The regulation, which was published in the Official Gazette on October 29, 2017 and makes waterproofing mandatory in new buildings, entered into force on June 1, 2018. With the regulation, waterproofing became mandatory on the roofs of new buildings. The new regulation principles will also be followed in case of any renovation or waterproofing that requires waterproofing in existing buildings. If the projects prepared do not comply with the conditions stipulated in the regulation in terms of precaution against water, the building will not be granted a building license.
According to the regulation, waterproofing will have to be included in the projects prepared for new buildings. In the case of renovations requiring waterproofing or insulation against the effect of water in existing buildings, the principles of the new regulation will again have to be followed.
The drain system, which is laid in order to prevent water accumulation on the roof and balcony surfaces and to be removed from the building, will be designed by taking into account the purpose and dimensions of the roof and the amount of precipitation. Rainwater on the roofs will need to be removed from the facade of the building at the shortest distance before it is taken into the building. Insulation details to be applied on balconies and roofs will be determined by considering the slope of the surface, the area of use, the type of the roof, whether planting will be done or not, the lowest and highest temperatures to be exposed, wind loads, precipitation amount, harmful rays of the sun.
It has also become compulsory to show waterproofing details in architectural projects in new buildings. The material to be used in project details must meet the standards, technical specifications and standards defined by the regulation. Projects that do not meet these standards will not be granted a building license.
How to Conduct Waterproofing?
After thermal insulation has become mandatory in buildings, waterproofing has become mandatory with a new regulation, which is a positive development for the creation of long-lasting and comfortable living spaces. In addition, the fact that the waterproofing material to be used is waterproof but vapour-permeable is one of the most important points to be considered in waterproofing. Vapour-permeable waterproofing cover prevents condensation as it transfers the vapour formed under the roof outside. Water formed as a result of condensation may cause corrosion on metal-constructed roofs and damage such as rotting and mould on wooden-constructed roofs. Besides, in order to make life under the roof more comfortable, the steam generated must be expelled. Choosing the insulation materials used in the roof from breathing materials is a point to be especially careful about for a long-lasting roof.
It is extremely important that thermal and water insulation solutions in roofs are complementary to each other, as stated in the regulation. A non-vapour-permeable waterproofing material will also damage the thermal insulation material and prevent it from fully fulfilling its task over time. In addition, air gaps should be created between the insulation materials used on the roof, allowing the roof to breathe.
Especially in the buildings with living under the roof, the steam that is formed from the roof layers is expelled from the air gaps, while the steam that encounters with the cold air will condense and become water. To prevent this, there are special materials that balance the vapour applied on the first layer of the roof and allow it to pass into the air gap. These materials pass the vapour by balancing it, if the vapour passing upwards condenses and becomes water in any way, it does not keep this water down, and this moisture that occurs on the surface of the air gap is removed by air currents in a short time.
In order for the roofs, which are the parts of the buildings that are most exposed to external conditions, to be long-lasting and trouble-free, the materials to be used, as well as the applications must be done by experts.