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 and transparent (colourless), for the rapid, effective and economical waterproofing of balconies, tiled terraces, concrete roofs, external stairs, etc., without removing or intervening on the existing flooring. It does not alter the appearance of the substrate to which it is applied, nor its original slip resistance or water vapour permeability. It can be applied very quickly and requires neither specialised labour nor professional equipment. The treated flooring can be used just 2 hours after application.
Protech Balcony
Solution based on special silane and siloxane resins in solvent, highly penetrating and transparent (colourless), for the rapid, effective and economical waterproofing of balconies, tiled terraces, concrete roofs, external stairs, etc., without removing or intervening on the existing flooring. It does not alter the appearance of the substrate to which it is applied, nor its original slip resistance or water vapour permeability. It can be applied very quickly and requires neither specialised labour nor professional equipment. The treated flooring can be used just 2 hours after application.
Stucco Balcony
Fine, two-component cementitious grout with a fluid-plastic consistency for grouting tile joints and filling and finishing static cracks, micro- and macro-cavities, etc. Recommended prior to the application of Protech Balcony in transparent, non-film-forming waterproofing treatments for terraces and balconies.
Stucco Balcony
Fine, two-component cementitious grout with a fluid-plastic consistency for grouting tile joints and filling and finishing static cracks, micro- and macro-cavities, etc. Recommended prior to the application of Protech Balcony in transparent, non-film-forming waterproofing treatments for terraces and balconies.
Deterg-A
Concentrated solution of buffered acids and highly biodegradable anionic and non-ionic surfactants for the deep cleaning of substrates affected by various types of deposits (lime, gypsum, calcareous concretions and saltpetre). Apply after dilution with clean water according to the proportions indicated in the technical data sheet. The product attacks carbonate minerals; therefore, particular care must be taken with marble, calcareous stone, lead-polished floors and polished stone surfaces, carrying out appropriate preliminary assessments. Protect metal surfaces.
Deterg-A
Concentrated solution of buffered acids and highly biodegradable anionic and non-ionic surfactants for the deep cleaning of substrates affected by various types of deposits (lime, gypsum, calcareous concretions and saltpetre). Apply after dilution with clean water according to the proportions indicated in the technical data sheet. The product attacks carbonate minerals; therefore, particular care must be taken with marble, calcareous stone, lead-polished floors and polished stone surfaces, carrying out appropriate preliminary assessments. Protect metal surfaces.
Protech Flex
One-component, moisture-curing polyurethane sealant, fast-curing, with medium/high elastic modulus, permanently elastic, featuring high surface hardness, tear resistance and weather resistance, paintable. Ideal for flexible sealing of expansion joints on terraces and balconies, and for filling joints in prefabricated wall panels and structures made of wood, steel, aluminium, copper, plastics, plaster, etc.
Protech Flex
One-component, moisture-curing polyurethane sealant, fast-curing, with medium/high elastic modulus, permanently elastic, featuring high surface hardness, tear resistance and weather resistance, paintable. Ideal for flexible sealing of expansion joints on terraces and balconies, and for filling joints in prefabricated wall panels and structures made of wood, steel, aluminium, copper, plastics, plaster, etc.
Protech Flex Primer
Water-based polyurethane bonding primer for preparing joints in concrete, masonry and other substrates prior to filling with polyurethane sealants (Protech Flex) and/or epoxy-polyurethane sealants (EG 91).
Protech Flex Primer
Water-based polyurethane bonding primer for preparing joints in concrete, masonry and other substrates prior to filling with polyurethane sealants (Protech Flex) and/or epoxy-polyurethane sealants (EG 91).
Filtene Fondogiunto
Closed-cell, compressible expanded polyethylene backer rod for correctly sizing the depth of expansion joints (creation of the “third wall” or joint bottom) before filling them with Protech Flex or EG 91 polymer sealants. Available in circular profiles with different diameters to suit joints of any shape and size.
Filtene Fondogiunto
Closed-cell, compressible expanded polyethylene backer rod for correctly sizing the depth of expansion joints (creation of the “third wall” or joint bottom) before filling them with Protech Flex or EG 91 polymer sealants. Available in circular profiles with different diameters to suit joints of any shape and size.
Osmocem Flex
Two-component, osmotic cementitious waterproofing product in aqueous dispersion, polymer-modified, highly flexible and deformable, with plasto-elastic behaviour. Applied by trowel, brush or roller. Ideal for waterproofing terraces, balconies and swimming pools before installing tiled or ceramic flooring. Suitable for contact with drinking water.
Osmocem Flex
Two-component, osmotic cementitious waterproofing product in aqueous dispersion, polymer-modified, highly flexible and deformable, with plasto-elastic behaviour. Applied by trowel, brush or roller. Ideal for waterproofing terraces, balconies and swimming pools before installing tiled or ceramic flooring. Suitable for contact with drinking water.
Elastotex 120 Cloth
Waterproof joint-covering strip consisting of an expandable elastomeric rubber, fully coated on both sides with absorbent fabric, with an overall width of 12 cm. The product is distinguished by its simple, easy application, proven impermeability to water and high deformation capacity.
