The terrace is the building element where the layer sequence is most frequently confused. Falls are formed below the waterproofing: the membrane is laid on a structural deck that has been brought to falls with a concrete topping or screed. In the widely used inverted build-up, thermal insulation goes above the membrane, a separation layer is placed between them, and a protection screed completes the build-up. A conventional (warm) build-up, with the insulation below the membrane, is also a valid system — but only when designed with a vapour control layer. Problems start when the two systems are mixed.
The second critical issue is falls. Water must be able to reach the drain; the direction and gradient of the fall must be correct. The drain is set in epoxy grout mortar and the membrane must be fully bonded to the drain flange. If this junction is wrong, the terrace will leak regardless of how well the rest of it is done.
The building is visited in person. Neither diagnosis nor solution is discussed before this step is complete.
Findings, cause and required work are put in writing: which product, which thickness, in which sequence, with which detail.
What is to be applied to which surface, how many square metres, which materials and the cost of each item are made clearly visible.
Where required, the consultant is present on site; critical details are checked before they are covered and non-conformances are reported in writing.
When the request form is completed with location and scope, the enquiry arrives with the context needed to give a direct response.
