Sealing the Column Bases on a Tiled Terrace

1. Opening up the base

The tiles and old bedding around the column are broken out and removed to expose its base.

2. Cleaning

Dust and leftovers are washed away with a pressure washerPressure washingCleaning a surface with a strong jet of water from a machine. Before waterproofing, insulation or painting, it removes dust, dirt, lichen and loose material so the new layer bonds well., so the materials bond to a clean surface.

3. Ready for waterproofing

A clean channel is left all round the column, ready for the waterproofingWaterproofingThe work and materials that stop water getting through on flat roofs, balconies, bathrooms, basements, planters and tanks..

4. The materials

The waterproofing is a liquid coating with a reinforcing fabricReinforcement meshA mesh or fabric, usually glass fibre or polyester, set into render, a coating or liquid waterproofing to hold it together and stop cracks from opening., which adds strength at the corner where the column meets the floor.

5. The waterproof layer

The layer covers the bottom of the channel and runs up the column, closing the corner with no joint.

6. At every column

The same work is done at every column on the terraceFlat 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..

7. Along the foot of the walls

A strip is opened along the foot of the wall too, as the joint between wall and floor is just as vulnerable.

8. The result

The strip is sealed with the same system, so the terrace is closed off wherever it meets an upright surface.