why do balconies need to be waterproofed

Why do balconies need to be waterproofed?

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    There is often an increased infiltration danger during the winter, rain, and ice, which can cause structural damage to the building if not addressed. If this threat isn't addressed, the resulting symptoms could be harmful. Waterproofing that has worn out or been placed improperly is typically the root cause of issues of this type. The following discussion will examine some methods that have been used successfully to avoid or fix these concerns in balcony and terrace flooring.

    Back to raining again. Your shopping balcony is now a long-running misery because of the rain: it pools, it crumbles, the sealant goes to hell, and that's not even discussing the joints. It pools when it rains; it crumbles when it pools; and it crumbles even more when it pools after it has rained. When you initially moved in, the condition report wasn't too bad, with only a few nicks and cracks here and there. What about now? Broken balcony tiles. You may have tried your best, but there is still mould, decay, and a foul odour of wetness throughout the structure. The waterproof coating on your balcony is so thin that it may as well not be there.

    Exactly what is the good news? By protecting your balcony from water damage, you can save unnecessary hassle, expense, and loss of personal belongings. And what is it that you are trying to find? What do you do first? Because of Megasealed, you are entirely protected.

    Balcony leaks are prevalent, especially in older homes, and if left unresolved, they can cause serious structural damage. Termites prefer moist environments, so make sure to avoid leaving any water sitting about. The last thing you need is a termite infestation if you've already got mould growing around your house. If your balcony is leaking, you need to get it fixed right away so that it doesn't cause any other problems. It is not necessary to tear out tiles and replace the waterproof membrane to make a balcony watertight; instead, you can use a balcony sealant to achieve the same result in as little as one day for a fraction of the cost, not to mention the savings in the long run from not having to deal with termites.

    Check out Hitch Property Constructions for a wide range of balcony repairs.

    Why do balconies leak?

    You can save yourself time and money in the future by preparing and designing the balcony and the waterproofing system with care to prevent leaks.

    In particular, balconies with shallow descents to the ground are becoming more common in multi-story residential complexes. On a balcony with even a slight decline, water can pool and become trapped between the membrane and the tiles, a phenomenon known as "ponding." The membrane will deteriorate and leaks will develop if it cannot withstand ponding water. And leaks can be caused by waterlogging, which causes joints to fail.

    Balcony

    Other factors to consider

    Other factors may have have contributed to the breakdown of the waterproofing system.

    Which type of tiles will be utilised in the set up. Since darker tiles absorb more solar energy, they are more suitable for use in areas with high UV levels. This results in the membrane and substrate absorbing heat, which in turn causes the membrane and substrate to expand and contract, and ultimately the materials themselves to move. Damage to the membrane could occur as a result of the dissimilar motions of the various components. Once a hole has been made in the membrane, any type of water can infiltrate underneath it.

    Expansion joints must be installed in the tile to allow for the tile's natural expansion and contraction. Doing so will keep the tiles from becoming brittle and shattering. Lack of expansion joints might cause tiles to lift due to compression and upheaval. As a result, the membrane is torn and water can seep into the space below.

    Water that collects on the balcony must drain away into the proper outlets for the drainage system, so maintenance plays a crucial role in this regard as well.

    Water can enter a structure through cracks or at any level above any flashing if water pools or ponds as a result of clogged floor wastes or outlet drains.

    Make that the grout is still in the tile joints and that debris hasn't been ground into the joint and weakened the membrane by contaminating the grout.

    DI...Why?

    The Australians have a lot of pride for their own home renovations. We are an extremely ingenious bunch. The Megasealed crew applauds the DIY spirit, but we caution against treating the procedure of waterproofing the floor of your balcony lightly. Even if it doesn't seem like a major worry today, water leaks and other waterproofing issues usually develop gradually and are difficult for the untrained eye to spot. By using the latest balcony waterproofing materials, a trained expert from Megasealed can ensure that even the strictest balcony waterproofing criteria are met from the get-go. Meaning? You'll be better off monetarily in the end.

    Spotting The Slip-up

    All too often, construction crews fail to adhere to even the most fundamental waterproofing standards, opting instead to cut corners and produce subpar outcomes. Due to these factors, it is quite unlikely that you will be held accountable for any damage to the balcony, especially if you are a renter. Perhaps the homeowners' problematic balcony has been an issue ever since they put pen to paper on their mortgage.

    To quickly put up a house or apartment, builders often instal the balcony and door before moving on to the membrane. The connection between the floor and wall has a serious problem. Ideally, Australian regulations would prevent this from happening, but in reality, sloppy planning usually leads to the builder using wasteful, outmoded methods. There is no malicious intent, and they simply don't see any other choices.

