Waterproofing Balconies or Terraces Under Bonded Tiles

Our dreams of a new home often include visions of relaxing on our own couch or enjoying breakfast on a balcony with the perfect view. However, before indulging in these moments, it's essential to focus on properly insulating key building elements such as the foundation, roof, bathroom, and terrace or balcony.

This is not just about aesthetics but also ensuring the safety and longevity of your building. Balconies and terraces are particularly vulnerable to harsh atmospheric factors like sudden temperature changes, rain, wind, and UV radiation.

One of the most popular finishes for these spaces is bonded tiles, chosen for their high resistance to mechanical damage and UV exposure. These features ensure that balconies and terraces remain visually appealing for years, as the tiles retain their color and are less prone to cracking. Tiles for outdoor use must be more durable than those used indoors, with key characteristics including frost resistance and water absorption below 3%. Their abrasion resistance is also crucial.

Why Are Bonded Tiles a Popular Choice for Balconies and Terraces?

Beyond their durability, tiles come in a wide variety of colors and are easy to maintain. Their high resistance to damage and UV exposure makes them suitable for both covered and uncovered terraces.

However, before deciding to finish your balcony with tiles, ensure they are laid only on a perfectly even concrete substrate. Uneven surfaces can cause individual tiles to crack underfoot. It’s also important to create expansion joints to allow water to escape and to maintain a slope for proper water drainage if there is no built-in drain channel. One downside of tiles is that they can heat up quickly in direct sunlight.

We encourage you to carefully consider all the pros and cons of this solution before deciding on a terrace or balcony finish. It’s also wise to think about whether you might want a different finish in the future, such as a green terrace, which would require root-resistant waterproofing materials like SK W Full Bond – RESITRIX. However, if you plan to use tiles or stone slabs, there are more material options available.

What Materials to Use Under Bonded Tiles?

When opting for bonded tiles to finish your terrace or balcony, it’s crucial to choose the right waterproofing system. Products specifically designed for ceramic coverings or high-quality, two-component elastic waterproofing slurries are ideal. Sanier recommends the following materials:

• Bostik Turbotec 2K+
• Bostik Ardatec 2K Flex
• Schomburg Aquafin 2K/M Plus
• Koester NB Elastik
• Mapei Mapelastic

Waterproofing a Balcony or Terrace for Bonded Tiles: Step by Step

The method for waterproofing varies depending on where the balcony or terrace is located. Below, we discuss two scenarios: on a freestanding balcony/terrace and above a heated room.

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Waterproofing a Balcony or Terrace for Bonded Tiles

Waterproofing Guide