Balconies are often parts of buildings requiring proper waterproofing for the long-life expectancy of the entire building. A too small inclination is the main reason for difficulties with waterproofing. When the building is finally built and in use, ordinarily the owner does not want to replace existing ceramic tiles on account of problems with moisture, hence the only solution is to use the DRACO GARD 600 transparent coating over the existing tiles which prevents water from passing between the tile grouts.

Surface preparation

As the coating is transparent the most important component that affects the final appearance is good surface preparation. Over time, the outer surfaces “pull” a solid layer of dirt that needs to be removed in detail, and this is best done with dilute construction acid.

• The acid should be washed with water and neutralized with soap, which is again rinsed with water.
• Thoroughly clean the entire surface to be protected. Pay special attention to joints and joints. Remove oil, grease and similar contaminants.
• Ceramic tiles should first be cleaned with dilute acid (a common cleaning agent for construction work), then rinsed with clean water under pressure.
• The surfaces are then washed with ordinary soap (kitchen soap) and washed again with water. Use DRACO® PRIMO 600 primer. Apply the primer with a clean cloth without leaving puddles (apply as if cleaning the surface). The surface on which the primer is applied should be completely dry.
• The primer dries very quickly and after only 15 minutes the substrate is ready for the application of the waterproofing coating. DRACO® GARD 600 is applied with a short-haired roller in one or two coats, immediately after applying the primer. DRACO GARD 600 is very easy to apply to the entire surface.

DRACO GARD 600

A clean polyurethane coating that does not turn yellow over time and protects surfaces from standing water, detergents and discoloration due to UV rays is the best choice for proper and long-lasting waterproofing. It binds perfectly to almost any substrate and does not change the appearance of the substrate.

With the development of construction chemistry, we have created materials that are extremely easy to apply, and at the same time provide long-term protection against water, regardless of the atmospheric and mechanical influences to which they are exposed. GARD systems will protect your terrace efficiently and quickly and allow you to enjoy them, without additional expensive ceramic work.

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Although relatively small in area, balconies are demanding parts of houses and buildings in terms of effective waterproofing solutions. Waterproofing a balcony or terrace is very important due to frequent exposure to rain, snow, sun and large thermal changes.

Waterproofing with built-in bitumen strips

The traditional approach to waterproofing, by installing bitumen waterproofing tapes, does not guarantee a permanent solution. Bituminous strips are installed under the screed because they are sensitive to summer / winter changes when the bitumen melts or hardens, and it is not possible to directly glue the ceramic or stone finish on them. Such installation of waterproofing enables the penetration of rainwater through the joints of tiles or stone into the screed where it is retained by freezing and crushing the screed or causing crystallization on the joints due to evaporation of residual water.

In order to avoid such damages, it is recommended to install waterproofing above the falling screed, and this can be done on new terraces and balconies, as well as when repairing existing water-leaking ones.

Waterproofing with two-component coating

DRACO LASTIC 150 is a highly flexible, two-component waterproofing coating resistant to standing water, low and high temperatures, continuous thawing and freezing cycles and UV radiation. The application is quick and easy, and it is possible to apply it on new and existing floors of balconies or terraces on which there is already a cladding of stone or ceramic.

Substrate preparation is very important because the final effectiveness of the waterproofing depends on it. Any dirt and loose parts should be removed from the base of the balcony or terrace, and all unevenness should be smoothed with repair mortar.

You can also waterproof the balcony yourself in the following way;

• first prepare the substrate by removing any impurities and loose parts by mechanical methods with high pressure water washing. In case of saturation of the substrate with rain, wait for the water to evaporate and then apply DRACO LASTIC 150,
• then mix the components using the mixing attachment on the drill at low speed. Then apply the product with a brush, roller or trowel in the first layer,
• install reinforcement on the working grooves and joints of the horizontal and vertical by dipping the DRACO BAND 100 tape into the first layer of the coating,
• after drying the first layer, apply the second layer DRACO LASTIC 150, taking care to completely cover the reinforcement, mesh or canvas immersed in the first layer. The second layer is applied when the first is dry, after at least 24 hours.

Such insulated surfaces are ready for gluing ceramic tiles or stone. In doing so, care must be taken to ensure that the adhesive is flexible for exterior work.

Water is the main cause of construction damage. It poses a constant threat whether it is newly constructed buildings or the maintenance of existing ones. Choosing the right material that will prevent water from penetrating the structure and interior of the building is crucial, so place your trust in DRACO waterproofing products.

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Rainwater threatens all exposed parts of the building, and the retention of water on balconies that are not waterproofed means the safe passage of water through the structure into the building. In addition to aesthetic, health and functional problems of moisture in the space, moisture in the structure reduces its durability.

Proper high quality balcony waterproofing

To protect the building from all the harmful effects of moisture, balconies need to be waterproofed properly. If it is necessary for the waterproofing coating to be a decorative top layer, UV stable polyurethane coating DRACO GARD 500 is used. Polyurethane coating is a highly elastic and resistant membrane, the so-called liquid rubber.

Before applying the coating, thoroughly clean the substrate. Remove oil, grease and similar contaminants. Smooth out surface imperfections with a suitable DRACO® FIX mortar. It is mandatory to prepare the substrate with DRACO PRIMO 850 primer, which prevents moisture from separating the coating from the substrate.

At the junction of the floor with the walls, the coating is reinforced with DRACO BAND 120 waterproofing tape. When the polyurethane coating remains as a final layer, the action of the sun can cause the coating to “crack” over time. In order to prevent this, it is mandatory to apply a pigmented top coat on the performed waterproofing coating, which additionally UV and mechanically protects the base coat. The top coat can be pigmented with the color of your choice, and the choice of DRACO TOP 500 / DRACO TOP 505 / DRACO TOP 510 depends on the desired matte or glossy final look.

Surface reparation

To finalize or renovate the surfaces of balconies and terraces, a decorative layer of colored quartz sand can also be used. Such a permeable layer creates strong mechanical protection with emphasized adhesion.

The finished surface is seamless, very compact, extremely resistant to weather and mechanical effects and anti-slip. Its laying takes place in one piece and there are no joints. The design of patterns of different shapes shaped by colored sand, in terms of creativity and size, is limitless.

If there is a storm with a real rain flood, all the mistakes on the terraces and balconies will be revealed in the house. Regardless of the age of the building, moisture will find its way in. Waterproofing is, therefore, very important when building or renovating houses or buildings. Waterproofing protects parts of the building that are temporarily or permanently affected by moisture and water – just as is the case with balconies.

DRACO waterproofing systems are designed precisely to make your facilities safe and comfortable to live in.

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