What is Waterproofing?
A structure that allows moisture infiltration can experience serious damage. When water exists in liquid form, the impact on structure can be catastrophic, causing it to be uninhabitable. Waterproofing refers to the options that can prevent moisture penetration under hydrostatic head pressure.
Thus, waterproofing is an essential component for the durability during service life of structures. In the market, there are several waterproofing products and systems; However, there is no single system that will work for every situation. Each system has its pros and cons. One should be aware of the existing products in the market before selecting a certain system.
Steps to Waterproof a Terrace or Balcony
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Before Waterproofing a Terrace or Balcony
Before starting the process of waterproofing, it is essential to assess the current conditions of the area under consideration.
First, evaluate the condition of the visible layer of flooring (top part you can see). Check if the volumes of the joints are consistent or missing since these joints are the first thing through which the water starts to infiltrate, causing serious damage to the elements. In parallel, check the state of the elements of the flooring: any cracks or breakages of the same provide access to water creating infiltration points.
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Steps to Waterproofing a Terrace or Balcony
It’s necessary to determine whether it is needed to carry out waterproofing again or just restoring an already existing waterproofing system. This evaluation determines what level of the waterproofing package we need to intervene.
From the moment in which it’s sure that the water is infiltrate the finishing layer, proceed to restore the waterproofing system of the terrace in another way, that is to remove the irreparably compromised existing flooring, together with the layer of glue and the waterproof layer that protect the screed.
Provide a new waterproofing of the screed with waterproof liquid products and the subsequent bonding of the new coating, with a cementitious adhesive suitable for the type of substrate and a grout with waterproofing characteristics specially designed for outdoor use.
Read Also
Diagnose the Leak Before Choosing a System
| Observed problem | Check first | Typical response |
|---|---|---|
| Ponding water | Falls, blocked drains, outlets, and low spots. | Correct drainage before applying a new membrane. |
| Leak near a door or wall | Threshold height, membrane upturn, joint, flashing, and sealant. | Repair the transition detail as part of the waterproofing system. |
| Leak near a drain | Drain flange, clamping detail, membrane termination, and movement. | Rebuild the drain-to-membrane connection where required. |
| Cracks in the substrate | Whether the crack is active, structural, or only shrinkage-related. | Assess and treat the crack before covering it. |
| Loose tile or hollow screed | Bond, moisture, movement joints, and substrate soundness. | Remove unsound layers and rebuild using a compatible system. |
Waterproofing Sequence
- Confirm the source of water and the condition of the structural slab, screed, joints, parapets, thresholds, and drains.
- Remove unsound material and contaminants, repair the substrate, and form the required falls toward outlets.
- Prime only when the selected system requires it. Install corner, joint, penetration, threshold, and drain details before the main field membrane.
- Apply the liquid or sheet membrane strictly to the manufacturer’s substrate, thickness, overlap, temperature, and curing requirements.
- Protect the membrane from following trades. Install compatible drainage, screed, adhesive, tile, or other finish without puncturing it.
- Carry out the specified inspection or flood test only after the membrane has cured and before it is concealed.