EXTERNAL ENVELOPE Making inside-outside seamless
Creating useable outside areas is a key focus for both architects and developers, particularly as living space is becoming more of a premium in urban areas. Here Stuart Ross of BAL explains how tiles can help achieve a seamless inside-outside look
T
he trend for outdoor living has led to a growing market for large balconies, roof/ground terraces and patios with
variations in design, and larger installations are no longer reserved for large scale commercial buildings such as hotels and sporting venues. With the right construction, useable outdoor spaces can be created for year- round enjoyment. While traditional decking systems are easy and cheap to install, it requires ongoing treatment to maintain colour and quality, while untreated softwood decking may be susceptible to water damage and/or rotting making it potentially dangerous when loaded and used at heights. Tiles make a great alternative to decking on balconies, particularly as it’s far easier to create the seamless inside-outside look that many people yearn for. Plus, they can be easier to maintain, more durable and can be used at any time in any weathers. Many types of tile finishes are available when specified with the correct system assemblies, ranging from ceramic to porcelain, to some natural stone and pavers.
Correct assemblies
The inside-outside look is easy to achieve, particularly with the use of certain tiles that are suitable both internally and externally and the inclusion of barrier-free entrances. The issue with external tiling has always been the build-up – specifying the right construction assembly, screed, waterproofing, drainage, adhesive and of course the right tiles with suitable slip- resistance and ability to cope with all weather conditions.
Many tiled balconies have failed because of the inferior quality of construction, where water has penetrated the surface layer and caused a whole host of problems. The ingress of water, combined with fluctuations in temperature, can cause considerable damage to the tiled surface and potentially the substrate, including freeze-thaw damage, cracking tiles,
ADF JULY 2018
efflorescence, joint erosion and stained tiles. In extreme circumstances, if water penetrates the primary waterproofing layer and is trapped in the construction, it can cause erosion and complete failure – especially if the erosion takes places at balcony connections.
This is particularly the case with traditional thick screed cement-based systems, as these are typically more absorbent and will retain more water – taking longer to dry out and providing more of an opportunity for the creation of soluble salts, voids, and lime bloom. That is why British Standards state that water must be removed from the various layers of a cement-based system rapidly and efficiently. Other systems for fixing external tiles include gravel beds and adhesive pedestals, but these are not infallible either. Issues arise such as weed growth and moisture staining as water travels back up the adhesive or grit, and into the tiled surface.
The challenge then is to ensure proper provision in your designs for the drainage of surface water causes no long-term damage. This means looking carefully at the whole external system and specifying the correct combination of materials to include; effective and working falls, drainage systems, non-absorbent backgrounds that are fluctuations in temperature, as well as correct fixing materials and low-porosity, break-proof tiles and slabs that are certified for external use.
One such system that has been proven to work is a combined drainage screed and capillary passive drainage mat. Cavity rich – containing lots of capillaries – the water drains through quickly and efficiently and offers reduced shrinkage and deformation. When combined with quick-setting cement for fast-track installation, drainage mortar seems the ideal solution, however drainage screeds alone will not solve the problems with drainage. The use of a complete drainage system – including drainage matting, drip/drain edge profiles, drain grates and guttering – provides rapid
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK LIMESTONE LIBRARY
The entrance area to Amsterdam Library was tiled with limestone laid on top of the drainage mat system
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