How do you properly waterproof concrete or asphalt surfaces, balconies, terraces, broken tiles or roof areas?

Various methods are available for waterproofing concrete or asphalt surfaces, balconies or terraces, broken tiles, roof areas, etc.

The conventional method, using bituminous membranes, involves the waterproofing layer being supplied in rolls approximately 1m wide and applied with a minimum of 10% overlap (preferably in several layers) by heat welding with a gas torch. This method is labour intensive, does not produce a level surface, has a short life and is not vapour permeable.

An alternative is the use of waterproofing membranes, which are supplied in rolls up to 15m wide and applied cold either as overlapping strips or as a continuous surface. A variety of materials are used, including plastics such as PVC and FPO, or elastomers such as EPDM.

Another option is liquid-applied waterproofing, such as ALLESDICHT - the bucket-applied rubberised coating that provides excellent crack bridging and elongation of up to 200%.

In most cases, liquid applied waterproofing proves to be the safest, most cost effective and user friendly method - alternatively, the use of a custom cut EPDM membrane is a good waterproofing option for simple areas without penetrations. The traditional method using bituminous membranes is now considered outdated and sub-optimal.