    What's Your Angle?

    While we're here on the ground, let's check out your balcony to make sure it has a slight incline leading to a central drain. Does the grouting and water barriers show signs of damage? If you answered "no" twice, you're in deep danger. In the event that water is pooling on your balcony, it may be time to consider tearing out the old tiles and installing new ones. It's not cheap, but water infiltration isn't like a cold that goes gone when it stops raining.

    Don't Hold Back

    If you want your patio or balcony to remain in excellent condition, a waterproofing membrane can be thought of as an umbrella. Fixing the leaky balcony as soon as possible can make your days (and nights) much more pleasant because you hate having wet clothes, you dislike being soaked, and the smell of mildew does not scream cosy and welcoming. If you want to put a smile on your face, contact Megasealed and take advantage of our wide variety of balcony waterproofing solutions. Our services save you money in the long run, and we also provide maintenance tips for your newly sealed balcony to help you keep it looking great.

    What to consider before waterproofing

    In order to choose the best option for renovations, it is important to weigh a number of criteria and keep in mind a core set of needs.

    In this case, it is crucial to first examine the area that will host the intervention:

    • Find out how badly the flooring and substrate have been damaged.
    • Verify the accuracy of the layered structure.
    • It's crucial that the flooring has an acceptable slope.
    • Examine the various levels to make sure there are no splits or holes in them.

    Based on the details presented below, pick the option that works best for the specific balcony or patio in question.

    Choose the most suitable waterproofing solution for renovations.

    You may choose the best option for the outside space by analysing several criteria and making a call based on the results. In cases where the flooring is in excellent condition, a simple application of waterproofing directly to the flooring may be all that is required.

    However, if the tiles have damage like cracks or holes, it's best to get rid of them and then waterproof the substrate layer underneath. If the substrate itself is in poor shape, waterproofing the layer below it is your best bet for stopping any leaks in the future. If making the layer watertight is the most effective option, this will be the result.

    There are tile-preserving waterproofing solutions.

    If the flooring is in good shape and there are no cracks or tenting, then liquid waterproofing is an ideal solution that can be used instead of having to remove the tiled surface. It can be rolled or brushed across the whole surface in a short amount of time without leaving any gaps, and it only results in a thickness that is a few millimetres high. This technique is impervious to variations in temperature, inclement weather, chemical compounds, or stagnant water, provided that it is carried out in accordance with the guidelines provided by liquid membrane manufacturers. It must be done exactly as specified by the liquid membranes' original equipment manufacturers. Talking to the vendor about the product's compatibility with the existing flooring is crucial.

    Looking for balcony repairs Melbourne? Look no further. Hitch Property Constructions has you covered.

    Waterproofing solutions between tile and substrate

    The flooring must be removed and the layer above the substrate thoroughly intervened in if it is broken or unusable. In case new flooring is needed, this is mandatory. Waterproofing membrane rolls and waterproofing solutions are the two most used methods.

    Rolled membrane waterproofing systems

    Waterproofing the substrate using rolled membranes can be done in a number of different methods, and there are products on the market for each of them. The most typical kind of waterproofing membrane is a bituminous, rolled, self-adhesive one that may be installed using hot air welding.

    In addition to being totally dry, the substrate must be dust-free. After the adhesive membranes are in place, thinset can be put in order to get the surface ready for tiling.

    If the water-resistant layer underlying the substrate has not been damaged, a more hygienic and faster alternative, like a rolled-up polythene membrane, can be implemented. Use Floortec, a membrane made of polythene with a non-woven fabric fused to its underside, for this form of waterproofing. Floortec, at a total thickness of only 3 mm, does a lot more than just reinforce the waterproofness of the substrate without significantly impacting the interior of the flooring; it also compensates for structural tension, manages moisture that rises through the installation, and adds load resistance. Despite its thinness (only 3 mm), Floortec offers all of these advantages. It is possible to tile over a cement subfloor once a membrane has been attached to it with adhesive cement.

    The cement-based liquid compound waterproofing system

    As an alternative to a bituminous membrane, you may apply an easily spreadable liquid cement layer on top of the substrate. The final product is a cement-based mixture to which water-resistant polymers and other ingredients have been added. The next steps are to apply a tile glue and then the tiles. It's easier than the previous method. On the other hand, in real life, the cement layer is not entirely watertight. In the event of temperature changes, the cement layer may expand or contract, allowing a trace amount of moisture to permeate the layer below. Restoration projects where it is known without a shadow of a doubt that the substrate is in pristine condition, free of fractures or even minute fissures, are prime candidates for this approach.

