Tank Your Cellar and Expand Your Living Space

Tank Your Cellar and Expand Your Living Space

If you’re running out of room in your home, don’t look up or out — look down. Beneath many UK homes lies an untapped opportunity: the cellar. With the right waterproofing solution, your basement or cellar can become a warm, dry, and highly functional part of your home.

In this guide, we’ll explain why tanking your cellar is one of the most cost-effective ways to expand your living space, what’s involved in the process, and why choosing the right specialist makes all the difference.

Why Tank Your Cellar?

Tanking your cellar means applying a waterproof barrier to internal walls and floors to keep out moisture and transform a damp, unused space into a clean, livable area.

Here’s why thousands of UK homeowners are turning to cellar tanking to improve their homes:

1. Add Extra Living Space Without Building an Extension

Converting your cellar creates valuable square footage without the expense or disruption of an external extension. Whether you need a new office, gym, guest suite or playroom, your cellar can be reimagined into a functional and stylish space.

2. Increase Property Value

A fully tanked, converted cellar can add up to 30% to your property’s market value. It’s a smart investment, especially in urban areas where space is limited and in high demand.

3. Prevent Damp and Water Damage

Left untreated, cellars are often damp and musty, leading to structural decay and health risks like mould. Tanking your cellar prevents moisture ingress and protects your entire property from water-related problems.

4. Stay in the Home You Love

Why move house when you can unlock new space right beneath your feet? Cellar tanking offers a cost-effective way to adapt your existing home to suit your changing lifestyle.

What Is Cellar Tanking?

Cellar tanking is a form of basement waterproofing designed to stop water from penetrating below-ground walls and floors. It creates a sealed, dry environment suitable for living or storage.

There are two main types of cellar tanking systems:

1. Cementitious Tanking

This involves applying a thick slurry or render to walls and floors, which hardens to form a waterproof coating. It’s ideal for traditional solid brick or stone structures.

• Budget-friendly
• Creates a physical barrier against moisture
• Often used in smaller residential cellars

2. Cavity Drain Membrane Systems (CDM)

This system uses studded plastic membranes fixed to the inside of walls and floors. Any water ingress is managed through a drainage system and pumped away via a sump pump.

• Suitable for high water table areas
• Offers long-term, flexible waterproofing
• Allows for insulation and decorative finishes over the membrane

What’s Involved in Cellar Tanking?

Here’s what to expect when you tank your cellar to expand your living space:

Step 1: Damp Survey & Assessment

A professional damp proofing survey identifies the type of moisture present, assesses the structure, and recommends the best waterproofing system for your property.

Step 2: Preparation

This includes removing old plaster, treating any existing mould or timber decay, and preparing the surface for membrane or slurry application.

Step 3: Tanking System Installation

The chosen system (cementitious or CDM) is installed. For CDM, this also includes fitting drainage channels and sump pump units.

Step 4: Finishing

After waterproofing, the cellar is fitted with insulation, ventilation, flooring, and new walls as needed to create a habitable, beautiful space.

Is Planning Permission Needed?

Generally, you don’t need planning permission to tank or convert your cellar, especially if there’s no structural change. However, Building Regulations do apply, particularly for:

• Damp proofing and insulation
• Head height and access
• Fire safety
• Electrical work and ventilation

Ideal Uses for a Converted Cellar

Once tanked, your cellar can be adapted for almost any purpose, such as:

• Home office or remote workspace
• Guest bedroom with en-suite
• Children’s playroom
• Cinema or entertainment room
• Wine cellar or utility space
• Rental flat or Airbnb suite

Your imagination (and layout) is the limit.

Why Choose Shield Preservation?

At Shield Waterproofing and Preservation Ltd, we are specialists in cellar tanking and basement waterproofing — offering nationwide service and decades of experience. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Certified technicians (PCA, CSRT)
• High-performance materials and systems
• Full compliance with Building Regulations
• Long-term guarantees
• Clean, respectful, and efficient service
• Expertise in heritage and listed buildings

Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, or landlord, we provide tailored solutions that add value, protect your investment, and enhance your lifestyle.

Real Results from Happy Clients

“Our cellar was damp and unusable for years. Shield Preservation turned it into a beautiful guest suite — and now it’s the most popular room in the house.”
— Claire H., Barnet

“Excellent service. The team installed a cavity membrane system and even helped with the finishing work. Now we’ve got a stunning home office with natural light and zero damp.”
— Jon M., Bradford

Ready to Expand Your Living Space?

A tanked cellar is more than just dry — it’s an opportunity. Whether you’re creating a quiet retreat, a rentable space, or a practical storage solution, cellar tanking is the key to unlocking your home’s full potential.

📞 Book Your Free Cellar Survey Today

Contact Shield Preservation for expert cellar tanking and waterproofing across the UK.

• Phone: 0800 098 2780
• Email: info@shieldpreservation.co.uk
• Website: www.shieldpreservation.co.uk
• Service Area: We cover all of the UK, with local specialists ready to help you expand your living space.

Tank your cellar. Expand your living space.
Trust Shield Preservation to make it happen.