Methods For Terrace Waterproofing

Terrace Waterproofing Methods 

Waterproofing involves forming an impervious barrier over the surface area of walls, roofs, foundations, and other building structures. It aims to prevent water leakage through cracks or surfaces. Professional basement waterproofing contractors use different terrace waterproofing materials and methods:

Cementitious Waterproofing Method 

The cementitious waterproofing method involves applying a thin layer of coating, starting with a primer coat and then two topcoats. The experts use trowels, spray, or rollers to apply the coating. Cementitious waterproofing offers a wide range of benefits. It provides a seamless coating system and is weather and abrasion-resistant. It has an excellent bonding capability, making it ideal for both porous and non-porous surfaces. It works great with both negative and positive side pressure.

Liquid Waterproofing Membrane 

A liquid waterproofing membrane comes in handy in protecting many structures. The flexible membranes are spray or hand applied onto surfaces like terraces, podium decks, and balconies. The leading benefits of liquid waterproofing membrane include the ease of application. The liquid waterproofing membrane is easy to apply even when waterproofing complex areas with lots of detail. Liquid waterproofing membranes form a solid membrane with no joints or seams, which are the common areas where most waterproofing methods fail. This waterproofing method will continue to perform even when exposed to extreme weather conditions. A liquid waterproofing membrane can expand and contract as the temperature fluctuates.

Bituminous Coating Waterproofing

The alternative name for bituminous coating waterproofing is asphalt coating. It’s an excellent waterproofing and protective coating agent, ideal for terraces. This coating is applied based on the polymerization grade and formulation. Since the coating is made of bitumen-based material, prolonged exposure to sunlight might make it brittle. However, when treated with flexible materials like polyurethane, it can withstand sun exposure.

Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing 

Bituminous membrane waterproofing has a tried-and-tested performance record. This waterproofing method comes in two varieties: self-adhesive membrane and torch-on membrane. The self-adhesive membrane consists of polymers, asphalt, and fillers. The self-adhesive option has a low shelf life because the bonding properties of the membrane reduce over time. It consists of organic liquids that are highly sticky and waterproof. The torch on the membrane relies on a fire touch to melt the bituminous membrane for bonding. This waterproofing method is popular on low-shaped terraces.

Polyurethane Liquid Membrane Waterproofing 

This waterproofing method is ideal for flat terraces. Even if the waterproofing method is expensive, it offers high flexibility and reliability. The leading benefits of polyurethane liquid membrane waterproofing include impermeability, making it effective in keeping water out of the terrace. The waterproofing method offers a high level of flexibility and can withstand building structures’ normal movements, including contortion, distortion, and earthquake activity. This waterproofing method can retain its integrity for long periods due to its durability. Due to its breathability, it allows moisture vapours from the interior to escape easily. The membrane has a high resistance and can withstand environmental and climatic conditions.

Waterproofing of Terrace Roof

Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home. Outdoor living is an important consideration in the design of a building. You can use the roof door space to create a roof terrace. You should invest in qualified terrace waterproofing to prevent leakage during heavy rainfall. Proper terrace waterproofing also helps prevent heat loss during winters and summers. Direct Waterproofing provides reliable terrace waterproofing solutions.

Terrace Waterproofing Procedure

The first step in terrace waterproofing is surface preparation. This step involves: 

• Raking the construction joints and removing the loose concrete from the joints.
• Drillings holes and fixing the nozzles in the construction joints. The waterproofing experts then patch the joints with cement-sand mortar.
• Grouting the nozzles with a cement slurry mixed with non-shrink polymeric grouting compound.
• Cleaning the RCC of the grease, oil, and other loosely adhering particles.
• Repairing the RCC with a rich cement-sand mortar if cracks and pinholes are present.
• Laying the mortar gola along the vertical and the horizontal edges or other projections based on the specifications.

The second step in terrace waterproofing is a coating that entails:

• Sprinkling water to wet the RCC substrate.
• Applying two coats of an acrylic modified waterproof coating or cement-based polymer The second coat is applied after the first coat is touch dry. The coats should be applied at the right angles to each other.
• Laying a glass fibre mesh between the two coats to create extra tensile strength to the cementitious coating.
• When the second coat is touch dry, the third coat of the cement-based polymer is applied.

The application of a protective layer is the third step in the terrace waterproofing process. It entails: 

• Applying a protective layer (20mm thick), consisting of cement and sand mortar in the ratio of 1:4. The cement sand mortar is mixed with a waterproofing compound. The quantity of the integral waterproofing compound should be 1 to 1.5 kg per bag of cement.

Brick Bat Coba Treatment is the fourth step in terrace waterproofing, and it involves the following activities:

• Laying broken bricks or brickbats to the specified slope. The brickbats should be at least 40mm thick.
• Use cement-sand mortar, admixed with an integral waterproofing compound to fill all the voids in the brickbats. The cement-sand mortar ratio is 1:4, and the waterproofing compound should be 1kg per bag of cement.
• Applying jointless waterproofing plaster (20mm thick) in cement mortar, admixed with an integral waterproofing compound. Finally, finish the surface with a neat layer of the cement slurry. The cement slurry should be admixed with a layer of integral waterproofing compound.
• Making gola/vatta up to 300mm in vertical wall.
• Marking the entire finished surface with 300mm by 300mm in a grid pattern.
• Making khurras according to specifications to aid in draining the roof water.
• Curing the entire surface using water for fourteen days.

Terrace waterproofing helps prevent leaks, protects smooth surfaces, seal cracks, and keep the roof structurally-strong. The terrace or roof is an integral part of a building, and it’s often exposed to harsh weather conditions like rainfall and direct sunlight. Direct Waterproofing provides the best terrace waterproofing services in Toronto.