    Waterproofing solutions under the substrate

    The only option to stop further degradation from happening and fix the infiltration problem is to intervene beneath the substrate. In order to comply with regulation UNI11493-1, a waterproofing layer should be laid, followed by a drainage membrane that acts as a barrier and allows water to drain freely from the draining substrate above. The waterproofing layer should be on first, followed by the drainage membrane for the greatest effects.

    The bituminous membrane waterproofing system

    Commonly used for waterproofing the space under the substrate of terraces and balconies, bituminous membranes are a quick and easy solution. These membranes are made from crude oil distillation and are commercially available in premade rolls. The roll's thickness also conceals a resistance-increasing armature. Fiberglass or polyester can be used to construct the armature.

    For pedestrian areas, a bituminous membrane with a thickness of 4 millimetres is suggested. This is done to boost the material's mechanical resistance and keep its unique elongation property. Outdoor spaces like balconies and patios are prime examples of pedestrian zones. Flame bonding on the sheets of prefabricated rolls makes installation easy and guarantees a secure hold on the surface.

    These same membranes can also be purchased with an adhesive layer, making them suitable for use in situations where an open flame would be unsafe. Though these are easier to use, they sacrifice some of their potency in the process.

    The importance of draining membranes

    The drainage membranes that are put beneath the building's substrate are the unsung heroes of the building's structural safety.

    Balconies and terraces deteriorate primarily due to water, which causes damage as it seeps into the interior of the substrate and gradually wears away at the several waterproofing layers. The unique design of the drainage membrane guarantees that this sort of problem will never arise. Because of the hydrostatic tension that develops between the substrate and the bitumen-based membrane, we advise using Draintec 8, a membrane developed by our technicians.

    This item's unusual shape serves two purposes: it supports the load and it reduces the compression of the load caused by pedestrian or load passage. Draintec 8 has only 8 mm in thickness but is made up of two bonded layers. The first has a polythene foundation and cone-shaped components for separating and draining liquids. Second, a non-woven fabric is bonded on top of the base to form the membrane's second layer. The objective of this layer is to stop dust and other minute material from getting through the membrane and clogging up the channels, which would reduce the membrane's overall efficiency.

    Draintec 8S, a netting with a more open weaving structure than Draintec 8, is the one we advise for use with water-draining substrates.

    Using a perimeter profile for optimal results

    If you're hoping for cutting-edge results from your involvement, we advise installing the Border Tex BD profile along the entire periphery of the patio or balcony. The drainage holes in this edge profile serve the function of quickly and efficiently dispersing any standing water. The Bordertec BD should go between the drainage membrane and the bituminous membrane, which is located beneath the substrate. When combined with a drainage membrane like Draintec 8, this product provides unmatched protection against infiltration and structural damage for a terrace.

    Hitch Property Constructions has a wide range of the Melbourne balcony repairs right here.

    Standards for Building Work in Australia relating to waterproofing

    If a balcony's waterproofing fails after a property has been granted an Occupancy Permit or a Certificate of Final Inspection, the contractor may be held accountable for the problem for an extra 10 years. When someone moves into a house, that marks the beginning of their legal responsibility for any damage that may occur to the property.

    The length of the possible responsibility may be prolonged even further if neither a certificate nor a permission was ever obtained. A builder's liability is not reduced just because the builder hires a certified subcontractor and receives a certificate from that subcontractor. As the general contractor, they are in charge of the entire construction endeavour.

    Looking at the specifications of the NCC and AS 4654 can help builders guarantee that the balconies on their projects are adequately waterproofed, as are the standards given in the NCC and Australian Standards AS 4654 AS 4654 Parts 1 and 2.

    In order for waterproofing to do its job, the builder must be well-versed in the technique by which it is applied and in the steps necessary to ready the substrate and the structure of the building for its application. Builders, and especially waterproofers, need to know about building movement and how it can be managed.

    Conclusion

    Winter, rain, and ice present a very serious infiltration risk that can weaken the building's framework if not addressed. The failure of the waterproofing to do its job or its incorrect installation is usually at the foundation of these kinds of problems. Using Megasealed can save you time, money, and the aggravation of replacing lost or stolen items. Water can seep into a building through crevices or at any level above the flashing if water collects or ponds due to blocked floor wastes or outlet drains. Since tiles expand and shrink over time, expansion joints must be placed in them.

    The tiles won't get brittle and break if you do this. A water leak or other waterproofing problem is not often immediately apparent. A qualified specialist from Megasealed can use cutting-edge waterproofing products to guarantee compliance with even the most stringent balcony requirements. Megasealed provides numerous options for waterproofing balconies. Our services are cost-effective in the long term, and we also offer balcony maintenance advice after we've sealed it up for you.

