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At the bottom of the article you will find something extra also for terrace waterproofing... Now let's return to problems with terraces ...
Poorly constructed balconies are the main cause of problems with waterproofing layers. The contractors agree that defective insulation causes leaks.
Moreover, most insurers do not pay any compensation for leaky terraces…
Why terraces and balconies are so problematic? Why waterproofing layer damaged so often?
Terrace and balcony, in addition to their practical function, are places of relaxation. They must be nice!
To achieve this effect, ceramic tiles fixed with adhesives were used for many years.
Unfortunately, this old technology has huge drawbacks. They are evident after a few years of use. And the effect is woeful.
What are the main defects?
The main cause of these problems is water!
Every rainfall, snowfall and damp weather causes water penetrating micro-cracks in joints between the tiles.
Each next winter and low temperatures cause more cracks in the tiles. These in turn, allow water to penetrate the layers under the tile.
Accumulated water stays under the terrace. This results in stains, leaks, green smudges, mould and mildew.
Unfortunately, this is a classic beginning of the disaster for a terrace with glued tiles.
Water penetration and its cyclical freezing damage the terrace.
The terrace begins to look shabby. It quickly turns from an attractive place to a problematic area!
Owners do not enjoy it anymore. They treat it as a place for storing unnecessary items ... or a Christmas tree long after Christmas.
Its leisure potential is forgotten... Users are not aware that there is a simple solution to the problems with the terrace.
Unfortunately, despite intense efforts, maintenance of tile terraces is inefficient. It provides only a temporary improvement. It is also very time-consuming and expensive.
But finally, it is discouraging.
Some user blame the contractor and try repair the structure using the same technology. Unfortunately, after a few years, it turns out that the technology is to blame, not the contractor.
From the very beginning it was improper solution.
Why?
Because it was an attempt to overcome natural forces. Water or moisture.
It had no chance of winning.
If you really want to get rid of all the terrace problems once and for all, you should physically separate the terrace waterproofing system of the terrace from its surface finishing layer.
You need to stop fighting with water.
The problem will not disappear when you remove water. It will disappear when water will STOP being a problemem.
Is there a way to achieve this?
Yes…
It is a terrace system mounted on pedestals that separate its surface from the substrate.
This technology removes permanent connections of the terrace surface. It maintains it usability in changing weather conditions.
The insulation may freely 'breathe'. It is also not exposed to damage. Water has no access to critical points of the terrace.
This eliminates the problem.
Forever.
You get a dream terrace with no expiry date.
Moreover, you will be able to enjoy it in the same manner for many years to come.
How to achieve this?
Here is one of the thousands of real stories from our extensive experience.
We often hear similar statements.
In this case it was the top floor of a residential building built in the early 2010s.
The terrace had approximately 80 m2. Unfortunately, it showed all the possible signs of wear-and tear: missing joints, cracked tiles, stains, green smudges and moisture under the tiles.
Initially, the client considered ventilated boards, but on the old surface of the terrace.
Such a solution is possible, but we do not recommend leaving the cracked terrace, if there are rooms under the terrace. Old tiles may be left only if the terrace is based on the ground.
Therefore we recommended a general renovation involving the removal of all layers - tiles and dampened screed installed underneath.
The top of renovated surface was covered with an overlapping roofing tar.
In this way, we prepared the terrace surface for installing the ventilated terrace on adjustable pedestals.
This solution helped us to restore the proper condition of the terrace, enabling its users to enjoy its functionality.
What's more, the owner is now sure that regardless of the weather conditions, the terrace will maintain its beautiful look for years to come.
Check it.
Do you know the technology of ventilated terraces?
Solving problems with moisture is not the only advantage of this technology!
We answer ...
If you are wondering what for a balcony - whether ceramic plates or maybe wooden or composite boards, we confirm that the main aspect you need to pay attention to is aesthetic value. Choose what you like more for your balcony. The most important thing is that it should be installed in the raised floor system. Then you will get rid of leakage problems as well as even the entire floor and get rid of the threshold.
Of course, you can also pay attention to the ease of cleaning - terrace ceramic tiles and composite boards certainly win here. They do not require any impregnation or maintenance from you. You just care for them like you would for your home floor. The mop is sufficient to properly clean their surface.
Wooden planks need more attention. Such terraces should be impregnated at least once a year, and preferably twice (in spring and autumn, weather permitting).
So if you are still wondering what to choose for the balcony, answer the following questions:
We hope we helped and now you know what to choose for the balcony.
We will try to clarify the matter a bit.
With large surfaces, it matters what you choose to put on the terrace. And it is not about the visual features of the final floor, because it depends on the investor's taste. From what we choose for our large terrace, it will have the greatest impact on our final costs.
Because if we have a 5 m2 balcony, a difference of even $ 50 per m2 of cladding material will generate a price increase of only $ 250 (where the total cost of execution is probably ~ $ 1,500).
However, when you choose a material for your large-surface terrace that is $ 50 more expensive per m2, then for e.g. 70 m2, the costs of the cladding alone will increase by $ 3,500. And this is already a significant increase.
Also, if you are thinking about what to put on the terrace, first choose what you like the most and then choose the species within the budget.
Let's take the individual finishes for the candlestick:
Natural wood
If you think of us using natural wood for the terrace, you certainly care about the natural appearance of the terrace. You like such atmosphere. What wood is wood. And we agree with it, however, you must be aware that this is one of the most demanding finishes for ventilated outdoor terraces. It requires impregnation, preferably twice a year. But it all depends on the measures used and the sun exposure on the terrace. If the sunlight is high, we will have to take care of the wood in a special way. After all, we spent a lot of money on them and we want them to enjoy them for many years to come. If the terrace is located in a continuous shade and in a humid place, its need for impregnation agents will also be specific.
To sum up: the wood is of course yes, it is beautiful in its naturalness, but requires care.
WPC or HDPE composite board
Composite terraces are for people who are looking for something intermediate on the terrace between beautiful natural wood and a material that does not require too much attention, impregnation, maintenance, etc.
If you are wondering what to put on the terrace and you like the boards but you do not have enough time to carry out wood care treatments, composite boards are for you.
If you do your research well, you will find planks that look deceptively like wood. Producers have a really wide range.
Terrace tiles: ceramic, stone, concrete
All terrace tiles are a material that does not require a lot of commitment to cleanliness. Usually, it is enough to simply sweep them up, or possibly wash them with a mop or a pressure washer. Choosing the right water stream, we do not have to worry that they will be damaged.
Slabs are currently the most frequently chosen cladding for terraces.
They have a very diverse range of colors, dimensions and structures. For example, stone and granite slabs look very exclusive and concrete slabs have a modern, raw look. We have such a wide range of products on the market that we can even match wood-like boards.
We are preparing other interesting stories for you, to show you a new perspective of constructing terraces.
We have a unique Tool Accelerator for Designers.
You will get it with ready-made 3D content, design files and 90 pages of practical materials in PDF format.
Do you want to receive them?
Check out our complete guidebook page to ventilated terrace technology. Everything about the design, montage and application of terraces on adjustable pedestals and support pads in one place.
It is the only such complete page about raised terrace on the Internet.
