Leaking Balcony Repair

Do you have a leaking balcony? Or do you think the waterproofing membrane needs repair? It can sometimes be overwhelming to even think about how to make a repair and where to start. Properly waterproofing a balcony is an essential step in making sure you avoid expensive leaking issues down the track. This article will point out some of the critical aspects you need to keep in mind with waterproofing.

Sealing your balcony takes skills and is a complicated process that needs to be followed meticulously to protect it from significant structural and functional issues down the track. Some of the severe problems you could potentially face are;

• Costly water damage
• Compromised structural integrity
• Rising damp and mould issues

Getting the waterproofing right will make sure you stay well away from any of these issues later on.

If you're currently facing any balcony leaking issues, it's always good to talk to an expert as soon as possible to avoid further deterioration of the condition. According to a company providing balcony repairs in Melbourne, customers who don't neglect waterproofing issues usually end up saving money by preventing significant damage to their balconies. The many benefits of waterproofing include;

• Protection from leakage
• Reduction in moisture levels
• Provide safety to the inhabitants
• Strengthens the structure of the balcony
• Protects from mould appearance
• Reduction in cost of repairing
• Stops peeling and splitting of paint
• Provide a healthy environment to enjoy at your balcony

How do you waterproof a balcony?

There are vital points that must be adhered to when waterproofing a balcony to avoid any problems down the track. If you pay enough attention to the following during the construction, rest assured you can be comfortable knowing leaking can be prevented.

1) Substrate used in waterproofing

You have to ensure that the substrate material used for membrane contact is congruous and befitting with the membrane system. It is vital to consider that substrate must be moisture resistant and avoid any dust and contamination.

Moreover, it should be clean and avoid particle board sheeting. If you want an excellent substrate material, reputable companies experience in waterproofing in Melbourne can provide a substrate of outstanding quality.

2) Choosing high-quality Membrane 

While repairing a leaking balcony, it is better to choose the Membrane as per the manufacturer's guidelines. It's common to use a liquid Membrane with double coatings and a poly cloth system. If there is screeding required, then this can be achieved by applying a double layer as well.

If the membrane system you are using is moisture sensitive, installing the Membrane is critical when rain is not forecasted. Once you have installed the Membrane, consider the Membrane's termination to prevent water from flowing on the top by keeping the Membrane's height above the finished surface level.

3) Bond breakers

It is the most overlooked point but holds a lot of significance. Fillets/bond breakers are used where there is a change required in the Membrane from horizontal to the vertical plane. When the balcony floors meet with the walls, they must use fillets. If the liquid Membrane is used, then the fillet should be at least 15×15mm in dimensions.

4) Selection of drains 

Some balconies have a strip drain system or a centre drain. The Membrane should connect to the stormwater drainage system into its turn-down Membrane. The drainage system capacity must be high to let the balcony drain all water without stagnation.

5) Surface overlaying 

Waterproof systems in the balcony need to be protected. So, if you want to prevent any damage to the surface, ensure that the overlying material (tiles) must be suitable. In other words, you need to think about waterproofing membranes and tiles at the same time and not as an afterthought! If you get the same company to take care of the tiles (or marble or any other finishing material), you can generally avoid non-compatibility issues.

6) Inspection 

Last but not least, it's the final inspection or test of the waterproof system. Without proper examination, you're not in a situation to conclude that all is good with your waterproofing application. After installing the Membrane and letting it cure following the manufacturers' recommendations, you must inspect the membrane thickness using a non-destructive procedure. This step's significance is that it will provide you with confirmation the balcony is now correctly waterproofed.

Conclusion 

Balcony leakage becomes such a common issue, especially during the rainy season. Even though it can be daunting initially, the re-application of a proper waterproofing system can generally solve any balcony leaking problems. If you carefully consider the essential items mentioned above, it's almost certain that you will get the job done right the first time.