00VILLA GUIDE
Looking after a villa roof terrace
A roof terrace is both a living space and the roof of the rooms below. It carries furniture, planters, sometimes a plunge pool or jacuzzi, AC condensers and water tanks — all over a waterproofing membrane that has to keep rain and cleaning water out of the house. Because nobody sees the membrane, small problems here go unnoticed until they appear as a ceiling stain in a bedroom or majlis downstairs.
01PART
Drains and falls
Terrace drains collect sand and leaves and are often hidden under furniture. Blocked drains hold water on the membrane. Check that water flows away after cleaning rather than ponding.
- Clear drains regularly.
- Watch for ponding after washing.
- Keep furniture off drain covers.
02PART
Membrane and upstands
The waterproofing turns up walls and around thresholds and penetrations. Railings, lights or shade structures fixed through the surface after construction often break it. Check around every fixing.
- Inspect around new fixings.
- Check door thresholds.
- Look for cracked tiles or grout.
03PART
Planters and equipment
Planters need drainage and separation from walls. AC units and tanks need protected access routes so technicians do not damage the surface.
- Lift planters onto feet.
- Protect paths to equipment.
- Check tank and AC plinths.
04QUESTIONS
- Can I fix things to the terrace floor?
- Only with proper sealing; fixings through the membrane cause leaks.
- Why do stains appear below after cleaning?
- Washing water finds the same paths as rain.
- Are heavy planters a problem?
- They can be, for drainage and load; check both.
- How often should terrace drains be cleared?
- Regularly, and always after sandstorms and before the rainy months.