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External Tanking vs French Drains – Which is Best for Damp Walls in Widnes?

The Problem with Lateral Damp

In Widnes, many properties — especially older homes or those built into sloped land — suffer from lateral damp. This occurs when water from surrounding ground pushes through external walls, especially where external ground levels are higher than internal floor levels.

If untreated, this can lead to:
✅ Persistent damp patches
✅ Peeling paint or blown plaster
✅ Salts forming on internal walls

Two Common Solutions: External Tanking vs French Drains

Both external tanking and French drains aim to stop lateral moisture ingress — but they work in different ways.

1. External Tanking

What it is:
A waterproof barrier applied to the outside of a wall to block moisture completely.

Best for:
✅ Retaining walls
✅ Basements or below-ground structures
✅ Where drainage improvements are not possible

Benefits:
✔ Creates a total seal
✔ Protects against high moisture load
✔ Can be combined with internal tanking or insulation

Limitations:
❌ Can be costly
❌ Requires access to dig down to the wall
❌ Must be installed correctly to be effective

2. French Drains

What it is:
A gravel-filled trench containing a perforated pipe that redirects water away from the building.

Best for:
✅ Homes with high external ground levels
✅ Gardens prone to waterlogging
✅ Reducing soil saturation next to walls

Benefits:
✔ Reduces water pressure on the wall
✔ Long-term moisture management
✔ Minimal visual impact

Limitations:
❌ Less effective for underground rooms
❌ Needs regular inspection to avoid blockages

Which Should You Choose?

Every property is different — in many Widnes homes, a combined approach is best. At Weather Wise Solutions, we assess the ground levels, soil type, wall construction, and damp profile before recommending a solution.

We work with reliable materials from Builders Super Store and follow best practices set by the Federation of Damp.