Elastotex 120 Cloth
Waterproof joint-covering strip consisting of an expandable elastomeric rubber, fully coated on both sides with absorbent fabric, with an overall width of 12 cm. The product is distinguished by its simple, easy application, proven impermeability to water and high deformation capacity.
Armaglass 160
Anti-crack reinforcement mesh made from alkali-resistant glass fibre yarns, designed for improved stress distribution and to prevent shrinkage cracking caused by thermal fluctuations, surface irregularities, etc. With a weight of 160 g/m² and a 4.5 x 4.5 mm square mesh, Armaglass 160 is the ideal glass fibre mesh for reinforced skim coats.
Armaglass 160
Anti-crack reinforcement mesh made from alkali-resistant glass fibre yarns, designed for improved stress distribution and to prevent shrinkage cracking caused by thermal fluctuations, surface irregularities, etc. With a weight of 160 g/m² and a 4.5 x 4.5 mm square mesh, Armaglass 160 is the ideal glass fibre mesh for reinforced skim coats.
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy is an adhesion promoter based on modified two-component epoxy resins and special hardeners, solvent-free. Specifically formulated to provide the right balance between penetration and substrate wettability, once applied it forms a well-adhered preparatory layer, ideal for receiving polyurea or epoxy coatings.
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy is an adhesion promoter based on modified two-component epoxy resins and special hardeners, solvent-free. Specifically formulated to provide the right balance between penetration and substrate wettability, once applied it forms a well-adhered preparatory layer, ideal for receiving polyurea or epoxy coatings.
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy Metal
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy Metal is a solvent-free, two-component epoxy resin-based adhesion promoter, specifically formulated as a preparatory primer for application to metal surfaces before the application of polyurea and epoxy coating systems.
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy Metal
Syntech Poliurea Primer – Epoxy Metal is a solvent-free, two-component epoxy resin-based adhesion promoter, specifically formulated as a preparatory primer for application to metal surfaces before the application of polyurea and epoxy coating systems.
Syntech Poliurea Spray - N
Syntech Poliurea Spray - N is a 100% pure aromatic polyurea. It contains no VOCs and can only be applied by spraying using suitable dual-component hot-spray equipment. Syntech Poliurea Spray - N is a coating elastomer characterised by a high degree of elongation, obtained through the reaction of an aromatic isocyanate with an amine. Both materials are extremely fluid and have low viscosity, with the property of reacting very rapidly.
Syntech Poliurea Spray - N
Syntech Poliurea Spray - N is a 100% pure aromatic polyurea. It contains no VOCs and can only be applied by spraying using suitable dual-component hot-spray equipment. Syntech Poliurea Spray - N is a coating elastomer characterised by a high degree of elongation, obtained through the reaction of an aromatic isocyanate with an amine. Both materials are extremely fluid and have low viscosity, with the property of reacting very rapidly.
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FL
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FL is a pure polyurea specifically designed for application on vehicular traffic floors and car parks in general. It is 100% solids, contains no VOCs and can only be applied by spraying using suitable two-component bimixer equipment. It is a coating elastomer characterised by a high degree of elongation, obtained through the reaction of an aromatic isocyanate with an amine.
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FL
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FL is a pure polyurea specifically designed for application on vehicular traffic floors and car parks in general. It is 100% solids, contains no VOCs and can only be applied by spraying using suitable two-component bimixer equipment. It is a coating elastomer characterised by a high degree of elongation, obtained through the reaction of an aromatic isocyanate with an amine.
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FC
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FC is a pure aromatic polyurea specifically developed for contact with foodstuffs and drinking water. It is 100% solids, contains no VOCs and can only be applied by spraying using suitable plural-component machines. It is a coating elastomer characterised by a high degree of elongation, obtained through the reaction of an aromatic isocyanate with an amine. PURE POLYUREA SUITABLE FOR CONTACT WITH FOODSTUFFS
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FC
Syntech Poliurea Spray - FC is a pure aromatic polyurea specifically developed for contact with foodstuffs and drinking water. It is 100% solids, contains no VOCs and can only be applied by spraying using suitable plural-component machines. It is a coating elastomer characterised by a high degree of elongation, obtained through the reaction of an aromatic isocyanate with an amine. PURE POLYUREA SUITABLE FOR CONTACT WITH FOODSTUFFS
Syntech Poliurea Top Coating
Pigmented, two-component protective coating based on aliphatic polyurethane resins, ideal for the protective and aesthetic finishing of waterproofing systems installed using SYNTECH POLIUREA SPRAY. Characterised by high levels of elasticity and protection, even in the presence of aggressive atmospheres and severe exposure conditions. Available on request in the shades of the RAL colour range.
Syntech Poliurea Top Coating
Pigmented, two-component protective coating based on aliphatic polyurethane resins, ideal for the protective and aesthetic finishing of waterproofing systems installed using SYNTECH POLIUREA SPRAY. Characterised by high levels of elasticity and protection, even in the presence of aggressive atmospheres and severe exposure conditions. Available on request in the shades of the RAL colour range.