Terraces, balconies and flat roofs are external extensions of the living spaces which also have the task of covering and protecting the underlying volumes from water. In the presence of water infiltrations, they can be the cause of considerable inconvenience, linked to the work necessary to recover this functionality and the associated costs.
When the waterproofing function fails, the repairing technique must be chosen carefully, making a series of appropriate preliminary assessments that involve considerations: technical, economic and aesthetic.
A precise collection of preliminary information is the basis for a correct assessment of the causes and extent of the deterioration. In the first place, it is essential to have perfect knowledge of the construction technique used in the construction of the flat roof since, depending on whether it is a brick-cement slab, a pre-slab, a solid slab in reinforced concrete or another type of structure, different could be the critical points on which to focus attention. A preventive analysis of the structure also allows the identification of surfaces potentially involved in condensation processes, therefore being fundamental in orienting any diagnostic investigations.
In more complex cases, an accurate overview with photographic details is a basic starting point, better if accompanied by thermal images that can highlight the extent of infiltrations. However, some weaknesses are frequently present and it is worth remembering:
- water collection points and passing bodies;
- joints between horizontal surfaces and walls;
- technical joints and contraction joints;
- contact lines between materials with different thermal coefficient.
Particular attention should be paid to all these weaknesses, as they could be decisive in the deterioration in progress and in the choice of waterproofing technique.
Three waterproofing techniques are considered below which, thanks to their different performances and purposes, embrace the vast majority of cases. The techniques are:
- PROTECH BALCONY SYSTEM: transparent impregnation with high penetration resistant UV liquids
- OSMOCEM FLEX SYSTEM: millimetric coatings under tile of cement-based elastoplastics products
- SYNTECH POLIUREA SYSTEM: full coverage of the upper surface with hot vaporized elastic sheaths
They are very different techniques from each other, each of these characterized by precise advantages and equally precise limits. The choice of one of these three solutions must be taken considering technical, economic and aesthetic aspects summarized in the following table.
Products and technologies to use
PROTECH BALCONY SYSTEM, composed by: acid detergent for deep cleaning, putty, polyurethane sealant and transparent non-film impregnating treatment.
OSMOCEM FLEX SYSTEM, composed by: elastic band for connections and joints, alkali-resistant glass fiber mesh embedded in a two-component elastic/plastic cementitious compound.
SYNTECH POLIUREA SYSTEM, composed by: epoxy primers for concrete and steel surfaces, various types of polyurea resins and final protective polyurethane treatments.
Protech Balcony
Solution based on special silane and siloxane resins in solvent, highly penetrating, transparent (colourless), for quickly, effectively and economically waterproofing balconies, tiled terraces, concrete roofings, external stairs, etc., without removing or intervening on the existing flooring. It does not change the appearance of the support on which it is applied and it does not alter the original slipperiness or its water vapour breathability. It is quick to apply and does not require skilled labour or professional equipment. The flooring treated will be usable after only 2 hours of laying.
Protech Balcony
Solution based on special silane and siloxane resins in solvent, highly penetrating, transparent (colourless), for quickly, effectively and economically waterproofing balconies, tiled terraces, concrete roofings, external stairs, etc., without removing or intervening on the existing flooring. It does not change the appearance of the support on which it is applied and it does not alter the original slipperiness or its water vapour breathability. It is quick to apply and does not require skilled labour or professional equipment. The flooring treated will be usable after only 2 hours of laying.
Stucco Balcony
A two-component, fine cementitious grout with a fluid plastic consistency for grouting uncovered joints or filling and finishing static cracks, micro- and macro-cavities and so on between flooring tiles, before applying Protech Balcony for breathable non-film waterproofing operations on terraces and balconies.
Stucco Balcony
A two-component, fine cementitious grout with a fluid plastic consistency for grouting uncovered joints or filling and finishing static cracks, micro- and macro-cavities and so on between flooring tiles, before applying Protech Balcony for breathable non-film waterproofing operations on terraces and balconies.
