Why is there a need for terrace waterproofing?

Terraces are the first point of contact with rain and if the water stays on it then the last one too. So it is very important to provide a proper slope to your terrace and a sufficient number of water outlets. Apart from this, a thorough waterproofing of the terrace helps in avoiding lots of future expenses.

Waterproofing terrace during construction

The best way to make your terrace waterproof is during the construction as this allows the materials to bond in an easier way. The cracks caused due to expansion and contraction of concrete can be reduced considerably by cement additives which give waterproofing abilities to concrete and also resist corrosion in steel bars. Using compound like Dr. Fixit Pidiproof LW+ exactly does this, along with increased workability of mortar which reduces the rebounds loss resulting in saving time & money.

Use of bituminous layers for waterproofing is a great way to make the terrace ready for future. The elastic nature of these layers keeps the cracks sealed and impenetrable for water. Dr. Fixit Roofseal Flex is of excellent use for such purpose.

Waterproofing terrace during maintenance
In India, the temperature variations during all the seasons are very high. In buildings, this temperature variations cause the concrete to expand and contract. This expansions and contractions are not visible to the naked eye but they leave small hairline cracks which are easily visible. However small they may seem but the damage that these hairline cracks can cause is huge. The water seeping through these cracks reach the interior surface and can spoil your home interiors, wardrobes etc. The growth of mould in such damp places can cause a health hazard.

 
To prevent such unsuitable conditions it is important to arrest such cracks by carrying out waterproofing of the terrace. For this one can use Dr. Fixit Pidicrete URP an economical waterproofing liquid which is to be mixed with cement and applied on the mother slab. The liquid nature helps in reaching the cracks deep within and sealing them from inside.

Excessive damp patches

If there is an excess dampness in any area then the slab porosity is to be checked for leakage. Too much of dampness can rust the reinforcement bars in the slab compromising its strength. Field experts can check weak points and arrest the porosity with pressure grouting. Holes are drilled into the mother slab and cement slurry with waterproofing liquid is forced into them through nozzles. The foam moves into each and every gap filling all the holes, making the concentration of the slab denser.

While talking about the terrace, the parapet wall is the weakest point as its foot is a junction of two different materials. This leads to cracks after a span of time. To contain this ‘Coving’ is a procedure done with a cement-polymer mix used for reinforcing these junctions. Waterproofing plaster is applied at pipe intersections, sealing all the gaps where the pipe and the roof meet. Slopes are prepared for new buildings, but for existing ones adequate drainage has to be worked out for getting rid of excess water.

A well-planned terrace waterproofing will save you a lot of time and money, usually lost in repairs and maintenance.