Construction, Renovation and Strengthening
Foundation Tanking and Foundation Waterproofing in Ankara
We wrap the most critical part of your building, its foundations and basement, in a continuous waterproofing layer against groundwater and damp.
Overview
The lifespan of a building depends largely on the health of its foundations. Water and moisture coming from the ground can, over time, wear down concrete and reinforcement, and cause damp, mould and bad odours in basements. Foundation tanking (temel bohçalama) is a waterproofing method that wraps the foundations and the walls in contact with the soil on all sides against this risk.
With 20 years of site experience, Çayyolu Architecture & Construction carries out foundation waterproofing in Ankara through full tanking on new buildings and suitable foundation insulation solutions on existing buildings. Our aim is to do the waterproofing once and do it right, because foundation waterproofing is one of the hardest jobs to correct later.
Our Services
What Does Foundation Tanking Protect?
The concrete and reinforcement
By preventing groundwater and moisture from reaching the concrete, it reduces the risk of reinforcement corrosion and preserves the lifespan of the structural system.
Basements
It prevents damp, mould and water leaks in below-ground spaces such as basements, car parks and storage areas.
Your comfort
Dry foundations mean healthy indoor air, protected finishes and less need for maintenance.
The value of your investment
A building free from damp problems holds its value better over the years, and costly repairs in the future are avoided.
Your other insulation
Rising damp from the foundations reduces the effectiveness of façade and interior insulation; tanking completes the chain from the very bottom.
Your belongings in the basement
Items and equipment stored in storage rooms, pantries and plant rooms are protected from damage caused by damp.
A Closer Look
What Is Foundation Tanking?
The Turkish term, bohçalama, comes from wrapping something up like a bundle. Before the foundation concrete is poured, a waterproofing membrane is laid over the blinding concrete; once the foundation is built, this membrane is continued without interruption up the sides of the foundation and the retaining walls in contact with the soil. The foundation is thus wrapped from below and from the sides in a single-piece waterproofing shell.
The success of this method lies in the details: making the overlaps correctly, carefully working the corners and turns, applying a protective layer so that the membrane is not damaged during backfilling and, where necessary, installing a drainage system.
- Membrane laid over the blinding concrete, with overlap details
- Continuous coverage up the sides of the foundation and the retaining walls
- A protection board or layer that shields the membrane
- Perimeter drainage if the design requires it
02
Which Buildings Need Foundation Tanking?
Foundation waterproofing is important for all buildings that have a basement, are at risk from groundwater or surface water, sit on sloping land or have a large surface area in contact with the soil. The waterproofing detail to be applied is determined by the ground conditions and the design.
In a newly built villa or apartment building, tanking must be planned at the very start of construction. We treat this work as a separate item during the structural shell phase and coordinate between our structural shell construction and insulation works teams.
03
Is Foundation Waterproofing Possible in an Existing Building?
Full tanking can only be done during construction, because it requires waterproofing to be laid beneath the foundations. We want to say this clearly. However, there are things that can be done in existing buildings too to reduce water and damp problems.
Where conditions allow, an excavation is made around the building to expose the outer face of the retaining walls in contact with the soil; these are repaired and waterproofed, and a drainage line is installed if needed. Which solution is possible is determined during the site survey based on your building’s location and surrounding conditions. Because damp in the basement can be a sign of a structural problem, if there is any doubt we also recommend the licensed assessment we describe in our building strengthening process.
Our Process
How We Work
01
Free site visit
We inspect your plot or building on site and assess the risk of water and damp together with you.
02
Detail planning
We determine the waterproofing detail, materials and sequence of work to suit the design and ground conditions.
03
Clear quotation
We present an itemised quotation and work schedule based on the scope.
04
Surface preparation
We make the surfaces where the membrane will be applied clean, even and ready for application.
05
Waterproofing application
We apply the membrane continuously, paying close attention to overlap, corner and turn details.
06
Protection and inspection
We apply the protective layer, carry out a final check before backfilling, and hand over the work with full documentation.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find the answer you are looking for? Give us a call — we will listen to your project and answer your questions right away.
0312 240 51 51What is foundation tanking?
It is the continuous wrapping of the underside and sides of the foundation, and the retaining walls in contact with the soil, with a waterproofing membrane. The aim is to stop groundwater and moisture from reaching the building.
How is foundation tanking carried out?
A membrane is laid over the blinding concrete, and after the foundation concrete is poured, the membrane is continued up the sides of the foundation and the retaining walls. A protective layer is then applied and drainage is installed if necessary.
Which buildings need foundation tanking?
It is especially important for buildings with a basement, those at risk from groundwater and those on sloping land. The detail to be applied is determined by the ground conditions and the design.
Is tanking enough on its own?
In most cases it should be considered together with proper drainage and surface water management. Waterproofing gives a much more reliable result when it is supported by carrying water away from the building.
What factors affect the cost of tanking?
The foundation area, the height of the retaining walls, the chosen membrane and protection materials, and the need for drainage determine the cost. We present a clear quotation after the site survey.
Can tanking be applied to an existing building?
Waterproofing beneath the foundations can only be done during construction. In existing buildings, however, waterproofing and drainage can be applied to the outside of the retaining walls by excavating around the building where conditions allow.
Free site visit
Let’s plan your project together
With 20 years of experience, we inspect your space on site and present the right solution with a clear roadmap. The site visit and first meeting are free of charge.