W. R. Meadows’ Wendy Talarico, LEED AP, Architectural Services Specialist, explores the waterproofing world of plaza decks in an article published in The Construction Specifier. Plaza decks involve a variety of sizes, shapes and surfaces, resulting in confusion about the best way to waterproof them.
“A plaza deck is a layer-cake of materials: the waterproofing membrane provides the base layer and the rest—protection layer, drainage course, insulation (or sometimes a fill layer of sand or gravel), and wearing or traffic surface—is ‘overburden.’ How those layers are designed depends partially on the design of the slab itself, which, in turn, depends on factors that include the loads to which it will be subjected, local construction techniques, climate, and what is located below.
Walls, deck, and supporting columns should provide positive slope for drainage. Water in contact with the membrane creates hydrostatic pressure and, in most climates, freeze-thaw cycling. A minimum two percent (1/4 in. per 1 ft) of slope-to-drain is recommended. A steeper slope may be required by code and may provide better drainage and resistance to ponding,” her article says.
The Construction Specifier is the official publication of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and is the only peer-reviewed U.S. magazine geared towards construction professionals who influence buying decisions. TCS is the primary vehicle for circulating construction information and promoting communication amongst building design professionals.
For more information about plaza deck waterproofing, such as the proper materials, layering techniques, and critical details, visit constructionspecifier.com to view the remaining article.
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