How to waterproof terraces and balconies with the Blatem system

In Lloret de Mar, the moisture and salt air of the Costa Brava take a toll on outdoor surfaces. If you see spots on your neighbor's ceiling or cracks on your balcony floor, you need to waterproof. This is more than just painting. You are building a flexible barrier that stands up to rain and temperature changes.

At Suministros Barrero, we use the Blatem waterproofing system. It has specific fixes for every problem, from large rooftops to small balconies you walk on in Blanes or Tossa de Mar.

What you need to get started

Before you head out to the terrace, check that you have the right gear. A standard roller or cheap paint won't last ten years. For a professional finish, we recommend:

• Pentrilo: Long-thread wool rollers for rough surfaces or specific resin rollers. Also, Accured Mask Premium masking tape to protect the edges.
• Blatem: Walkable acrylic rubber or liquid polyurethane for the best durability. If you have cracks, you will need reinforcement mesh.
• Cleaning: A pressure washer or a stiff brush and water with neutral soap.

Steps for waterproofing that lasts

1. Prepare the surface: This is the tedious part, but it matters most. The floor must be dry and clean. Remove any mold. If the floor is very smooth or non-porous, ask us at our Lloret de Mar shop for the right primer.
2. Treat critical spots: Water always gets in through corners, drains, and where the floor meets the wall. Apply a layer of product, lay down the mesh, and cover it with more product while it is still wet.
3. First coat (diluted): Apply a coat of rubber or polyurethane diluted according to the technical sheet. This helps it soak into the pores.
4. Reinforcement mesh layer: Spread the membrane over the whole surface and lay the fiberglass mesh on top. Make sure there are no air bubbles.
5. Finishing coats: Apply at least two more undiluted coats. Cross your strokes to make sure you cover all the mesh fabric.

Mistakes to avoid in the Costa Brava

One common slip-up is painting in direct sun at two in the afternoon in August. The product dries too fast, forms a skin, and won't bond well. Work first thing in the morning or when the surface is in the shade.

Another mistake is rushing the drying times between coats. Every Blatem product has its own timing. Check the sheet before the next coat. If it rains before it dries, the job is ruined. Keep an eye on the weather forecast in La Selva.

Technical colors for your terrace

Tile red is the classic choice, but today people want colors that match the house better. A grey like RAL 7044 Silk grey stays clean on floors you walk on. If you want something warmer, NCS S 3010-Y30R gives a natural, earthy look. For areas where you want the floor to stay cool under your feet, RAL 9010 Pure white reflects the sun best.

Scent marketing and your home in Girona

After a renovation or paint job, the air can feel heavy. Scent marketing helps your home or business in the Costa Brava feel fresh again. Depending on the color you pick for your exterior or interior, you can pair it with our Air-Bosq air fresheners:

• If you used RAL 9010 Pure white, it goes perfectly with UNO. Its citrus and green tea scent adds to the clean feeling of the white.
• For tones like NCS S 3010-Y30R, which looks like earth and sage, the ET air freshener is a great match. Its lavender and amber notes create a Mediterranean feel.
• If you chose RAL 7044 Silk grey, a modern and sleek color, we suggest FIERO. Its cedar and musk notes match the solid look of the grey.

If you need to know how many cans you need for your square meters or which mesh is best for your balcony, come see us in Lloret de Mar. We also ship to all of Girona and the rest of Europe.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply rubber over a tiled floor?
Yes. The Blatem system allows you to apply acrylic rubber or polyurethane over tiles. The tiles must be firmly attached, and you must use a proper bonding primer.

How long should I wait between coats?
Time changes based on temperature and humidity. Always check the technical sheet for the specific Blatem product you are using.

Is the fiberglass mesh mandatory?
We highly recommend it for the whole surface. It is mandatory for critical spots like drains and joints to stop the paint from cracking when the building moves.

What is the difference between rubber and liquid polyurethane?
Polyurethane handles standing water and heavy foot traffic better than traditional acrylic rubber.

Can I waterproof if the floor is damp?
No. The surface must be completely dry so the product sticks. If moisture is trapped underneath, the product will bubble and peel off.