Find out how to make properly waterproofing and tiling job of a ground level terrace (A-type waterproofing).
terrace slope 2% to 2.5%
ending profiles
expansion joints
waterproofing slurry
highly flexible mortar
1. Ground / Soil
2. Capilary breaking layer: crushed rock, gravel
3. Setting bed: concrete slab with sand and crushed stone
4. Tiled / paved area
Terrace layers
This special substructure is equipped with a built-in drainage system, separating the soil from the reinforced concrete slab through a capillary-breaking layer made of coarse gravel, crushed stone, chippings or similar materials. This structure prevents the accumulation of water and protects against rising damp, thus ensuring resistance to frost attack in the cold season.
1. Capillary breaking layer
2. Concrete slab
3. Primer CT 19
4. Sloping screed
5. Two layers of liquid applied waterproof slurry Ceresit CL 50
6. Sealing tape Ceresit CL 152 or CL 82
7. Highly flexible thin-bed mortar Ceresit CM 16 or CM 17 or CM 14
8. Silicone joint sealant Ceresit CS 25 or FT 101
9. Grout Ceresit CE 40 or CE 43.
Terrace waterproofing types
There are two different solutions for the installation of waterproofing. Each of the systems offers different possibilities for designing the terrace edge. Special edge trims provide a neat edge finish and protect against water seeping behind the waterproofing layer. But no matter which edge design is selected: the necessary waterproofing measures must be executed.
- TYPE A. Flooring installation with a bonded waterproofing system for standard-sized ceramic tiles or natural stone slabs. The bonded waterproofing system is installed in two flexible, waterproof layers directly on top of the sloping screed (2 to 2.5 %) underneath the tiles or slabs.
- TYPE B. Composite drainage for large-format tiles or slabs, porcelain stoneware tiles, natural stones and partially covered terraces.
1. Concrete slab
2. Primer CT 19
3. Sloping screed CN 83
4. Two layers of liquid applied waterproof coating Ceresit CL 50
5. Sealing tape Ceresit CL 152 or CL 82
6. Highly flexible thin-bed mortar Ceresit CM 16 or CM 17 or CM 14.
Let all water run away
A floor drain connects the waterproofing layers with the drainage system of the building. The sole objective of waterproofing is to ensure reliable drainage of water. Problems caused by vapour pressure and rising damp cannot occur. The drainage elements must ensure that the water runs off – both from the top covering and from the waterproofing layer.
1. Concrete slab
2. Primer CT 19
3. Sloping screed CN 83
4. Two layers of liquid applied waterproof coating Ceresit CL 50
5. Sealing tape Ceresit CL 152 or CL 82
6. Highly flexible thin-bed mortar Ceresit CM 16 or CM 17 or CM 14.
Expansion joints between the terrace tile covering and the wall
An expansion joint profile interrupts the transmission of sound through the covering material and reduces the transmission of impact and structure-born sound.
Types of ending profiles.
- L-shaped end profile provides a neat edge and protects the screed from the adjoining area.
- T-shaped end profile with a vertical leg screens off the complete layered structure.
- The end profile with a drip edge is used for the exposed edge area of balconies and terraces.
What kind of mortar is the right one for a balcony or a terrace?
For outdoor areas you should use highy flexible tile adhesives as they help to release stresses between the concrete slab and tile coverage:
- CM 16 Flexible: easy to apply on balconies and terraces including young precast concrete members (3+ months old).
- CM 17 UltraFlex: premium adhesive for difficult substrates, large tiles and slabs including natural stone.
