EST. 1986

External ground damp proof membranes, fitted before water becomes a problem.

Installed to the perimeter of newly constructed basements, or where ground levels are lowered around an existing one, complete with suitable drainage — stopping water before it enters the wall structure.

Best Suited To New build / lowered ground levels
Includes Perimeter drainage
Result Water stopped before the wall
External ground damp proof membranes, fitted before water becomes a problem.

Bensleys can install external damp proof membrane systems, complete with suitable drainage, to the perimeter of the building on newly constructed basements, or where ground levels are lowered to the perimeter of an existing basement. These membrane systems will stop water before it enters the wall structure at all.

Why Go External

Because the membrane sits outside the wall, water is intercepted before it can affect the structure or the internal finish — often meaning less internal disruption than a system installed from inside, and no compromise to internal floor-to-ceiling height.

New Build

Newly constructed basements

Applied to the perimeter during construction, before backfilling, giving the most straightforward access for a thorough installation.

Retrofit

Lowered ground levels

Where ground levels around an existing basement are lowered, the newly exposed wall face can be fitted with an external membrane.

Drainage

Perimeter drainage included

Suitable drainage is installed alongside the membrane, carrying intercepted water away from the structure entirely.

How we install it

From excavation to a protected perimeter.

Step 01

Access & excavation

For new build, this happens before backfilling; for existing basements, ground levels are lowered to expose the wall face.

Step 02

Membrane installation

The external membrane is applied to the exposed wall face, forming a continuous barrier against ground water.

Step 03

Perimeter drainage

Suitable drainage is installed alongside the membrane to carry intercepted water away from the building.

Step 04

Backfill & reinstatement

Ground is reinstated around the protected wall, completing the installation.

Related systems

Other basement waterproofing options

Each has its place, and the right choice depends on wall construction, water pressure, and whether the space needs a sump and pump. Each system below has its own dedicated page.

Cementitious Tanking Membranes

A modified cement slurry or multi-coat render applied directly to the internal face, stopping moisture at the point of entry…

Find out more

Cavity Drain Membranes

A dimpled cavity membrane creates a drainage cavity behind the wall, collecting ingressing water and channelling it away — with…

Find out more
External Ground Damp Proof Membrane

Frequently Asked Questions

Find clear answers for External Ground Damp Proof Membrane.

What is an external ground damp proof membrane?
It is a waterproofing membrane system installed externally, complete with suitable drainage, to the perimeter of a building. It stops water before it enters the wall structure at all, rather than managing it once it's already inside
When is an external membrane used rather than an internal system?
External ground damp proof membranes are typically used on newly constructed basements, or where ground levels are lowered around the perimeter of an existing basement, giving access to install the membrane from outside.
Does this system need internal finishing work afterwards?
Because the membrane stops water before it reaches the wall, internal finishes are generally unaffected, which can mean less internal disruption than tanking or cavity drain systems installed from inside.
Can this be combined with an internal system?
Yes. On some projects an external membrane is combined with an internal cavity drain or tanking system for additional protection, depending on what the structural survey identifies as necessary.
Back to top Get in touch

New build or lowering ground levels? Let's talk external membranes.

Get in touch early in the project so external waterproofing can be planned in from the start.