THE GREAT O Experts in full tiling systems, BAL advise on how to prote
With space at home a premium these days, more and more people are expanding their living spaces outwards to create much-needed usable spaces.
In September 2011, a publication by the Royal Institute of British Architects titled The Case for Space showed survey results indicating that 49% of people moving home wanted more outdoor space. This was a larger percentage than those wanting larger internal rooms or the proximity of local services.
This trend for outdoor living has led to a growth in the domestic market for external tiles on balconies, large roof or ground-floor terraces and patios.
As well as adding monetary value to a property, tiled external areas can be aesthetically pleasing, offering a wide range of colours, textures and finishes. Inside/outside tiling is preferred over cheaper alternatives due mainly to the durability, longevity, life-cost, and for being low maintenance and easy to clean.
Outside living can also help to promote health and wellbeing benefits as these extra useable areas for open air living, help to soften heavily urbanised locations and steadily increase the number of green and usable spaces for leisure.
Balconies, roof terraces and patios are part of a trend which is inspired by aspirational and luxury living in suburban and rural areas alike.
When specified with the correct system assemblies for tiling, many types of tile installations are possible externally. This includes the use of finishes such as ceramics, porcelain, some natural stone and pavers.
By selecting the appropriate products and systems; long- lasting balconies and terraces can be achieved for all year- round enjoyment. External areas are important extensions of our living areas and of course should be well constructed, functional and remain as usable as the internal spaces that
32 | OUTDOOR INSTALLATIONS
we occupy so frequently. To ensure this availability, the tile coverings used should be durable, hardwearing, of suitable slip- resistance and capable of withstanding all types of weather.
Recent estimates suggest that more than 50% of all coverings on balconies and terraces are damaged in northern Europe due mainly to poor installation and incorrect selection of systems.
The challenge historically has been that poorly constructed assemblies have resulted in visible tile/surface damage which can include, tiles cracking, efflorescence, stained or patchy tiles – all of which can be influenced by excess water residing within the assembly for long periods of time. To expand on this, when water ingress and retention is combined with fluctuating temperatures, the outcome can prove destructive to both the covering and potentially the substrate/base.
As water penetrates the surface and permeates through the grout joints and then adhesive capillaries, into the lower levels of the assembly, the water begins to pose a serious risk to the covering and also the structural integrity of the entire assembly supporting the tiles. Significantly thick screed systems will retain more water and subsequently can take longer to dry leaving the opportunity for this water to become a problem and affording more time for low temperatures to adversely affect it.
Any water that reaches the primary waterproofing has no escape. This puts more reliance upon the waterproof membrane to be functional as no provision is made for water to drain away efficiently and the more chance it has to sit and find weak points in any primary waterproofing layer.
British Standards provide guidance on the need for removing water away from the tiled surface and the various layers within the cement-based assembly quickly and efficiently. Not only for the purpose of reducing the risk of frost damage from freeze/thaw cycles expanding trapped water but also for the
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