How to Waterproof a Balcony_ FM S60 Assembly Guide
This guide provides a comprehensive, nine-step installation sequence for waterproofing wood-framed or concrete balcony decks using the FM S60 Assembly system. It details the application of components like SP1 Primer, S60 Sheet Membrane, Drainage Mat, and Protection Board, covering everything from substrate assessment and transitions to scupper integration and final inspection for contractors and specifiers.
Step 1: Substrate Assessment and Pre-Installation Conditions
Substrate assessment and pre-installation conditions for concrete and wood-framed decks are critical to prevent membrane delamination and warranty voids. Specific requirements for cure time, moisture, surface profile, cracks, slope, and drain/scupper rough-in are detailed, culminating in a pre-installation sign-off checklist.
Step 2: SP1 Primer Application
SP1 Primer application guidelines detail the necessary pre-application checks, environmental conditions, and specific methods for applying the primer to ensure optimal adhesion for the FM ELEVATION assembly. It also outlines critical flash-off procedures, common mistakes to avoid, and provides a documentation log for recording application parameters to maintain quality control and prevent issues like membrane bubbles or edge lifts.
Step 3: S60 Membrane Installation and Seam Sequencing
The document details the critical steps for installing ELEVATION S60 sheet membrane, focusing on pre-installation checks, proper roll sequencing, and specific lap requirements for side and end seams. It outlines crucial seam inspection criteria to prevent issues like fishmouths and bridging, and provides instructions for integrating the membrane with drains.
Step 4: Transitions, Penetrations, and Wall Terminations
Waterproofing critical areas like inside corners, pipe penetrations, thresholds, and wall terminations is detailed, as these are common points of failure if not properly addressed. Specific installation steps are provided for each transition type, including membrane application, sealing, and mechanical fastening, culminating in an inspection checklist to ensure thorough and leak-free execution.
Step 5: Scupper Sequencing and Membrane Integration
The document outlines the critical sequence for properly integrating scuppers into balcony waterproofing membranes to prevent common leak paths. It details steps from framing and setting the scupper sleeve to applying primer, shingling the membrane into the throat, ensuring proper clearance, and provides an inspection checklist for correct installation.
Step 6: Membrane Cure and Hold Point Before Next Layer
Step 6 details the critical process of membrane curing, outlining specific environmental requirements and timeframes to ensure proper adhesion and prevent damage before subsequent layers are installed. The content also provides methods for verifying the cure, a log for documentation, and procedures for addressing any inspection failures.
Step 7: Drainage Mat Installation
The document provides comprehensive instructions for installing a drainage mat, detailing its function in providing separation, drainage, and membrane protection between a waterproofing layer and a topping slab. It covers pre-installation checks, correct mat orientation, specific steps for unrolling, cutting, overlapping, and treating edges around drains, scuppers, and walls, concluding with an inspection checklist to ensure proper placement and functionality.
Step 8: Common Failure Points and Field Fixes
Common waterproofing failures observed during balcony installation and flood testing are detailed, along with their symptoms, root causes, and approved field fixes. Specific repair procedures are provided for issues including membrane bubbles, lap edge fishmouths, transition leaks at inside corners, drain leaks, and scupper edge leaks.
Step 9: Protection Board and Pre-Topping Final Inspection
This document details the crucial final inspection process for protection boards and pre-topping layers before concrete is poured, highlighting it as the last opportunity to check the assembly. It provides a comprehensive checklist for the membrane, drainage mat, protection board, drains, and scuppers, underscoring the significant cost savings of a thorough pre-topping inspection compared to post-installation leak investigations.
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