Balcony and planter box waterproofing - Park Lane apartments, South Yarra
Real results from commercial and multi-residential buildings across Melbourne.
Problem
The Park Lane Manors in South Yarra, built in the 1980s, faced widespread balcony waterproofing failures. The original torch-on membrane was installed directly on top of flat concrete slabs with no fall, no puddle flanges, and no upturns. Screeds were laid above the membrane without a secondary waterproofing layer, resulting in leaks across 20 balconies. A parapet and large planter box were also found to be leaking.
Symptoms identified
- Paint bubbling on underside of balconies
- Efflorescence visible on tiles
- Tiles debonding from balcony surfaces
- Moisture readings between 15–25%
- Water penetration from parapet into apartments below
- Planter box leaking into the carpark basement
Urgency factors
- Structural integrity concerns from rusted and protruding reinforcement bars in balcony slabs
- Ongoing risk to apartments below from active balcony and parapet leaks
- Property value and tenant impacts due to visible deterioration and water damage
Solution
The Park Lane Manor balconies had not been waterproofed since the complex was built in the 1980s. Leak detection testing was carried out on all 20 balconies, with every one identified as leaking. Along with the planter box and parapet.
Recommended solution
Strip back all balconies and planter boxes to the concrete slab (remove existing screeds, tiles, and torch-on membrane). Repair concrete cracks. Install new waterproofing system with puddle flanges and modern waterproofing products and methods. Repoint parapet walls and seal.
Materials and methods
- Ardex concrete repair systems: crack lock, carbon-fibre bridging stitch, and RA 142 epoxy injection
- Gripset liquid-applied membrane and sheet membrane system
- Bond breakers and leak control flanges at critical junctions
- Epoxy grout for tiled balcony finishes
- High-performance caulking to all joints and penetrations
- Planter box system: liquid membrane above and below screed, corflute wall protection, drainage cell, and geofabric base
- Repointing works with new mortar and concrete sealer application
- All waterproofing works installed to NCC and Australian Waterproofing Standard AS 4654.2-2012
- Concrete repair works compliant with Australian Standard AS 3600
Implementation process
- Demolition phase: Removed existing tiles and screed from all balconies, and disposed of rubbish from levels 1–2, avoiding going through residents’ apartments when possible.
- Substrate preparation: Prepared balcony slabs and planter boxes, ensuring clean, dry surfaces for membrane application.
- Waterproofing below screed: Applied liquid membrane under the new screed with upturns. Installed puddle flanges.
- Screeding and top membrane: Screeded balconies to correct falls and applied liquid membrane over the screed for additional protection.
- Parapet works: Repointed and repaired parapets to prevent water ingress into apartments below.
- Finishing work: Tiled some balconies with epoxy grout for extra waterproofing, while others used regular grout; all joints were caulked.
- Quality testing: Tested all balconies post-installation to confirm effective waterproofing and complete coverage.
Challenges Overcome
- Concrete slabs on two balconies were cracked. Carbon-fibre stitching was required.
Results
All water leaks have been successfully stopped, including no more water entering dwellings following parapet waterproofing. All balconies, planter boxes and areas below these are now fully protected.
Long-term benefits
- Protection of the building structure from future water damage
- Elimination of water ingress into apartments and basement
- Total resident satisfaction
- Enhanced property value and peace of mind for occupants
Additional value delivered
Scheduled for 2025, negative-side waterproofing works will ensure the basement remains fully protected from leaks originating in the shared courtyard.
Service: Leak detection, balcony waterproofing, planter box waterproofing, parapet waterproofing, building envelope protection
Application: Liquid membrane, sheet membrane
Solution: Waterproofing 20 balconies, a large planter box, and repointing a parapet wall. Drain repairs. Screeding, tiling and caulking.
Time to complete: Six months
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