Leaking balcony repairs in Sydney, without removing your tiles
A leaking balcony can damage the ceiling and walls underneath, or the unit below. We repair leaking balconies from the surface, so the tiles stay down and the job takes days instead of weeks. Our balcony waterproofing is carried out in line with AS 4654.2, and the sealing product we use carries a manufacturer's product warranty of up to 25 years, under the manufacturer's terms.
Signs your balcony is leaking
- Stains, bubbling paint or drips on the ceiling under the balcony
- Water coming inside at the door sill after rain
- Dark, crumbling or missing grout
- White crusty deposits on the tiles or on the underside of the balcony
- Rust stains around the base of balustrade posts
- Water sitting on the tiles long after rain
Why balconies leak
Balconies take sun, heat and wind-driven rain all year. Grout cracks, and the joints where the floor meets the walls, door sill and balustrade posts open up. Once water gets past the surface, it soaks into the bed under the tiles and works its way down. Many balconies only leak in heavy rain, when there's enough water to reach a weak spot. Read why balconies leak in heavy rain.
What we check at the inspection
The inspection is free. We check the grout, perimeter joints, door sill, balustrade fixings, drainage outlets and falls. We also look at where the water shows up below. That tells us whether water is coming through the tiled surface, or from something a surface repair can't fix.
Waterproofing over existing balcony tiles
Balcony waterproofing without removing tiles works when the tiles are sound and water is getting in through the joints. It avoids lifting the tiles, breaking up the screed and laying a new membrane, which is where most of the cost and mess of a rebuild comes from.
H3: How we repair a leaking balcony
- Cut out the old grout across the balcony.
- Cut out and replace the failed sealant at the walls, door sill and balustrade posts.
- Regrout the tiles.
- Apply a penetrating sealer to the new grout and joints.
- Check the drainage outlets are clear and leave you care instructions. The balcony is ready to use after 24 to 48 hours, as your technician advises.
H3: When a balcony needs more than a surface repair
If many tiles are loose or cracked, the balcony falls towards the house or the membrane has failed across a large area, a surface repair won't last. We'll explain the other options, including a trafficable membrane laid over the tiles.
Concrete balconies and tile repairs
We also waterproof untiled concrete balconies with a trafficable membrane, and replace a few cracked or loose tiles as part of a balcony repair. Read about trafficable membranes.
Standards
Our balcony waterproofing is carried out in line with AS 4654.2, the Australian Standard for waterproofing membranes in external above-ground areas.
Our balcony work is maintenance and non-invasive repair. We seal the existing surface rather than removing tiles or rebuilding the balcony, and the work is carried out in line with NSW Design and Building Practitioners requirements.
What's the best way to waterproof a balcony?
It depends on the balcony. Sound tiles with failed joints suit a regrout and seal. Worn or crazed tiles may suit a trafficable membrane over the top. A failed membrane under loose tiles may need a full strip-out. Compare the three options for a leaking balcony.
How much does balcony waterproofing cost?
The price depends on the size of the balcony, the condition of the tiles and joints, access and which repair it needs. A surface repair usually costs far less than a strip-out and new membrane. The inspection and written quote are free.
Before and after: balconies we've repaired
Balcony waterproofing questions
Can a leaking balcony be fixed without removing the tiles?
Often, yes, if the tiles are sound and water is getting through the joints. The inspection confirms it.
My balcony is leaking water into the house. Is that the same problem?
Usually it's the door sill or the joint next to it. We check both at the inspection.
Is balcony waterproofing covered by strata?
In many buildings the membrane is common property, but it depends on your strata plan and by-laws. See how we work with strata managers.
Can you work if it's been raining?
The surface has to be dry before we seal it, so we book around the weather.
Will my balcony look different afterwards?
It'll look cleaner. New grout is usually brighter, and the seal leaves a natural finish.
Book a free balcony inspection
Call or SMS 0412 000 893, seven days a week.