Moisture and Mold in Your Home
March 29, 2023
Waterproofing the Underground Section of a Tenement House
May 5, 2023
Balcony Waterproofing
Renovating your home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s primarily about safety. One critical aspect to address is the waterproofing of your balcony or terrace. This waterproof layer protects your property from moisture and mechanical damage that could lead to severe structural problems. In this article, we’ll discuss how to select the right building materials for balcony waterproofing and guide you through the process step by step. Read on to discover how to easily secure your balcony or terrace and enjoy it for years to come.
Balcony Waterproofing – What You’ll Learn:
- How to choose materials for balcony waterproofing?
- Types of materials for balcony waterproofing?
- Step-by-step guide to balcony waterproofing?
Balcony Waterproofing
Waterproofing a balcony is essential to ensure durability and safe usage. A balcony is an architectural feature that extends beyond the building’s outline, does not touch the ground, is secured with a railing, and is connected to an adjoining room through a door. One of the key factors in ensuring a balcony's longevity is preventing moisture and water from penetrating its structure. Waterproofing acts as a barrier, protecting the balcony's construction from water and moisture intrusion, guarding against corrosion of the structural slab, leaks, and the growth of microorganisms.
Balconies are particularly vulnerable to harmful atmospheric elements such as sunlight, rainfall, and temperature fluctuations. This makes it vital to apply high-quality waterproofing using modern technologies and products that meet current building standards.
When constructing a terrace or balcony, it’s crucial to ensure effective water drainage from the surface. This can be achieved by shaping a slope of approximately 2% on each layer. Proper drainage ensures rainwater flows off the surface efficiently, preventing water accumulation and damage.
How to Choose Materials for Balcony Waterproofing?
When selecting materials for balcony waterproofing, you should consider factors such as the type of balcony finish and the extent of substrate movement. It is essential to match the waterproofing materials to the type of finish you intend to have on the balcony, as different finishes require specific types of waterproofing. Options include adhered porcelain tiles, stone tiles, tiles on pedestals, composite or wooden boards, paving stones, or green terraces. The larger the surface, the more flexible the materials applied should be. Flexible connections are particularly important in areas subjected to significant structural or material stresses, such as where horizontal surfaces meet walls or where flashing intersects with the substrate.
Additionally, you should consider the balcony's size, shape, and construction, as well as its location and the rooms underneath. Critical areas, such as corners and flashing junctions, require thorough sealing to prevent water from penetrating the waterproofing layers.
Types of Materials for Balcony Waterproofing
The first step in choosing the right waterproofing materials for a balcony or terrace is to decide on the type of finish you want. It's also worth considering whether you plan to change the finish in the future. The most complex scenario arises when opting for a green terrace, which requires "root-resistant materials" for waterproofing (e.g., SK W Full Bond – RESITRIX). However, if you choose finishes such as tiles on pedestals, adhered tiles, or resins, there are more options available for selection.
Selecting the Right Materials Based on Balcony Finish:
Adhered Tiles:
If you choose adhered tiles as the finish for your balcony or terrace, it is essential to select the appropriate type of waterproofing. In this case, it is best to opt for products specifically designed for ceramic coverings or high-quality, two-component elastic slurries. Tiles are available in a wide range of colors and are easy to maintain.
However, before deciding on a tiled finish with porcelain stoneware, ensure the tiles are laid only on a perfectly even concrete substrate. Uneven surfaces may cause individual tiles to crack under the weight of foot traffic. Another crucial consideration is the inclusion of expansion joints, which allow water to escape. If the balcony does not include a pre-designed drainage channel, you must maintain a slope to facilitate water runoff.
One drawback of porcelain stoneware is that tiles can heat up quickly when exposed to sunlight.
Recommended Materials:
Ardatec 2K Flex | Bostik
Aquafin 2K/M-Plus
Mapei Mapelastic
Tiles on Spacers:
When waterproofing a balcony intended for tiles on spacers, it's best to choose flexible slurries, hybrid waterproofing materials, or membranes (PVC film, TPO/FPO film, or EPDM). High-quality materials tailored to the local weather conditions ensure long-term comfort and safety. Tiles are known for their easy maintenance and a wide range of color options. They are suitable for both covered and uncovered surfaces, as they are resistant to abrasion and UV rays.
Recommended Materials:
Aquafin 2K/M-Plus
Schomburg AQUAFIN RB400
Membrana KÖSTER TPO/FPO 1,5 mm (1,5x20m) (30m2)
Membrana KÖSTER TPO/FPO 2,0 mm (1,5x20m) (30m2)
SK W Full Bond
Polyurethane Resins:
There are several types of synthetic resins, each suited to different applications. For balconies and terraces, polyurethane or PMMA resin floors are the most commonly chosen. Both materials are suitable for finishing indoor floors (must be low-VOC) and outdoor surfaces.
Polyurethanes and PMMA resins are resistant to sunlight and other harmful atmospheric factors. Their flexible coatings can adapt to the underlying concrete substrate. In this case, the quality truly reflects the price. When selecting resin finishes, it's crucial to monitor the substrate's moisture content, adhering strictly to the product's maximum moisture specifications.
Recommended Materials:
- SIKA Balcony Systems (Standard or Premium)
- SOPREMA Alsan Systems
SIKA Balkony Standard lub Premium
Produkty dostępne na zamówienie:
E: d.karlik@sanier.pl
T: +48 883 292 303
How to Waterproof a Balcony
It is essential that balcony waterproofing is carried out by an experienced construction team using high-quality waterproofing materials. This ensures the balcony remains durable, safe to use, and free from issues caused by water and moisture infiltration into the structure.
If you decide to waterproof your balcony yourself, familiarize yourself with the step-by-step instructions for:
- Waterproofing a Balcony with Polyurethane Resin
- Waterproofing a Balcony or Terrace with Tiles on Pedestals
- Waterproofing a Balcony or Terrace for Adhesive-Tiled Finishes
Waterproofing a Balcony or Terrace Is Essential
Waterproofing is critical for the proper and reliable function of a balcony. It is necessary to design and execute the appropriate layering system along with effective waterproofing. Meeting these requirements helps avoid problems and costly repairs during usage, ensuring safety and comfort for these architectural elements.
Choose proven waterproofing materials that will protect your terrace or balcony from the damaging effects of water and moisture. These elements can seep into the layers of the structure, causing damage, corrosion, or even fostering mold growth. It is equally important to consider all connection points of the balcony slab, such as joints with walls or plinth zones. If you need help selecting the right technology and materials, feel free to reach out to us.
