Leaking Balcony, Deck, Rooftop – Repair & Restore (Melbourne)
Waterproofing balconies require best practice together with quality products
Balconies are often designed over habitable living spaces and water leaks can be catastrophic to the substructure below.
How to Repair & Restore Leaking Balconies
Experts suspect poor waterproofing in Berkeley balcony collapse that killed six and injured seven.
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Why Balconies Leak
- Obviously waterproofing membrane failures are caused by a variety of reasons however recent projects have highlighted an interesting cause.
- Construction methods are always changing and adapting.
- We are seeing balcony substrates in high rise construction that are level or close to level.
- Balconies require adequate fall to allow water run off to an exit or drainage point/s. Balconies with minimum fall will have water "ponding" or standing on the tiles which will then slowly seep down to the waterproofing membrane.
- Many waterproofing membranes are not designed to “hold” water or sustain ponding water as it is better described. Liquid Rubber can withstand ponding water.
- The waterproofing membrane which, given time and with thermal expansion / contraction - will cause break down or joint failure with subsequent balcony leaks.
I have been in the construction game for over 30 years, either as a Registered Building Practitioner myself & owner of Findlay & Evans Waterproofing.
I have recently noticed, either for reasons of design and/or cost considerations, subtle construction changes which have a direct impact on the success or otherwise of balcony waterproofing membranes.
Australia Must Improve Waterproofing Standards and Practices
Article publish "Construction" October 2017 - READ HERE
How Design Affects Waterproofing Method
- Balcony design has a significant effect on the choice of waterproofing product, the application of membranes and tile adhesives used.
- Correct selection of waterproof membrane is imperative with structures designed with minimal falls.p
- The membrane must be capable of “ponding water” and the application must proceed with meticulous preparation to ensure detailing is installed correctly.
- Unfortunately these issues are not always taken into consideration when contractors/specifiers/designers are considering waterproofing methodology for balconies designed with minimal fall.
Australian Standards & Balcony Design
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Tiled Balconies & Water Leaks
If there are minimal expansion joints, with time and movement the upward force will close causing the tiles to pop and lift off/crack, puncturing the membrane by tearing holes in it - and subsequently causing leaks.
Best Waterproofing System for Balconies
Liquid Rubber Membranes - Rapid Spray On Waterproofing
Liquid Rubber - Waterproofing Product for Balconies Repairs & New Construction
- Liquid Rubber is spray applied seamlessly onto concrete, steel, metal
- Flexible and elastic so can move with substrate.
- UV resistant so does not crack or degrade with UV light.
- Unlike most coatings, can be applied on damp surfaces
- Installation is quick and cost effective.
- Suitable for internal and external areas.
- A liquid waterproof coating is a tough,chemical and UV resistant membrane.
Liquid Rubber Waterproofing Membrane
Liquid Rubber is our waterproofing product of choice for balconies and above ground waterproofing.
