05 Mar Leaking Balcony Repairs Of Defective Waterproofing

Waterproofing Is The Primary Root Cause Of Building Defects In Australia

Waterstop Solutions provides leaking balcony waterproofing repairs and water ingress solutions to concrete balconies, podiums, planter boxes, high-rise dwellings and commercial building roof tops in Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

An often-quoted statistic in the Australian waterproofing and insurance industry is that “waterproofing is 1.8% of construction cost but represents 83% of building defect complaints.”

Leaking balconies are common. In fact, the insurance industry has identified water leaks and defective waterproofing membranes installed on balconies, podiums, rooftops, and other wet areas as among the most significant dollar-item claims.

If a leaking balcony is left without repair, the water can spread inside your property. Water leaks can cause severe damage, both structurally and aesthetically. A leaking concrete structure can have a ripple effect on other building assets.

It is important to diagnose the cause of the leak and identify the correct method for remediating the leaking balcony. What may seem like a minor issue could potentially cause substrate damage and further damage from water ingress into the building. Although rare, balcony collapse can happen due to rot and decay.

What are the most common causes of leaking balconies?

Swinging temperatures – cyclic thermal changes

Sudden and significant thermal changes may cause stress on building materials. Balconies, podiums, and tiled roof decks are especially exposed to the destructive forces of the elements, such as rain, wind, sunlight and cold conditions. Concrete is known to be inherently weak in tensile strength. Natural building movements can form cracks and voids due to thermal expansion and contraction, and water seeps through these voids.

All buildings experience thermal expansion and contraction due to shifting temperature levels. Balconies, podiums, and tiled roof decks are constantly exposed to the elements and must withstand sudden transitions from colder temperatures to scorching summer days.

Tiled balconies are subject to UV and heat, causing the expansion of tiles, which in turn compresses the expansion joints available. The colour of the tiles plays a role because darker tiles expand more than light-coloured tiles. The same goes for highly water-absorbent permeable tiles, such as terracotta tiles.

Lack of Control joints – Expansion Joints

Adequate expansion joints are essential to decrease the risk of the tiles moving up against each other during hot weather and popping. This could possibly break the adhesive and waterproofing membrane, which, again, may lead to water ingress, affecting the integrity of the concrete structures and other building materials.

Expansion joints should be installed every 3 meters and around the perimeter of the balcony. This will allow for movement during thermal changes and help protect against tenting tiles and membrane rupture.

Minimal falls

Balconies in multi-level apartment buildings tend to have minimal falls to the substrate and inadequate subfloor drainage. Additionally, the choice of waterproofing product, installation and tile adhesive has a significant effect.

The proper design of falls is an essential consideration in the overall drainage of the balcony. Falls create flow paths to direct rainwater away from the surface to suitable discharge points. Adequate falls are essential to clearing surface water as rapidly as possible from the balcony to avoid ponding or stagnation. Rainwater that is not effectively drained from the surface can lead to the deterioration of the waterproof membrane.

Correct waterproofing membrane under the tiles is essential because most membranes are not designed to hold water between the membrane and the tiles.

Breaches in the waterproofing membrane

The prime causes:

• poor surface preparation.
• failure to prime the respective parts and surfaces before the application of the waterproofing membrane.
• poor subsurface / sub-tile drainage.
• saturation of tiling or topping screeds.

Why Choose Waterstop Solutions to Fix Defective Waterproofing?

Our industry-leading expertise, technical knowledge, and commitment to quality have made us the go-to company for defect managers and property professionals across Queensland and New South Wales. When you partner with us, you benefit from years of experience and a dedication to delivering superior results. Given the potential damage a water leak can cause a building, Waterstop Solutions takes remedial waterproofing seriously to ensure premium-quality results for your peace of mind.

Resolving the issue is not always straightforward. Sometimes, it may involve a destructive investigation to determine what remedial works are required to remedy the damages caused by water ingress.

Our remedial waterproofing technicians are trained and highly experienced in repairing leaks, thorough surface preparation, fall rectification, removal of the failed membrane and new installation of reputable and high-performing waterproofing membranes and protective coatings, joint sealing and joint refurbishment.

In addition, they are qualified and experienced in concrete crack repairs and are industry-leading specialists in high-pressure leak sealing injection.

• Certificate III in waterproofing
• Working in confined space certified
• Working at heights
• Waterstop Solutions is Cm3 prequalified for our OHS/WHS capabilities and practices.

Contact us today to experience our industry-leading expertise.

Find more information about Waterstop Solutions Licences, Certifications, and industry qualifications here.