry walls and floor - Space you can actually use - Adds value to your property
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### This Is A Big Job
**Not going to lie to you** - cellar tanking is expensive and disruptive. But if you want a usable cellar, it's the only proper way to do it.
**Cheaper alternatives:** - Just accept it's a damp cellar for storage only - Dehumidifier running permanently (expensive and never truly dry) - External waterproofing (often impossible without digging up neighbors)
**Tanking is worth it if:** - You want to convert cellar to living space - You're losing space you could be using - You're serious about adding value to your property - Damp is affecting the house above
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### Why You Need A Quote
Every cellar is different. Size, condition, water ingress level, access, existing finishes - it all affects cost and time.
I need to see your cellar to give you a realistic quote. I can usually tell you on the spot whether tanking is the right approach or if there's a simpler solution.
Why Choose Us for Cellar tanking in Sidmouth?
Stop water ingress completely
Make cellars usable spaces
Professional membrane system
Long-lasting waterproofing
What to Expect
### Step 1: Survey & Quote I come look at your cellar, assess the damp situation, measure up, and give you a detailed quote with breakdown of work involved. ### Step 2: The Work If you go ahead, cellar gets cleared (you do this bit), then I start the tanking process. Takes several days, makes a mess, but ends with a dry cellar. ### Step 3: Final Finish Once tanking is done and dried, you can plaster and finish however you want - or I can do that too if you prefer.
Our Sidmouth Service Coverage
We cover Sidmouth and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Sidmouth or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
> ⚠️ **Building regulations:** If you're converting a cellar to habitable space, you'll need building control involved. Ceiling height, fire escape, ventilation all matter. Check before you start. **Old Exeter properties often have cellars** - Victorian and Edwardian houses were commonly built with them. They're fantastic spaces if properly waterproofed, but brutal if left damp. **This is specialist work.** I do cellar tanking but it's not a quick handyman job - it's proper waterproofing that needs doing right. Hence why quotes vary and I need to see your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cellar tanking in Sidmouth
What is cellar tanking?
It's waterproofing your cellar from the inside using a membrane system. Basically creating a watertight 'tank' inside your existing cellar walls and floor. Stops water getting in and makes the space dry and usable.
Is tanking better than just treating the damp?
For cellars, usually yes. External waterproofing isn't possible on most cellars (you'd have to dig up next door's house), and tanking creates a proper watertight barrier. It's the industry standard approach for making cellars actually dry.
How long does cellar tanking take?
Depends on size, but usually several days. Small cellar might be 3-4 days, larger ones a week or more. It's proper work - membrane to walls and floor, drainage channel, new floor screed, the lot.
Can I use the cellar as living space after tanking?
Yes, that's usually the point. Once tanked, your cellar is a dry, usable space. People create gyms, offices, bedrooms, cinema rooms. Building regs and planning permission might apply depending on use - worth checking.
How much does cellar tanking cost?
It varies massively based on cellar size and condition. Small cellar might be £3,000-£5,000, larger ones £8,000-£15,000+. I'll need to see it to give you a proper quote. Not a cheap job but transforms unusable space into valuable living area.
Get a Free Quote in Sidmouth
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your cellar tanking job in Sidmouth.
01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Sidmouth
* Same rates for all locations in our service area
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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