Waterproofing Systems Compared

There's no single "best" waterproofingWaterproofingThe work and materials that stop water getting through on flat roofs, balconies, bathrooms, basements, planters and tanks. system — there's the right system for a given roof, depending on whether it sees foot traffic, its slopeFalls (drainage slope)The gentle slope built into flat roofs, balconies and bathroom floors so water runs to the drain or gutter instead of pooling., and whether it has lots of pipework or unusual details.

Elastomeric bituminous membranesBitumen membraneWaterproofing that comes in rolls of reinforced bitumen. It is torched onto the roof in sheets that overlap at the seams. remain the most battle-tested solution for roofs with regular foot traffic, like those used as terracesFlat 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.. They're installed in sheets with heat-welded joints and offer excellent mechanical durability, with a real-world lifespan of 15 to 20 years when properly installed. Their downside is the seams between sheets, which demand careful work from an experienced installer.

Liquid polyurethane waterproofingLiquid waterproofing membraneA waterproofing product applied as a liquid by roller, brush or spray. Once dry it forms one continuous, flexible membrane with no seams. is applied by roller or brush in multiple coats, forming one continuous membrane with no seams at all. That makes it ideal for roofs with lots of pipework, irregular geometry, or many details around parapetsParapetThe low wall around the edge of a flat roof or balcony. The joint between it and the floor is one of the most common places for leaks. — spots where sheet membranes struggle. It's also the easiest solution to repair locally down the line, since you can simply add a fresh coat to that one spot.

Cool roofCool roof coatingA white or very light top coat that reflects much of the sun's radiation, so the roof and the floor below heat up less. coatings aren't a complete waterproofing system on their own — they're a reflective finish coat applied over an already-waterproofed surface. Thanks to their high reflectivity to solar radiation, they can lower the slab's temperature by up to 20°C on hot days, with a direct impact on the air-conditioning costs of the room below. We usually recommend them as a supplement, not a substitute for genuine waterproofing.