This blog was written by Delta Membranes Systems.

There are many common pitfalls when it comes to designing a waterproofing system for podium decks, buried roofs, balconies and terraces. Products do not fail! When failures occur, it is due to the design and build philosophy not being correct.

The devil is in the detail – all waterproofing elements must be considered at the construction design stage to be durable and effective.

The trend for outdoor living has led to a market growth in external balconies, large roof/ground floor terraces and patios. As well as adding monetary value to a property, external areas can be aesthetically pleasing, offering a wide range of colours, textures and finishes to a home.

Outside living can also help to promote health and well-being benefits as these extra useable areas for open air living, help to soften heavily urbanised locations and steadily increase the number of green and usable spaces for leisure.

Balconies, roof terraces and patios are part of a trend which is inspired by aspirational and luxury living in suburban and rural areas alike.

When specified with the correct waterproofing systems, all types of installations are possible, however the design needs careful consideration and a CSSW qualified Waterproofing Design Specialist should always be consulted at the earliest opportunity.

The primary requirement of waterproofing design is the prevention of water ingress and the management of water and water vapour movement through and out of a structure. The design ethos for waterproofing podium decks, buried roofs, balconies and terraces is identical to that used in any below ground area of a structure.

There are many different approaches to structural waterproofing. The construction methods will in part contribute to the specification of types of waterproofing systems and may also determine the overall structural waterproofing strategy.

Structural waterproofing falls into 3 categories:
Type A – Barrier Protection
Type B - Structurally Integral Protection
Type C – Drained Protection

With 3 grades:
Grade 1 – Some water seepage and damp are tolerable depending on the intended use
Grade 2 – No water penetration is acceptable
Grade 3 – No dampness or water penetration is acceptable

Successful waterproofing design lies with choosing the most appropriate combinations of structure and waterproofing system to achieve pre-determined performance levels and criteria. In order to design out risk of failure due to less than adequate workmanship, damage or defects on site it is also important to consider practicality and ease of installation, the phasing of the construction process and the scope for testing and certifying during construction.

In summary, it is the duty of the waterproofing designer to assess a variety of factors and variables simultaneously and to come to a logical and balanced decision regarding the design.

Working as part of the design team and keeping abreast of changes, revisions and updates to the project is important because these could have a bearing upon the environmental, structural and other stresses that may be imposed upon the waterproofing system and adaptations may need to be made.

Ensuring proper training, application expertise, certification and testing procedures on the part of the installing contractor is critical. Whether the proposed construction is warm roof, cold roof, green roof, blue roof or a combination of types the principles stated here will apply in equal measure to achieve a successful long-term outcome.