Here are The Methods to How to Waterproof a Balcony or Terrace

In the construction of waterproofing systems for balconies or terraces, the ability to know how to evaluate and consequently choose the most suitable waterproofing system for the existing situation is important, regardless of whether it is new construction or a refurbishment of a pre-existing situation; it must therefore be made in a workmanlike manner, paying particular attention to all types of details and to the careful treatment of the same, which in most cases represent the critical points from which water infiltrations occur and consequently the subsequent problems.

What to consider before starting a job

To waterproof a balcony or terrace, you must first evaluate the existing conditions of the surface you want to treat because depending on the state of conservation of the balcony or terrace on which you want to work, there are different solutions and different phases to follow, more or less invasive, to restore or complete the waterproofing again. The first thing to evaluate is the state of the existing flooring, i.e. the visible layer, which is also the easiest to investigate regarding its state of conservation. This evaluation can be carried out for example by checking if the volumes of the leaks are consistent or missing, this is because in most cases it is precisely from the joints that the water begins to infiltrate and therefore the waterproofing effect of the finish is lacking. Consequently, the water will begin to deteriorate the package in its entirety, with serious damage to the elements. In parallel, it is possible to check the state of affairs of the elements of the flooring, in fact, even if these are for external use and therefore waterproof, any cracks or breakages of the same provide access to the water by creating infiltration points. balcony to be waterproofed

Steps to follow to waterproof a balcony or terrace

First of all, it is necessary to distinguish whether it is necessary to waterproof a new one or if we are talking about the restoration or possibly remaking of an existing waterproofing of a balcony or terrace. While in the first case the realization of the waterproofing system is simpler, in the case of reconstruction it is necessary to proceed in advance with an analysis of the existing situation.

Balcony makeover

From the moment in which it is ascertained that the water has managed to infiltrate beyond the finishing layer, it is necessary to evaluate whether, under the tile, the consistency of the cementitious adhesive and the protection of the screed, i.e. the waterproof layer on which the tile is glued, it is suitable to be able to think of carrying out treatment only on the existing finishing layer. In this case, it is possible to carry out an operation that provides a minimally invasive treatment which initially consists of removing any efflorescence, deposits or previous treatments such as waxes, and then cleaning the support with a neutral detergent. After drying, the terrace grouting can be re-done with a suitable stucco for exteriors which will therefore have excellent waterproofing characteristics which will allow to rebuild the integrity of the finishing layer and consequently of the whole package. To conclude, we will proceed with any treatments which in most cases are transparent and non-film products, which allow waterproofing in bulk, especially for the points of greatest risk such as the joints, to ensure that after the intervention the continuity of the waterproofing of the last layer of the balcony or terrace.

Conversely, if this intervention cannot be carried out, the waterproofing of the terrace is restored in another way, that is to remove the existing irremediably compromised flooring, together with the layer of glue and the waterproof layer to protect the screed. From here we will proceed with the realization of a new waterproofing of the same with waterproof liquid products and the subsequent bonding of the new coating, with a cementitious adhesive suitable for the type of substrate and putty with waterproofing characteristics specially designed for exteriors. Vice versa, it is possible to proceed with glueing with waterproof cement-based adhesives, which will perform both the waterproofing and glueing functions.

How to Avoid Leaks and Leaks on the Balcony or Terrace

You must always be careful to choose the size of the joints and the material with which to make them according to the type of flooring you want to create on your balcony or terrace. For example, recently floors with generously sized tiles are increasingly used, so it is necessary to ensure that the joints are proportionate to them so that friction is not created with subsequent cracking of the flooring and risks of infiltration.

Another element to pay particular attention to are the thresholds, that is the connection between the balcony or terrace and the French window that unites it inside the house; it is a good idea that these are at least 2 cm raised with respect to the walkway of the balcony even if more and more often, for aesthetic reasons, they are made flush with the floor, so the function of draining rainwater is left to the only slope of the package.

Waterproofing of balconies

 

As regards the treatment of details such as the wall-floor corners, expansion joints or drains, in general, special pre-formed elements are created which are created to be used with the various waterproofing systems proposed and can be butyl tapes, gauze or strips protective devices that provide further waterproofing in those points where the risk of leaks is always greater due to their particular complexity of the geometric conformation. For the fixing of protection elements from falling from above such as parapets, very often the producers of these materials are adapting and are increasingly sensitive to respecting the principles of waterproofing the balcony or terrace, for which they are generally made external fixings,

Characteristics of the ideal product for waterproofing a balcony or terrace

The ideal system for waterproofing a balcony or terrace must provide a waterproofing layer that is elastic and extremely tough and covering while ensuring extraordinary adhesion to the cement glue that will be used for bonding the flooring.

It must be as simple to apply as the components specifically designed to treat details (such as corners). The technical documentation of these systems must show characteristics that comply with the regulations in force for its intended use.

Example of a job well done

The steps to follow for the optimal realization of the waterproofing of a balcony or terrace can be summarized in the following processing phases.

• Primary waterproofing of the supporting structure of the balcony or terrace by applying a double layer of the bituminous membrane with suitable vertical folds on the walls and protection of the thresholds.
• The interposition of a layer of material that protects the waterproofing membranes from the action of the load distribution layer.
• Creation of a load distribution layer.
• Application of a waterproofing product to protect the screed, which is compatible with the subsequent application of adhesives for coverings.
• Laying the covering using an adhesive suitable for the purpose.
• Grouting the tile joints with a suitable grout with waterproofing characteristics in order to prevent leaks from the joints themselves.
• Any final treatments to provide an additional final waterproofing layer.

for more information on waterproofing chemicals for terrace and balconies, contact 97319 43184