Fix leaking balconies without stress
Spot the signs of water damage in balconies and take action early to prevent major costs down the line.
Why do balconies leak?
Balcony leaks are common in Melbourne. If left unchecked they can lead to extensive structural damage and costly repairs. Understanding the causes of these leaks is the first step toward protecting your property and its occupants.
Poor Construction
Improper building methods, such as insufficient slope for water drainage or using substandard materials, can compromise a balcony’s integrity. Ponding water puts the surface under constant stress.
Inadequate waterproofing membrane
Waterproofing membranes are critical to prevent moisture from seeping into the underlying structure. Unfortunately, many balconies are built with an insufficient or improperly installed waterproofing membrane
Natural wear and tear
Even a well-built and waterproofed balcony isn’t immune to the effects of weather and time. Constant exposure to rain, sun, and temperature changes causes materials to expand, contract, and eventually degrade
Structural movement
Building materials naturally expand and shift over time due to environmental factors or property settling. This movement can stress sealants and joints, creating opportunities for leaks to form. Sealants typically last around 5 years before they need to be replaced.
A waterproofing membrane on a balcony in Melbourne typically lasts 10-15 years with proper maintenance, though this can vary from 5-25 years depending on the specific membrane type used and quality of installation.
Why you should care
Ignoring a leaking balcony can lead to serious costs and safety risks. Prompt attention to waterproofing balconies safeguards your property’s integrity, value, and compliance.
Structural damage
Continuous water intrusion weakens structural elements like concrete, steel reinforcement, and wooden supports. Over time, this compromises safety and stability, resulting in costly repairs.
Health risks
Persistent moisture creates ideal conditions for mold growth, which degrades indoor air quality and can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other serious health issues.
Liability and legal exposure
Property managers face potential lawsuits if water damage affects tenant operations, causes slip hazards, or leads to health issues from mould.
Escalating repair costs
What starts as a minor waterproofing issue becomes exponentially more expensive as water spreads to structural elements.
Spot the warning signs
Identifying balcony waterproofing issues early is essential for preventing damage and avoiding costly repairs. Here are just some indicators that balconies may have water damage.
Water stains on the ceiling below: Dark stains, streaks, or discolored patches on walls, ceilings below the balcony, or on the balcony surface itself. These stains often appear yellowish-brown and may grow larger over time, indicating ongoing water infiltration.
Ponding or pooling water: Water that remains standing on the balcony surface hours after rain indicates poor drainage or inadequate fall (slope) toward drains. Ponding water will eventually find its way through waterproofing defects, membranes, or structural joints.
Cracks in tiles or concrete: Hairline cracks under the balcony, expansion of existing cracks, or loose/hollow-sounding tiles. Water penetration causes the concrete to expand and contract with temperature changes and moisture fluctuations, widening cracks and allowing water to enter. Concrete cancer can be a consequence of water infiltration.
Efflorescence (white salt deposits): White, chalky deposits or crystalline formations appearing on concrete surfaces, walls, or underneath the balcony. This occurs when water carries minerals through the concrete and evaporates, leaving salt residue behind.
Additional signs to watch for: Peeling paint or render, rust stains from reinforcement bars, mould growth, or reports of dripping from units below.
Early detection of these signs allows for preventive repairs before structural damage occurs.
The Schaefer solution
Trust Schaefer Waterproofing to expertly repair your water-damaged and leaking balcony. We ensure full compliance while minimising tenant disruption through efficient project management. Safeguard your property with premium materials and quality installation.
1.
Assessment and solution design
Your balcony is assessed for water damage. If damage is present, we provide a solution inline with Australian Waterproofing Standards AS 4654 - Waterproofing membranes for external above-ground use.
2.
Waterproofing membrane selection
We offer a range of sheet and liquid waterproofing membrane options, providing expert guidance on quality, longevity, and budget to help you choose the best solution.
3.
Surface preparation
Old and damaged tiles, screed and waterproofing membrane are removed by grinding and jackhammering. The surface is cleaned, smoothed and primed for maximum waterproofing adhesion.
4.
Waterproofing system installation
The membrane and waterproofing system is installed according to the Australian Waterproofing Standards. We provide photographic evidence of detailing and installation. If required, a screed layer is installed to create a proper drainage fall for optimal water escape (min. 1:100).
5.
Finishings
Whether its tiles or pods and pavers, an attractive and functional balcony surface is applied while maintaining the waterproofing integrity underneath.
6.
Testing
The waterproofing system integrity is verified through flood testing and visual inspection, with the option for independent third-party electronic leak detection testing to provide additional quality assurance.
7.
Project handover
We handle all trades and finishes, managing the entire project from start to completion so you don't have to coordinate multiple suppliers. Warranty and compliance certificates are provided. We return in 6-12 months to ensure proactive maintenance.
Think your balcony might be leaking? Let’s talk.
Don’t wait for a small balcony leak to turn into a major repair. Protect your property’s safety, value, and functionality with Schaefer Waterproofing. Book a call for a chat with our team.
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