One of the most common water damage problems in commercial and residential buildings come from Balconies. The following information is designed for practical advice in three situations:

balcony waterproofing membrane balcony waterproofing membrane tiles  balcony waterproofing repairs

NEW CONSTRUCTION

1

Building code compliance refers to the National Construction Code (NCC) objectives with either Deemed-to-Satisfy Solutions (Australian Standard AS4654.2) or a Performance Solution authorized by the Registered Building Surveyor (under State legislation).

The condition of the substrate is critical for successful waterproofing applications. The two most common construction types are slab construction and wooden frame construction. Most waterproofing systems are designed to be installed beneath tiles or a final decorative surface, making precise detailing essential. It is crucial to ensure that all waterproofing products are fully cured and inspected for compliance before other trades begin work on the surface. The primary causes of balcony waterproofing failure are the use of unsuitable materials and rushing the process.

Key Products:

Reference information:

BALCONY INSTRUCTIONS – Waterproofing Under Tiles
Waterproofing Balconies.pdf.
MAPEI-B07—mapei-system-for-waterproofing-exposed-rooftop-01_2021
MAPEI- B08—mapei-system-for-installation-of-pedestal-tiling-booklet-01-2021

Diagrams care of MBA NSW

REMEDIAL – REPAIR GLAZED TILES

2

Remedial waterproofing for balconies aims to meet the objectives of the NCC but involves shared risks between the property owner and the contractor. Often, it is difficult to guarantee the condition of the substrate or pinpoint the exact cause of the waterproofing failure. There are two primary approaches to address this issue:

1.  Remove the tiles and screed to address weaknesses in the base structure before restarting the waterproofing process.
2.   Conduct a risk assessment to determine if the structure is sound, then use the existing tiles as part of the substrate and apply waterproofing over them.

For all balcony repair projects, it is crucial to focus on securing wall/floor joints, drains, balustrades, water exit points, hobs, sheet joints, and movement joints.

Key Products:

Reference information:

BALCONY INSTRUCTIONS – Remedial Waterproofing Over Tiles 
MAPEI -C07—system-for-the-installation-of-ceramic-and-stone-tiles-on-balconies

Waterproofing Balconies.pdf
Repairing a Residential Leaking Balcony.pdf

REPAIR CONCRETE

3 Concrete slabs and pavers often face issues due to building movement. Any damaged or severely broken concrete must be repaired before waterproofing. While a transparent treatment can preserve the original appearance of the concrete, a more durable waterproofing solution can be achieved by using a membrane system reinforced with a trafficable material.

Key Products:

Reference information:

MAPEI -B02—fast-track-repair-and-protection-of-steel-reinforced-concrete-booklet-2021

Waterproofing Balconies.pdf

Youtube video – Bond Breaker System- Class II Membranes

Resources

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