Terraces, balconies and patios

The construction of balconies and terraces is not a science, but one must pay attention to the details.

The finished product needs to meet high structural and physical requirements when exposed to the elements. Any planning mistakes or faulty workmanship may have direct consequences and result in structural damage. The first planning step must always be a close look at the type of construction. The second question is what kind of materials should be used. Ceresit supports the planning and execution of your project with perfectly matched products: Our system covers the whole range of products resistance to frost, moisture, and high temperature changes from products for substrate preparation and waterproofing to matching tile adhesives and tile grouts.

Step by step

STEP 1: SURFACE PREPARATION

Before making any decisions concerning the waterproofing and top covering, it is essential to test and assess the substrate type and condition. Water must be able to run off - it is therefore a key requirement to design outdoor living space with a long-term effective drainage system. Balconies and terraces must be planned with a minimum slope of 2 %.

STEP 2: WATERPROOFING

To preserve the value in the best possible way and avoid structural damage caused by physical influences, terrace design and waterproofing must be perfectly matched. The guidelines for planning and execution of the necessary waterproofing for terraces, balconies and patios are defined in the local and EU norms and standards.

Ceresit offers you detailed information in the dedicated tiling system brochure for Balconies and Terraces.

STEP 3: TILING

Ceramic tiles and natural stones are excellently suited for covering the floors of balconies and terraces. If expertly installed, they offer a long service life. For outdoor areas, the adhesive mortar must be applied in such a way as to ensure full-surface wetting of the tile and slab underside (100 % adhesive coverage). If the tiles and slabs are not fully embedded in the adhesive, voids will form in which water can accumulate. The moisture trapped in the adhesive bed will eventually lead to various problems, ranging from efflorescence on the tile joints to frost damage and resulting tile delamination. Ceresit offers you proofen tiling system products for use on balconies and terraces.

STEP 4: GROUTING

After mixing, the grout can be applied directly from the mixing container with a trowel. If used on walls and floors, the grout is spread with a hard rubber float. Use the float to press the grout into the joints until these are filled void-free and flush with the tile surface. After that, excess grout is removed from the tile surface by using the edge of the float held at a 90° angle. Stroke diagonally to remove as much grout as possible from the surface without pulling grout out of the filled joints.

In order to obtain a uniform, aesthetic appearance and allow easy cleaning, the joints should be left to “mature” (or firm up) after grouting.