Tips

The Importance of Code Compliant Testing on Waterproofing Systems

When choosing the best waterproofing system for your job, always look for manufacturers that are code compliant and industry certified. Code compliant manufacturers are those with proprietary systems that have been tested through independent assembly testers and the industry regulatory agencies such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ICC-ES (a subset of the International Code Council).
There are many reasons why it is important to use certified waterproofing systems – for both your company’s reputation of quality workmanship and the customer’s expectation of a long-lasting, durable flooring system. Certified systems adhere to industry regulations regarding safe materials and best installation practices. Tested and certified waterproofing systems not only provide a low-maintenance waterproofed floor that will last for many years, but these proprietary systems are also tested for public safety – which is important to business owners.

When you’re ready to create a great waterproof deck outside your home, the last thing you want to do is wait longer than necessary. Unfortunately, it’s not always as easy as you would like for it to be. There are several setbacks that can destroy your deck installation schedule and make it impossible for you to complete it according to your preset timeline. When you’re working with a contractor, be sure you’re familiar with how they’ll handle these common setbacks and their ability to wreak havoc on your plans.

Setback #1: The Weather

When you imagine summer days, you think about long, lazy days when it’s bright outside and easy for work to get done. Unfortunately, there are bound to be days when the weather doesn’t cooperate with your schedule! When it’s raining, it’s impossible to put the coating you need on your waterproof deck. In fact, any time you’re completing an outdoor construction project, you need to allow time for potential weather delays. Checking the upcoming weather before you begin your construction project can help, but keep in mind that the weather is subject to change–and it rarely falls in line with your desires. Keep in mind, too, that your construction team can’t work as efficiently in a wet area. For certain stages of the deck-building process, they’ll have to wait for things to dry out completely before they can proceed. For this reason, the weather is the primary cause of setbacks for many construction projects–and it’s one that neither you nor your contractor can control.
Setback #2: Improper Materials
When you work with an experienced contractor to build your waterproof deck, you can assume that they’ll bring the right materials to the job the first time–and that they’ll order materials that are up to code. Occasionally, however, the manufacturer or supplier will provide substandard materials that you don’t want to become part of your deck. When that happens, you’ll face delays while your contractor sorts out the problem and makes sure that they have the right materials for your deck.

Setback #3: You Aren’t Prepared

There are some tasks that may be necessary for you to complete before beginning your deck construction project. When you’ve been told that you need to take care of those tasks, but don’t manage to complete them, you’ll quickly find that it’s difficult for construction to proceed on schedule–and there’s nothing your contractor can do about it. They can’t put sealant on a deck that is covered in furniture, for example, nor can they place it on wood that you’ve just sprayed down with the hose as you were pressure washing your siding.
Setback #4: Unexpected Changes in the Project
You initially had one plan for your waterproof deck, but as the project continued, you decided that you wanted something else entirely. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common project delay. Not only can it cause the need for new materials, it can significantly delay your contractor’s ability to complete your project on schedule. Take the time to be sure of what you want before embarking on your construction journey. You’ll find that it’s much more effective in the long run and will help prevent delays during the construction process.
Setback #5: Neighborhood Regulations
Before you started your deck design, did you take the time to check out neighborhood regulations? Examining these regulations is a critical part of a smooth construction process. Make sure you know exactly where the property lines are and that your deck won’t be encroaching on your neighbor’s property, too. Discovering these issues mid-project can lead to significant delays and additional expense.

Waterproofing Under Tile: Why it’s Important & Commonly Overlooked

Using tile can enhance the aesthetic value of your deck or flooring, though what looks good always has risks. Just like using plywood or concrete to improve your deck’s appearance, you need some protection to prevent deterioration from natural elements.
It’s here where waterproofing is essential. Maybe you’ve already placed tile on your deck or flooring this year and didn’t bother to place a waterproofing coating underneath. This was a mistake because having a base coating protects from a number of things potentially ruining your floor.
Unfortunately, a lot of people frequently overlook placing waterproofing under tile. The reason is perhaps everything to do with impatience.
Waterproofing doesn’t take long to apply. The consequences for not applying it under tile first can cost you more money down the road.

Tile is a Porous Material

One thing to learn about tile is it’s porous, meaning moisture can seep through and create deterioration issues later. If you use tile on a rooftop deck in a rainy climate, this can quickly become a major problem. The same applies to tile used for indoor flooring, especially around showers.
Ultimately, when moisture seeps through the tiles, mold is inevitable. Although it’s not the only concern, particularly on decks where deterioration often turns into a snowball effect.
Always remember that even water vapors cause the same issues. It means you need to choose your waterproofing membrane carefully during application.
You may need special membranes and bonding agents to provide extra layers of protection.

Measuring Your Climate

Before applying your waterproofing coating under tile, study your local climate to see how much protection you need. You may want additional layers of membrane if you live in an overly rainy climate, like the U.S. Northwest.
In most cases, you’ll have to go beyond measuring rainfall and analyze other common weather issues. UV light and humidity fluctuations can cause problems with your tile if not properly waterproofed.
With tile being applied directly over fluid applications and sheet membranes (using a thinset method), waterproofing doesn’t take long. It works even better when using a one-ply coating to save you further time.

Assuming time is one reason behind so many ignoring tile waterproofing, what other reasons are there behind this being overlooked?

Other Reasons for Overlooking Tile Protection

Some people create assumptions that tile can penetrate moisture. As strong as tile looks, appearances are always deceiving. It’s why you need a professional flooring expert to show you how much protection your tile requires.
Don’t assume tile is going to stay protected indoors either. Water vapors could easily get into any room, including your basement. Just a small amount of water (like a leak) could get into the tile pores and create mold.
The last thing you want is mold to start forming, which could become detrimental to your health when in your living spaces.
Further Consequences if Not Protecting Your Tile
While mold is a given, other issues could occur relating to one another. With mold, you may attract termites or carpenter ants, all of which become highly destructive within your home.
Eventually, mold or deterioration could become so severe, you’ll have to replace all your floor tiles. Having this occur less than a few years after putting them in can become a needless expense. Even if you get it right the second time, you’ll always be out your original investment.
The same can easily happen with your deck, particularly if you use plywood or concrete under tiles.
At Pli-Dek Systems, we’ve created a unique waterproof coating system to protect tiles on any floor.
Contact us to learn more about the components of our product and other specialty coatings.