Pitched Roof — Where Waterproofing is Crucial

At Azuaga 68, the pitched roof is now in its final construction phase. More than an architectural feature, this roof is the result of a carefully planned and executed process — one where waterproofing, both hydraulic and thermal, plays an absolutely critical role.

A pitched roof may look simple from the outside, but beneath the tiles lies a sophisticated system of layers designed to protect the building for decades. Among all of them, waterproofing is the most critical.

The Construction Stages

1. Hydraulic Waterproofing & Thermal Insulation

The first stage involved applying a hydraulic waterproofing system over the solid concrete slab, including a bituminous membrane along the entire perimeter of the drainage channel — one of the most critical details in the entire roof system.

Following the waterproofing, an 8 cm thick thermal insulation layer (XPS panels) was applied, properly bonded and mechanically fixed to the slab — ensuring the thermal comfort of the apartments directly below.

2. Onduline Underlay Installation

With the insulation layer in place, the next step was the installation of the Onduline breathable underlay — a fully waterproof membrane placed directly beneath the ceramic tiles. This layer acts as a secondary line of defence, ensuring proper drainage in the event of any failure or displacement of the finishing tiles above.

3. Zinc Flashing & Ceramic Tile Installation

With the waterproofing and underlay in place, the perimeter zinc flashing was installed — a critical detail that seals the junction between the roof surface and the surrounding walls, preventing any water ingress at the most exposed edges of the roof.

The finishing layer consists of high-quality ceramic tiles from CS Coelho da Silva, model Marselha Domus — a premium Portuguese tile known for its durability, aesthetic refinement, and outstanding weather resistance. Every tile was laid with precision, completing a roof system built to last for generations.