Nuances of Flat Terrace Waterproofing
Waterproofing a structure is difficult in general, and the process of waterproofing flat terraces is even trickier. The major problem area associated with terrace waterproofing in building constructions is flat surfaces. As the surfaces are flat, the water cannot quickly run off the structure. The water moves slowly and forms pools above the surface of the terrace creating conditions for leakage.
Again, a flat surface requires collection pits to create a passage for the water to travel before it enters the vertical drainage pipes, which is a big source of leaks.
It is established that rough terrace surfaces are bad for waterproofing because they stimulate slow movement and encourage pooling of water. Smooth surfaces are comparatively better at hindering leaks as they fasten the flow of water. The more inclination you give to the roof surface, the better are the chances for rain to avoid forming pools. A slope of 1 in 100 or steeper is advised for roofs.
Solution
The best way to carry out roof waterproofing on a flat terrace is with the help of a waterproofing membrane. A membrane is a thin layer of waterproofing material. It is continuous and hence offers no path for water to go array, and enter the structure.
A thin membrane is laid on top of the structural slab. Over the membrane, a layer of filler material is inserted. The filler material gives a slope to the terrace that runs towards the drainage outlets.
The final layer in roof waterproofing is the finish layer. The finish layer may be a tile, a stone, or any other material that can withstand the external environment. The finish layer and the filler layers sandwiched in between do not contribute to waterproofing but are essential additions in the terrace waterproofing process.
Critical Areas
The critical areas in terrace waterproofing are the areas which are most likely to fail and the few parts where the membrane is not continuously laid. The critical areas include the outlets, where the water gets collected before flowing into the drainage pipes.
In case there is a failure in waterproofing, it cannot be easily solved, as after the process is completed, the membrane is inaccessible. Hence, to correct such failures, again the construction workers need to take out the floor finish and filler material, repair the entire membrane, and again lay down both the upper layers.