Deterg-A
Concentrated solution of buffered acids, anionic and non-ionic surfactants with high biodegradability, for deep cleaning of substrates from various kinds of encrustations (lime, gypsum, calcareous concretions, saltpetre). To be applied after diluting with clean water according to the proportions indicated in the technical data sheet. The product attacks carbonate minerals, therefore pay particular attention to surfaces in marble, limestone, floors and lead polished stones, carrying out appropriate preventive assessments. Protect metal surfaces
Deterg-A
Concentrated solution of buffered acids, anionic and non-ionic surfactants with high biodegradability, for deep cleaning of substrates from various kinds of encrustations (lime, gypsum, calcareous concretions, saltpetre). To be applied after diluting with clean water according to the proportions indicated in the technical data sheet. The product attacks carbonate minerals, therefore pay particular attention to surfaces in marble, limestone, floors and lead polished stones, carrying out appropriate preventive assessments. Protect metal surfaces
Protech Flex
A single-component, moisture-curing and fast-hardening polyurethane sealant with a medium-to-high modulus of elasticity, remaining permanently elastic yet with high surface hardness and being tear- and weather-resistance and paintable. Ideal for the deformable sealing of expansion joints on terraces and balconies, for filling joints on prefabricated walls and on wooden, steel, aluminium, copper and plastic materials along with plasters and so on.
Protech Flex
A single-component, moisture-curing and fast-hardening polyurethane sealant with a medium-to-high modulus of elasticity, remaining permanently elastic yet with high surface hardness and being tear- and weather-resistance and paintable. Ideal for the deformable sealing of expansion joints on terraces and balconies, for filling joints on prefabricated walls and on wooden, steel, aluminium, copper and plastic materials along with plasters and so on.
Protech Flex Primer
A polyurethane bonding primer for preparing the subsequent filling of the joints with single-component polyurethane sealants in a cartridge (Protech Flex or PROTECH SIGILFLEX MONO) or a two-component product (EG 91) on concrete and masonry surfaces.
Protech Flex Primer
A polyurethane bonding primer for preparing the subsequent filling of the joints with single-component polyurethane sealants in a cartridge (Protech Flex or PROTECH SIGILFLEX MONO) or a two-component product (EG 91) on concrete and masonry surfaces.
Filtene Fondogiunto
Closed cell polyethylene foam kerb, compressible, to properly size the depth of the expansion joints (creation of the "third wall" or base material) before filling them with the polymeric sealants Protech Flex, PROTECH SIGILFLEX MONO or EG 91. It is available in profiles of circular cross-section of different diameter that will fit joints of any shape and size.
Filtene Fondogiunto
Closed cell polyethylene foam kerb, compressible, to properly size the depth of the expansion joints (creation of the "third wall" or base material) before filling them with the polymeric sealants Protech Flex, PROTECH SIGILFLEX MONO or EG 91. It is available in profiles of circular cross-section of different diameter that will fit joints of any shape and size.
Osmocem Flex
A two-component osmotic cementitious waterproofing agent in water dispersion, being a modified polymer that is highly flexible and deformable, with a plastic-elastic conduct. Application by trowel, brush or roller. Ideal for waterproofing terraces, balconies and swimming pools, prior to laying the tiled or brick coating. Suitable for contact with drinking water.
Osmocem Flex
A two-component osmotic cementitious waterproofing agent in water dispersion, being a modified polymer that is highly flexible and deformable, with a plastic-elastic conduct. Application by trowel, brush or roller. Ideal for waterproofing terraces, balconies and swimming pools, prior to laying the tiled or brick coating. Suitable for contact with drinking water.
Elastotex 120 Cloth
Waterproof butt strap, consisting of a expandable elastomeric rubber, entirely coated on both sides with absorbent fabric, with an overall width of 12 cm. The product is distinctive for its simple and easy application, the ascertained watertightness to water and the high deformation capacity.
Elastotex 120 Cloth
Waterproof butt strap, consisting of a expandable elastomeric rubber, entirely coated on both sides with absorbent fabric, with an overall width of 12 cm. The product is distinctive for its simple and easy application, the ascertained watertightness to water and the high deformation capacity.
Armaglass 160
Anti-cracking reinforcement mesh, based on alkaline-resistant fibreglass fibres for better distribution of tension and to prevent cracks from shrinkage, deriving from temperature variations, planar inhomogeneities, etcetera. With a weight of 160 g/m2 and a 4 x 4 mm square mesh, Armaglass 160 is the ideal fibreglass mesh for creating reinforced skim coats.
