The decision on the appropriate balcony waterproofing system is among the most vital choices that the house owners and property managers can make, particularly in such a city as Melbourne, where the weather situation is unpredictable and, in many cases, severe. Be it heavy precipitation to instant changes in temperature and extensive exposure to the UV, balconies are under constant pressure, which can easily reveal the frailty of the not-so-good or old fashioned waterproofing.
Call 0414 060 534 for a free phone consultation with our licensed Balcony Leak Repair team.
At the Complete Construction Service, it is quite common to have balcony water leaks that are not due to surface damage, but a result of faulty or improperly chosen waterproofing systems. Being aware of what you can have done to your house in terms of waterproofing and which one is likely to withstand the longest in the climate of Melbourne can spare you the inconveniences of patch-ups and unjustified expenses.
This guide separates the most popular types of balcony waterproofing, their advantages and disadvantages, and what system works best in the conditions in Melbourne.
The reason why Balcony Waterproofing is so important in Melbourne
Balconies are completely open structures. In contrast to the internal wet areas, they work with:
- Continuous rain exposure
- Breaking down materials for UV radiation
- Thermal contraction and expansion
- Water stays because of improper drainage
- Change structure with the trip of time
The failure of waterproofing results in the water seeping under tiles or finishes and causing concrete cancer, internal leakages, mould and structural degradation. This is the reason why professional balcony waterproofing repair in Melbourne nearly always entails an improvement or replacement of the waterproofing system- not merely the repair of the surface.
Popular Balcony Waterproofing Solutions explained
Waterproofing Membranes
One of the most amazing/best way of balcony waterproofing in Melbourne is liquid applied membranes.
How does it work:
The prepared substrate is coated with a liquid membrane that hardens into a waterproof coating that is smooth and flexible.
Pros:
- Seamless (no joints)
- Very flexible and crack resistance
- Appropriate to complicated balcony designs
- Suited to tiled finishing
- Economical over sheet systems
Cons:
- Needs an accurate installation.
- Surface preparation is sensitive.
- Cure times must be respected
- Durability in Melbourne:
Liquid membranes are very efficient when properly installed in the climate of Melbourne. In Complete Construction Service, the choice is usually suggested in residential balconies because it is flexible and reliable over time.
Waterproofing Systems Sheet Membrane
Pre-made waterproof sheets are manufactured as membranes of sheets waterproofs and are fitted on the balcony floor.
How it works:
The substrate is covered and glued by superimposing sheets, whose overlaps are closed to avoid excessive water adoption.
Pros:
- Consistent thickness
- Good waterproofing resistance
- High resistance to water pressure
Cons:
- Painful at the joints unless fitted properly
- Less elastic than liquid membranes
- Increased cost of labour and materials
- Problematic with complicated balcony designs
Durability in Melbourne:
The sheet membranes are quite durable, and after some time, thermal movement of Melbourne can cause joint strain. The failure that we have frequently come across in the balcony leak repair projects relates to improper installation.
Cementitious Waterproofing
The cement based waterproofing systems are generally unbending and less elastic.
How it works:
An outer layer of cement is used to make a waterproof obstacle.
Pros:
- Good adhesion to concrete
- Affordable initial cost
- They are appropriate in some structural applications
Cons:
- Low flexibility
- Mobile and cracking at the joints.
- Unsuitable in open-air balconies.
Durability in Melbourne:
Cementitious systems have not been shown to be very effective in the long run on the exposed balconies in Melbourne. They are more applicable in the internal or sub-ground setup than the balcony waterproofing of outdoor locations.
Acrylic Waterproofing Coatings
Surface waterproofing is also occasionally done by using acrylic coatings.
Pros:
- UV resistant
- Quick drying
- Appealing appearances
Cons:
- A shallow depth of waterproofing
- Unsuitable as a main waterproofing coating
- In most cases; it is used as a stop-gap measure
Durability in Melbourne:
Acrylic finish cannot be moved to long-term waterproofing of balconies. In Complete Construction Service, we do not install them as the primary waterproofing system, just as a supplementary one.
What does Waterproofing last for the longest in Melbourne?
The solution that is most reliable and long-lasting is: based on many years of practical experience of repairing leaks on the balcony in Melbourne.
Liquid waterproofing membranes of high quality (installed by professionals).
Why?
- They adjust to movement due to change of temperature.
- They create a continuous shield in which there is no weak area
- They have wonderful work under the tiles
When properly installed they comply with Australian Standards
The longevity is not only about the product but also the preparation of the surface, the right fall, drainage and the curing period, all of which professional workmanship is vital.
- Factors which influence Waterproofing Life.
- A best waterproofing is prone to failure before time in case:
- There is improper drainage on the balcony.
- Screening is fractured or bumpy.
- Shortcuts of installation are taken.
- They use cheaper, non-compliant products.
- Protective factors against UV are inadequate.
This is the reason why waterproofing must never be taken as a one-layered process.
Professional installation is important because it ensures a safe and effective installation process of equipment. The importance of Professional Installation.
Amateur waterproofing or inept work typically results in:
- Overlooked presence of detailing on drains and edges
- Insufficient membrane thickness
- Poor curing conditions
- Failure to adhere to AS 3740 and AS 4654 standards
Every balcony waterproofing project at Complete Construction Service has been dealt with:
- Detailed inspections
- Proper preparations for the substrates.
- Compliance-driven installation
- Performance in long-term perspective
How Often should a Balcony be waterproofed?
New waterproofing may be necessary in case you observe:
- Recurring balcony leaks
- Cracked or lifting tiles
- Below the balcomy there are water stains
- Efflorescence or mould
- Patch repairs in the past had failed
- Waterproofing replacement in most instances is permanent and only full
Final Thoughts
Balcony waterproofing systems are not all designed equally, and the climate in Melbourne is merciless to those who make a poor decision. Although there are a few alternatives, the professionally applied liquid waterproofing membranes are always the most reliable in providing the greatest longevity of the Melbourne balconies.
When it comes to leaks, ageing waterproofing or even intending to make a repair, it is important to select the right system.
Complete Construction Service is a specialist in the long term balancing waterproofing of balconies and the repair of balcony leaks in Melbourne and is committed to the condition that your balcony is structurally sound, compliant, and waterproof of leaks over the years.
Call 0414 060 534 for a free phone consultation with our licensed Balcony Leak Repair team.
