10. Waterproofing roofs, terraces and balconies
1. Roofs require waterproofing and movement accommodation
Roofs face sunlight, rain, temperature changes, dust and maintenance traffic. Select a polyaspartic waterproofing material for these combined conditions. Frequent thermal movement or existing cracking cannot be addressed through high strength alone.
Assess hollow or detached areas, drainage falls, ponding, wet insulation and the existing waterproofing layer. If ponding comes from inadequate falls or drain layout, changing the coating will not correct drainage. Select materials together with necessary construction repairs.
2. Details close the waterproofing system
Pipe penetrations, drains, parapet bases and equipment plinths often concentrate stress or join different materials. Specify corner treatment, reinforcement, sealant interfaces and termination positions. Main-field rolling instructions cannot simply be copied onto every detail.
Treat moving joints separately. Locations designed to move generally need compatible movement-accommodating details, rather than rigid filling followed by paint. Reinforcement, backing and sealing arrangements should follow the engineering design and product system.
3. Exterior exposure, traffic and ponding are different conditions
An exposed roof requires resistance to weather and sunlight. An accessible roof adds walking, handling and local damage; persistent ponding adds continuous water contact. A system suited to exposure with occasional maintenance access may be unsuitable for frequent activity or immersion.
Balconies and terraces also require consideration of wet slip resistance, furniture-leg indentation, long-covered areas beneath planters and cleaning. Describe how the space will be used, including pets, heavy objects and wet cleaning, to select the functional layer and finish.
4. A waterproof finish is not structural repair
Ongoing cracking, abnormal slab movement or leaking pipe connections may remain unresolved by a membrane. Polyaspartics can form part of a suitable repair, but the material name cannot replace leak diagnosis.
Acceptance should include detail inspection and appropriate ponding, spray or other tests. Test conditions must respect structural loading, drainage and use requirements so that verification causes no new damage. Retain an inspection and maintenance plan after acceptance.