    Evaluate the factors below to determine which solution is ideal for your balcony or patio. Instead of tearing up your tiled surface, you may simply use liquid waterproofing. In a short length of time, it may be rolled or brushed across the entire surface without leaving any spots uncovered. This method is unaffected by cold or hot temperatures, rain or shine, chemicals, or standing water. Terrace and balcony waterproofing solutions can be applied to the subfloor to stop water from seeping through.

    The drainage membranes in a building are the unsung heroes that ensure the building's structural integrity. Prefabricated roll sheets are flame bonded for a strong surface grip and simple installation. Even though Draintec 8 is only 8 mm thick, it consists of two permanently adhered layers. We recommend Draintec 8S, a netting with a more open weaving structure, for use on water-draining substrates. Install a Border Tex BD profile border around the perimeter of the outdoor space.

    Australia's Building Waterproofing Standards. The correct placement of Bordertec BD is between the drainage membrane and the bituminous membrane, which lies beneath the substrate. This product's unbeatable defence against infiltration and structural damage is enhanced when used in conjunction with a drainage membrane like Draintec 8.

    Content Summary

    • There is often an increased infiltration danger during the winter, rain, and ice, which can cause structural damage to the building if not addressed.
    • The following discussion will examine some methods that have been used successfully to avoid or fix these concerns in balcony and terrace flooring.
    • By protecting your balcony from water damage, you can save unnecessary hassle, expense, and loss of personal belongings.
    • The membrane will deteriorate and leaks will develop if it cannot withstand ponding water.
    • Which type of tiles will be utilised in the set up.
    • Water that collects on the balcony must drain away into the proper outlets for the drainage system, so maintenance plays a crucial role in this regard as well.
    • The Megasealed crew applauds the DIY spirit, but we caution against treating the procedure of waterproofing the floor of your balcony lightly.
    • By using the latest balcony waterproofing materials, a trained expert from Megasealed can ensure that even the strictest balcony waterproofing criteria are met from the get-go.
    • Due to these factors, it is quite unlikely that you will be held accountable for any damage to the balcony, especially if you are a renter.
    • If you want your patio or balcony to remain in excellent condition, a waterproofing membrane can be thought of as an umbrella.
    • Choose the most suitable waterproofing solution for renovations.
    • As an alternative to a bituminous membrane, you may apply an easily spreadable liquid cement layer on top of the substrate.
    • The unique design of the drainage membrane guarantees that this sort of problem will never arise.
    • Draintec 8S, a netting with a more open weaving structure than Draintec 8, is the one we advise for use with water-draining substrates.
    • Using a perimeter profile for optimal resultsIf you're hoping for cutting-edge results from your involvement, we advise installing the Border Tex BD profile along the entire periphery of the patio or balcony.
    • The drainage holes in this edge profile serve the function of quickly and efficiently dispersing any standing water.
    • The Bordertec BD should go between the drainage membrane and the bituminous membrane, which is located beneath the substrate.
    • If a balcony's waterproofing fails after a property has been granted an Occupancy Permit or a Certificate of Final Inspection, the contractor may be held accountable for the problem for an extra 10 years.

    FAQs About Balcony Repair

    It is best to waterproof the area under your entire deck by installing a deck drainage system while the deck is still being constructed. The joists and beams of a deck can be protected from water damage by installing a drainage system. The use of an over-the-joist deck drainage system like Trex RainEscape offers one hundred percent protection against the deterioration of the wood that can occur when it is repeatedly exposed to water.

    The drainage system, flashing details, and waterproofing membrane that go over the structural deck are what will ultimately determine whether or not the project is successful. Using a heavy-gauge EPDM membrane (typically 60 mil) as the roofing material is the most common method, and this membrane is typically installed on top of rigid insulation. Another viable option is a TPO membrane that has been heat-welded.

    Even though basic waterproofing membranes have a lifespan of at least ten years, they have the potential to endure for much longer if the right choice and conditions are met. On the other hand, waterproofing that is of poor quality will almost never hold up over time.

    Your balcony can be resealed with epoxy regrouting, which eliminates the need to remove the tiles. a substance that can withstand the effects of both water and chemicals. It requires little to no maintenance and can withstand any kind of weather. As an additional safety precaution, we will also apply polyurethane silicone to all of the junctions along the perimeter.

    A persistent drainage problem on your deck can be identified by the presence of standing water on your balcony. In the event that it is not treated, it may, over time, lead to serious issues such as rot and structural damage. If you have observed this problem, do not waste any time in getting in touch with a reputable deck contractor who can examine your deck and recommend the appropriate course of action.

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