What's the best way to waterproof a balcony?
There are three main ways to fix a leaking balcony. They differ a lot in cost, disruption and what they fix, so it pays to know which suits yours before you get quotes.
| Regrout and seal | Trafficable membrane | Strip-out and new membrane | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiles | Kept and visible | Kept but covered | Removed and retiled |
| Disruption | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Suits | Sound tiles with failed joints | Worn surface on a sound base | Loose tiles, wrong falls or a failed bed |
Option 1: Regrout and seal
The old grout comes out and is replaced, the perimeter and door joints are resealed and a penetrating sealer goes on the grout. The tiles stay. It's the least invasive option and suits balconies where the tiles are sound.
Option 2: Trafficable membrane over the tiles
A membrane you can walk on goes over the prepared tiles and makes one continuous waterproof surface without demolition. It changes the look of the balcony, which may need approval in a strata building.
Option 3: Strip-out and new membrane
The tiles and bedding come up, falls and drainage are corrected, a new membrane goes down and the balcony is retiled. It's the right choice when the tiles are loose or the falls are wrong. It also costs the most.
How to decide
Tap the tiles. Widespread hollow sounds point to option 3. After rain, look for water ponding towards the house, which a surface repair can't fix. If the tiles are sound and the problem is the joints, option 1 is the sensible place to start. We carry out options 1 and 2, and we'll tell you if your balcony needs option 3.
Every property is different. This guide is general information, not a diagnosis of your leak. Book a free inspection for advice on yours.
Leaking shower or balcony?
We'll inspect it and quote for free, anywhere in Sydney. If the tiles are sound, we can usually stop the leak without lifting them. The sealing product we use carries a manufacturer's product warranty of up to 25 years, under the manufacturer's terms.