Most water infiltration in high-rise buildings in Chile originates at terrace and balcony membranes — either because they failed over time or were never correctly installed. We diagnose, replace, and certify.
Where building water damage really starts
When a water stain appears on a ceiling or interior wall, the instinct is to look for a burst pipe. But in residential buildings across Chile — particularly those built in the last two decades — the origin is almost always higher up: the terrace or balcony directly above.
Waterproofing membranes installed during construction have a finite lifespan. Exposure to UV radiation, thermal cycling between Santiago summers and winter cold, foot traffic, and accumulated debris all degrade the membrane over time. In many cases, the original membrane was applied under poor conditions or was simply inadequate for the surface it was meant to protect.
The co-investment problem
In buildings where units are co-owned or rented, a terrace failure on floor 12 can cause documented damage to the unit on floor 11 — triggering disputes that often escalate to building assemblies or legal proceedings.
Four steps from diagnosis to certification
Every project follows the same structured methodology — regardless of whether we are working with a single unit or an entire building community.
Water Tightness Test
We perform a standardized ponding test on the terrace surface to confirm the presence and location of membrane failure before any work begins.
Membrane Removal
The existing damaged membrane is fully removed. We inspect the substrate for structural damage or moisture accumulation that must be addressed before reapplication.
New System Application
A complete new waterproofing system is applied according to the specific conditions of the surface — material, slope, drainage, and exposure level are all considered.
Documentation & Guarantee
Final verification is performed and documented on video. A written guarantee is issued, specifying coverage terms and the scope of work completed.
What we address
Diagnostic Assessment
Technical inspection of the terrace or balcony surface, including a water tightness test to determine whether the existing membrane is functional or has failed. Results are documented in writing.
Membrane Replacement
Complete removal of the damaged or inadequate membrane followed by substrate preparation and application of a new waterproofing system suited to the specific conditions of each terrace.
Written Guarantee
Every completed waterproofing system comes with a written guarantee that clearly specifies coverage period, conditions, and what is included — not a verbal commitment, but a documented one.
Video Documentation
The final verification test is recorded on video, providing owners and building administrations with documented proof that the work was completed and verified correctly.
Full Building Programs
We work with building communities to address multiple units in a coordinated way — reducing disruption, maintaining consistency in materials, and simplifying administration for the building committee.
Individual Unit Service
Owners who need to address a single terrace or balcony — whether for personal use, rental, or resale — can commission a standalone assessment and waterproofing project.
Why coordinated building programs matter
In a residential tower, a terrace on any floor is not just the concern of the unit owner directly below it. Water that enters through a failed membrane can migrate laterally through the building structure, appearing as damage several floors away from the actual source.
Building communities that address waterproofing systematically — floor by floor or wing by wing — reduce the risk of recurring damage claims, maintain the structural integrity of the building over time, and avoid the administrative burden of handling each incident separately.
Work in progress
Each project is photographed at key stages — before, during, and after — providing a clear record of what was found and what was done.
Ready to assess your terrace?
Whether you are an individual owner, a property manager, or a building committee, the first step is a diagnostic assessment. Contact us to discuss your building's specific situation.