How to Tell if Your Balcony Is Leaking?

Why balcony is leaking? Leaking balcony is one of the most neglected but destructive problems for homes and apartments in Melbourne. What may seem like a small nearly unnoticeable issue can easily turn into structural destruction, growth of moulds and an expensive fix when left unattended. As the balconies are always exposed to the unpredictability of the Melbourne weather in terms of rain, wind, temperature change and UV exposure, it is particularly susceptible to water ingress.  

Call 0414 060 534 for a free phone consultation with our licensed Balcony Leak Repair team.

Here at Complete Construction Service we constantly perform an inspection and repair of balconies in Melbourne where there have been leaks that were not noticed in months and even years. Knowing how to detect the signs of a leaking balcony when it is very early will help you save thousands of dollars and avoid serious structural predicaments.  

We have outlined the specifics of how to know whether or not your balcony is leaking, why it happens, and when to act below.  

The reason why balances sheets leak so much in Melbourne

The climate of Melbourne is a significant cause of leaks on the balconies. Rain, sudden temperature variations and long durations of exposure to moisture cause continuous stress on waterproofing membranes, screeds, and surface coating. Materials, sealants and other small cracks can in the long run permit water to seep under the surface. 

The leak is not seen on the balcony on which it is projected in most cases and therefore even more urgent to be detected in the first place. 

The Red Flags to a Balcony Leak

Stains on the Ceiling or Walls below the Balcony, Water

Water that leaves stains on the ceiling or the walls of the room that is directly below one of the most evident indicators of the existence of a balcony leak. Such stains will be yellowish or brown and even darkish after some time.

If you notice:   

  • Bubbling paint  
  • Peeling plaster  
  • Damp patches after rainfall  

It is highly possible that water is getting through the balcony construction. This is one of the problems that we deal with when undertaking the balcony leaks repair in Melbourne projects at Complete Construction Service.  

Fractured or Slipping Tiles on the Balcony

Cracked tiles are not merely an aesthetic issue, but they can be used as a source of water leakage in most cases. Tiles shift or crack, and the moisture can move through the grout lines, and enter the layer of waterproofing below.  

Warning signs include:  

  • Tiles cracks going through hairlines.  
  • When tapped, hollow or loose tiles.  
  • Grout cracking or erosion  
  • As soon as water gets to the substrate, it may destroy the whole balcony system.  
  • Balcony Surface Poor Drainage or Pooling.  

The fall (slope) of the balconies must always be done correctly so that water can drain efficiently. When the pools are formed after it rains, the chances of waterproofing are at risk.  

Standing water can:  

  • Increase rate of membrane dissolution.  
  • Seep into micro-cracks  
  • Apply moisture pressure under tiles.  

Among the most frequent causes that we encounter during an inspection of the balcony is poor drainage.  

Mould or musty Smells Indoors 

 Should you detect a mouldy smell, mold or unexplainable dampness in rooms beneath or beside your balcony, it might be associated with undetected water intrusion.  

Moulds proliferate in wet places and tend to occur:  

  • Behind walls  
  • Under ceilings  
  • In windy corners by the balcony windows.  

The health problems and structural damage can also be caused by ignoring the mould.  

White Powdery Residue (Efflorescence)  

Efflorescence appears as a white chalky material on some concrete, a tile or grout. It takes place when water percolates masonry and leaves salt at the surface as it evaporates.  

Although this can be regarded as innocent, efflorescence is a clear manifestation that moisture is moving through your balcony structure.  

Rusting Metal or Balcony Fittings

Balustrades, fixings, or edge trims may be found in balconies, which are composed of metal. If you notice:  

  • Rust stains  
  • Corroded fixings  
  • Loose or weakened rails  

Water is probably seeping into places where it should not, and corrosion has started already.  

Removing Coat of Paint on Exterior Walls

Another early warning sign is to paint or render peeling underneath a balcony or along the side of a balcony. Finishes will peel off, blister, or peel off due to continuous exposure of moisture.  

This often signals: 
 

  • Failed waterproofing  
  • Water tracking on top surfaces of walls.  

What Are the Reasons That Causes Balcony Leaks?  

There are not many cases when balcony leaks occur due to only one reason. In most Melbourne properties, the reasons are:  

Waterproofing membranes that have failed or become old:

  • Wrong installation in construction.  
  • Racking screed or substrate movement.  
  • Inadequate drainage or fall  
  • UV degradation of sealants  
  • Ineffective workmanship of former repairs.  

At Complete Construction Service we ensure that we look at the root cause of the problem and not the visible damage.  

Why Early Detection Matters ?

Leaks in the balcony can be ignored and delayed which may result in:  

  • Structural concrete damage  
  • Timber rot  
  • Costly internal repairs  
  • Insurance complications  
  •  Safety risks  

Early intervention enables a balcony leak to be repaired specifically instead of being rebuilt and wastes less time, money, and stress.  

When is it Time to Call a Pro?  

It is better to ask an expert to check you up in case you observe any of the above signs. Home repairs tend to cover the issue and not solve the problem.  

An inspection of the balcony is normally conducted by a professional and includes:  

  • Moisture testing  
  • Morphological and structural evaluation.  
  • Drainage evaluation  
  • Waterproofing condition inspections.  
  • This will make repairs effective and long-lasting.  

The way Complete Construction Service can assist

Complete Construction Service is a reputed balcony leak repair service company in Melbourne that focuses on repairing the leaks in the balconies of the buildings; that is, we provide services that include the inspection and leak detection of the buildings to the full waterproofing and restoration of the building.  

Our approach is:  

  •  Comprehensive and diagnostic based.  
  •  In Conformity to Australian Standards.  
  •  Melbourne weather-wise designed.  
  • Concentrated on long-term stability.  

We do not believe in patch jobs – we do not repair leaks in the balconies in the first place.  

Final Thoughts

A dripping balcony does not remedy itself. The sooner you find the signs of trouble, the simpler and cheaper the procedure will become. It could be a stain that can be missed, or even broken tiles, or water that can make the building leak without any obvious cause, but acting now will save a considerable amount of structural damage.  

Call 0414 060 534 for a free phone consultation with our licensed professional team.