Falls (drainage slope)

Falls are the slight, almost invisible slope of a surface that looks flat. On flat roofsFlat roof (roof terrace)The flat concrete roof on top of a building. It is the most common kind of roof in Greece and the part that takes the most sun and rain., balconies, yards and walk-in showersWalk-in showerA shower with no tray and no step, level with the rest of the bathroom floor. The water drains through a floor drain or a linear channel drain., the floor tilts towards the drainage points so water runs away on its own.

Falls are usually formed in the screedScreedA layer of sand-and-cement mix or lightweight concrete poured over the slab to create falls and a solid surface for the next material. or in the bed under the tiles. They need planning before work starts, because they affect floor heights, thresholds and where the drainsFloor drainThe outlet in a floor where water drains away on roofs, balconies and in bathrooms, with a grate on top and usually a trap below. go.

Water that stands for days after rain points to poor falls or a blocked drain. That is where waterproofingWaterproofingThe work and materials that stop water getting through on flat roofs, balconies, bathrooms, basements, planters and tanks. is most stressed and where leaks show up first. No coat of waterproofing can fix a wrong slope; only a new screed can.