FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the Hardware StoreHo bisogno di un prodotto impermeabilizzante per la terrazza.
B2

Ho bisogno di un prodotto impermeabilizzante per la terrazza.

I need a waterproofing product for the terrace.

Pronunciation

im-per-me-a-bi-liz-ZAN-te — eight syllables; stress the seventh.

When to use it

Use this when you have a leaking terrace, flat roof, or basement that needs waterproofing. This is a common maintenance issue for Italian apartment owners and is typically addressed with liquid-applied membrane products.

What it means

Impermeabilizzante (waterproofing agent) for terraces (terrazze) comes in several forms: guaina liquida (liquid membrane — easy DIY application), guaina bituminosa (bituminous membrane — more durable, requires heat for application), and malte impermeabilizzanti (waterproofing mortars — for concrete surfaces). The product choice depends on the surface, the severity of the problem, and your skill level.

Variations

Guaina liquida per terrazze in cemento.

Liquid membrane for concrete terraces.

Brush-applied; simple enough for competent DIY; requires dry weather and surface preparation.

La terrazza perde acqua nell'appartamento di sotto.

The terrace is leaking water into the flat below.

Common Italian apartment conflict; the terrace owner is responsible for waterproofing maintenance.

Devo impermeabilizzare prima di posare le piastrelle.

I need to waterproof before laying the tiles.

Standard procedure; apply waterproofing membrane, then tile adhesive on top.

Mini Dialogue

— La mia terrazza fa entrare l'acqua nel bagno del piano di sotto. — Serve la guaina impermeabilizzante. Ha le piastrelle sulla terrazza? — Sì. — Allora bisogna togliere le piastrelle, applicare la guaina, aspettare che asciughi e rimettere le piastrelle. O usate la guaina iniettiva, senza togliere le piastrelle.

— My terrace is letting water into the bathroom on the floor below. — You need waterproofing membrane. Do you have tiles on the terrace? — Yes. — Then you need to remove the tiles, apply the membrane, wait for it to dry and relay the tiles. Or use injectable membrane, without removing the tiles.

Cultural Note

Italian condominium law (Article 1126 of the Codice Civile) specifies that the cost of maintaining and waterproofing a terrace used as a roof by lower-floor apartments is shared: one third by the terrace owner and two thirds by the apartments benefiting from the roof protection below. This rule generates significant condominium disputes and is one of the most litigated points of Italian condominium law.