• Accumulation of calcium salts, called "efflorescence" occurs on balcony surfaces only in the presence of water.

• Waterproofing products used on balconies MUST be capable of holding water. 

• Many contemporary balconies designed with minimal fall, this often leads to water ingress via the tile grout, leading to moisture "ponding" between the membrane and tiles.

• If the membrane selected can not withstand "ponding water" -  and a number of  waterproofing products for balconies the market can not  -   in time and along with the normal cyclic thermal contraction and expansion, the membrane system will  degrade causing water leaks.

• The above balcony design issues are not always taken into consideration when waterproofing contractors/specifiers/designers decide on the waterproofing sys

• Water can also penetrate through  exposed edges of both reinforced concrete balconies and timber framed balconies, resulting in deterioration of the balcony structure and significant defects occur, such as concrete spalling.

• Both balcony membranes AND tile adhesives need to have  flexibility and elasticity to accommodate normal movement  caused by temperature changes and structural settling.

• Suitable submersible type of waterproofing products and adhesives should be used to waterproof balconies.

• When selecting  a  balcony system,  ensure the products  are  designed for the purpose.

• Water runs through the tile grout and below  the balcony tiles.​

• Tile adhesives take a long time to block this movement of water ingress.

• Above ground design, like balconies, roof & rooftop terraces , requires adhesive that will accommodate this “saturation” while water is moving towards the drain points.

• The Findlay-Evans Waterproofing Team  have seen many balconies damaged and leak due to  moisture sitting under the tiles - as many membranes are NOT designed to hold water (or ponding water).

• Evidence can be seen on the tile surface  and grout lines as a whitish build up, not to be mistaken with calcium (salts) leaching out of a screed or cement grouts (if no membrane over screed).

• The whitish / grey outflow can be the adhesive re-emulsifying and breaking down when constantly (or mostly) wet it flows out and dries on the surfaces of tiles and grout.

Best Waterproofing Method to Repair Leaking Balconies 

Repairing a balcony usually requires a  complete strip out and  may even require major structural building works in the case of long term  waterproofing failure. 

Balcony Waterproofing & Restoration System 

- comparable expansion capabilities as the balcony structure itself. 

 - strongly adheres all vertical and horizontal surfaces.

- create a permanent water tight seal around all balcony edges and surfaces.

- withstands "ponding" water.

-  waterproofing membranes must be capable of bridging cracks and joints of the underlying substrate, whether this cement sheeting, Scyon board or others.

- correct membrane installation is equally as important as product selection i.e. detailing to ensure watertight all balcony surfaces, penetrations, and interfaces.

-  remedial waterproofing needs to be fast & efficient  - causing minimal disruption to building occupants.

Using Spray On Liquid Membranes

• Spray applied waterproofing is  up to 3 x times faster installation compared to torch on & sheet membrane applications.

• Liquid Rubber has high elasticity and so we strongly recommend the accompanying adhesive to be flexible.

• Liquid Rubber has added emulsions that trap these molecules and prevent leaching from occurring.