Explore how raised flooring systems support effective drainage, protect waterproofing membranes and provide flexible, accessible solutions for modern outdoor spaces.
Balconies, terraces, podium decks and roof decks are often required to perform multiple functions simultaneously. Alongside the architectural requirements of the finished space, designers must accommodate drainage, protect underlying waterproofing systems and allow for future maintenance access.
Raised flooring systems have long been used to address these challenges, supporting surface finishes above waterproofed substrates while maintaining accessibility and drainage performance.
Accommodating Falls Without Compromising the Finished Surface
Waterproofed deck constructions rely on falls to direct water towards drainage outlets. While essential for drainage performance, these falls can create constraints when surface finishes are installed directly onto the substrate.
Raised flooring systems separate the finished surface from the waterproofed structure below, allowing pavers, tiles or decking to remain level while the substrate retains the required falls. Water passes through open joints and flows across the waterproofing layer to designated drainage points.
This approach allows the drainage strategy to function as intended without influencing the finished surface geometry.
Accommodating Falls Without Compromising the Finished Surface
Waterproofed deck constructions rely on falls to direct water towards drainage outlets. While essential for drainage performance, these falls can create constraints when surface finishes are installed directly onto the substrate.
Raised flooring systems separate the finished surface from the waterproofed structure below, allowing pavers, tiles or decking to remain level while the substrate retains the required falls. Water passes through open joints and flows across the waterproofing layer to designated drainage points.
This approach allows the drainage strategy to function as intended without influencing the finished surface geometry.
Greater Design Flexibility
Raised flooring systems can support a variety of exterior finishes, including porcelain pavers, ceramic tiles, natural stone, concrete pavers and timber decking.
The ability to accommodate changes in height, align finished floor levels and manage variations in substrate conditions provides flexibility across a range of project types. This can be particularly valuable where multiple materials, landscaping features or complex interfaces need to be incorporated within a single outdoor space.
Supporting Long-Term Building Performance
Accessibility and serviceability can have a significant influence on the long-term performance of outdoor spaces. The ability to inspect waterproofing systems, access concealed services and carry out localised maintenance without major disruption can simplify ongoing maintenance while helping to protect the underlying structure.
Combined with effective drainage and membrane protection, these advantages make raised flooring systems a practical solution for balconies, terraces, roof decks and podium areas where lifecycle performance is an important consideration.
A Complete Raised Flooring Solution
The Equus Jacks range includes adjustable and fixed-height pedestals, modular support grids and installation accessories for tiles, pavers and timber decking.
Suitable for balconies, terraces, roof decks and podiums, Equus Jacks systems facilitate drainage and ventilation beneath the finished surface while helping protect underlying waterproofing membranes.
The result is a durable and serviceable solution for modern outdoor spaces.
