5 Easy Steps For Successful Terrace Waterproofing

We ought to be thankful for having the proverbial “roof over our heads”. The blessings that roof showers can be easily tainted and washed away by a leaky roof. If we do not follow the proper terrace waterproofing procedure, it can lead to water seepage across our home, thus decreasing its life and strength. It can cause leaks in the walls, mold, mildew, and weaken its overall structure. A roof is known as a terrace when it is flat and there is an entry built to access it. 

Terrace waterproofing is a very important part of building construction. With the surge in urbanization, the need for economic and effective waterproofing solutions has grown multifold. With growing research and development in the construction industry, every few years new technologies in waterproofing are invented and they keep changing for the better. The ineffective old conventional methods of waterproofing are progressively being replaced with new advanced waterproofing solutions.

The roof or the terrace is the most fundamental and the most exposed part of our home. It acts as a sheath protecting us from the harsh conditions outside and keeps us safe and dry inside our cozy home. With the importance of a sound roof plays, it is pertinent to understand and choose the right method for terrace waterproofing. We must employ experienced and expert professionals to do the job. 

Here we will be discussing the 5 easy Steps For Successful Terrace Waterproofing that will make your roof over your head strong and steady.

Step-1: Prepare The Surface 

Firstly prepare the surface by proper cleaning with a wire brush and water. You need to remove all kinds of debris, dust, and other materials from your terrace’s surface. Then, give the rooftop a good and thorough scrubbing before applying your primer and waterproofing membrane. The proper cleaning helps in sticking chosen membrane to the surface and also brings to light the blemishes and cracks that need fixing. 

Tip- Use a power washer in a low-pressure setting to get all that dirt off. 

Step-2: Strengthen The Surface

After the thorough cleaning, repair the cracks, honeycombing, and undulations that are there on the terrace surface. This step is even more important if waterproofing is done on old brick bat Coba or any other old surface. This process will be the difference between doing the job only every few years or spending extra on redoing the whole job at least once a year during rains. Use primers to fill the cracks, and seal the surface properly to provide maximum adhesion for your terrace waterproofing membrane of choice. 

Tip- Make sure to apply this on a thoroughly cleaned and dried surface.

Step-3: Treating The Details 

The key to successful waterproofing is keen attention to detail. Take care of the little nooks and crannies that hide in plain sight. Treat all blemishes you spot properly before you start applying the waterproofing membrane. Also, pre-treat the rooftop’s edges, corners, pipes, vents and drains with sealants that are designed to seal abnormal roof penetrations that rollers usually can’t reach.  These are the areas that are prone to leakage. Seal them with due attention

Step-4: Application Of Waterproofing Chemical Coating 

This step includes applying a membrane of your choice that prevents water from leaking through the rooftop. There are many types of terrace waterproofing materials available in the market with each having different properties and purposes. With various choices to pick from, it becomes important to pick the most suitable waterproofing membrane for your rooftop. The common types of waterproofing materials are Polyurethane, Cementitious Coating, EPDM Rubber, Rubberized Asphalt, Thermoplastic, Bituminous Membrane, PVC Waterproofing Membrane, etc.

While applying terrace waterproofing membrane, make sure that you have properly cured waterproofing membrane per layer and the thickness of the coating is consistent and it is applied uniformly throughout the surface. You should apply two coats of waterproofing chemical coatings

Tip- Make sure to apply the correct amount of waterproofing material, as stated by the manufacturers’ technical specifications. 

Step-5: Apply Protective Layer On Waterproofing Coatings

If there is heavy traffic on the terrace, provide a protective layer on waterproofing coatings. Else, you can skip this step.

When you have finished getting your terrace waterproofing done, you can sleep peacefully without the worry of leaks seeping into your rooftop. Whether you are building a new house or renovating your old house, if you diligently follow these 5 steps to waterproof your terrace, it will not only help maintain the aesthetics of your home but also improve its resale value. There are many good manufacturers but Shawar Conchem has the right products to waterproof not only your terrace but also any corner of your house, from terrace to basement, and from walls to toilets and kitchen. Hope you enjoy a leakage-proof rainy season while sipping tea on your terrace.