Walkable terrace leaks: the most common mistake

Investing in a beautiful terrace with new tiles and discovering a few months later that the apartment below has leaks is one of the worst nightmares in construction.

The big mistake: Believing that the tile waterproofs

The number one mistake made by empirical builders in Medellin is assuming that ceramic, porcelain, or grout is enough to stop water. The reality is that water always finds a way through the grout over time.

The correct solution: Under-floor waterproofing

A walkable terrace should be built as if it were a pool. Before placing any finish, the concrete slab must be 100% sealed.

The ideal process:

1. Asphalt membrane or polyurethane membrane: Applied directly onto the clean slab, going up at least 15 cm on the perimeter walls (cove base).
2. Protection layer (Mortar): A reinforced mortar must be applied over the membrane to protect it from punctures during floor installation.
3. Tile adhesive and Tile: Finally, the aesthetic finish is installed.