Armaglass 160
Anti-cracking reinforcement mesh, based on alkaline-resistant fibreglass fibres for better distribution of tension and to prevent cracks from shrinkage, deriving from temperature variations, planar inhomogeneities, etcetera. With a weight of 160 g/m2 and a 4 x 4 mm square mesh, Armaglass 160 is the ideal fibreglass mesh for creating reinforced skim coats.
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy
SYNTECH POLIUREA PRIMER - EPOXY is a two-component primer based on modified epoxy resins and special hardeners, solvent-free. Specially formulated to provide the right compromise between impregnation and wettability of the support to which, once applied, it forms a well-bonded layer.
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy
SYNTECH POLIUREA PRIMER - EPOXY is a two-component primer based on modified epoxy resins and special hardeners, solvent-free. Specially formulated to provide the right compromise between impregnation and wettability of the support to which, once applied, it forms a well-bonded layer.
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy Metal
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy Metal is a two-component primer based on epoxy resins free from solvents, used to promote adhesion, as a surface sealant for concrete, applied as a substrate for works with polyureas on metal surfaces and epoxy and polyurethane coatings.
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy Metal
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy Metal is a two-component primer based on epoxy resins free from solvents, used to promote adhesion, as a surface sealant for concrete, applied as a substrate for works with polyureas on metal surfaces and epoxy and polyurethane coatings.
Syntech Poliurea Spray - N
Syntech Poliurea Spray - N is a 100% pure polyurea of the aromatic type. It does not contain VOC and can only be applied by spraying using suitable bimixer machines which vaporise the material when hot. It is characterized by a high degree of elongation. Syntech Poliurea Spray - N is a coating elastomer obtained from the reaction of an aromatic type isocyanate with an amine. Both materials are extremely fluid and with low viscosity and have the property of reacting very quickly.
Syntech Poliurea Spray - N
Syntech Poliurea Spray - N is a 100% pure polyurea of the aromatic type. It does not contain VOC and can only be applied by spraying using suitable bimixer machines which vaporise the material when hot. It is characterized by a high degree of elongation. Syntech Poliurea Spray - N is a coating elastomer obtained from the reaction of an aromatic type isocyanate with an amine. Both materials are extremely fluid and with low viscosity and have the property of reacting very quickly.
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FL
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FL is a pure polyurea designed for the specific application on driveways and parking lots in general. 100% solid does not contain VOC and can only be applied by spraying using suitable bimixer machines. It is characterized by a high degree of elongation. It is a coating elastomer obtained from the reaction of an aromatic type isocyanate with an amine.
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FL
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FL is a pure polyurea designed for the specific application on driveways and parking lots in general. 100% solid does not contain VOC and can only be applied by spraying using suitable bimixer machines. It is characterized by a high degree of elongation. It is a coating elastomer obtained from the reaction of an aromatic type isocyanate with an amine.
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FC
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FC is a pure aromatic polyurea specifically designed for contact with food substances and drinking water. 100% solid does not contain VOC and can only be applied by spraying using suitable bimixer machines. It is aromatic and is characterized by a high degree of elongation. It is a coating elastomer obtained from the reaction of an aromatic type isocyanate with an amine. PURE POLYUREA SUITABLE FOR FOOD CONTACT
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FC
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FC is a pure aromatic polyurea specifically designed for contact with food substances and drinking water. 100% solid does not contain VOC and can only be applied by spraying using suitable bimixer machines. It is aromatic and is characterized by a high degree of elongation. It is a coating elastomer obtained from the reaction of an aromatic type isocyanate with an amine. PURE POLYUREA SUITABLE FOR FOOD CONTACT
Syntech Poliurea Top Coating
A protective, pigmented, two-component formulation based on aliphatic polyurethane resins, ideal as a protective and aesthetic coating on waterproofing with SYNTECH POLIUREA SPRAY. Characterised by high levels of elasticity and elevated protection, even in aggressive atmospheres. Available on request in shades from the RAL colour range.
Syntech Poliurea Top Coating
A protective, pigmented, two-component formulation based on aliphatic polyurethane resins, ideal as a protective and aesthetic coating on waterproofing with SYNTECH POLIUREA SPRAY. Characterised by high levels of elasticity and elevated protection, even in aggressive atmospheres. Available on request in shades from the RAL colour range.