Cellar & Basement Waterproofing

Many of the terraced homes across Blackburn, Darwen and Hyndburn have a cellar that's too damp to use. With the right waterproofing it can become a dry, warm space for storage, a home gym, an office or a cinema room. At DampCav we waterproof and finish cellars from start to finish. We're a family-run team based in Rishton, covering Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Great Harwood and the surrounding towns.

Signs your cellar needs waterproofing

• Damp or wet walls and floors
• Puddles or water coming in after heavy rain
• White salts or crumbling on the brickwork
• A musty smell that spreads into the rest of the house
• Mould on stored items, or rusting tools and bikes
• Rotting timbers around the cellar head or floor above

Why cellars get damp

Cellars sit below ground level, so the soil around them pushes moisture and water through the walls and floor. Older Lancashire cellars were never built to be dry living spaces. Poor ventilation then adds condensation on top.

How we waterproof a cellar

1. Survey. We inspect the cellar, check how wet it is and talk through how you want to use the space.
2. Clear quote. You get a written quote for only the work that's needed, with no pressure and no upselling.
3. Prepare the walls and floor. We clear the space, remove old finishes and prepare the surfaces.
4. Waterproof. We apply a cementitious tanking system or install a cavity drain membrane, depending on the cellar and how wet it is.
5. Finish the room. Our in-house team can board, plaster, add flooring and fit ventilation so the room is ready to use.
6. Aftercare. We explain how to look after the system and keep the space dry.

We use reliable, UK-manufactured waterproofing products, backed by a manufacturer's insurance-backed guarantee.

What could you use your cellar for?

• Dry storage
• A home gym
• A home office
• A cinema or games room
• A utility or laundry room

Why choose DampCav?

• Over 25 years' experience in construction and property maintenance
• Multi-skilled, in-house team that does the waterproofing and the finishing
• Family-run and fully insured, with no subcontractors
• Damp investigation and quote for £90 inc VAT
• Rated 10/10 on Checkatrade, with 5-star reviews on Google

Areas we cover

We waterproof cellars across East Lancashire, including Rishton, Accrington and Great Harwood, Blackburn and Darwen.

Cellar waterproofing FAQs

What's the difference between tanking and a membrane?

Tanking is a waterproof coating applied straight onto the walls and floor. A cavity drain membrane is a dimpled sheet that lets water run behind it to a drain or sump. We'll recommend the right one for your cellar.

Do I need planning permission?

Usually not for waterproofing an existing cellar. Turning it into a habitable room may need Building Regulations approval. We can talk you through it.

How long does it take?

A straightforward cellar is often one to two weeks, depending on size and finish. We'll give you a timescale with your quote.

Will my cellar be warm?

Waterproofing keeps it dry. Adding insulation, heating and ventilation makes it a comfortable room, and we can include these in the quote.

Book your cellar survey

Call us on 07538 953709, email info@dampcav.co.uk or send us a message. We're open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.