Leaking balconies can cause major issues to a building. If left undetected, water leaks can cause irreparable damage to the balcony structure, load-bearing external walls, and even internal structures. If you think that your balcony may be leaking and you need fast, mess-free, and affordable leaking balcony repairs, Perth’s My Shower is here to help. Let’s take a look at the most common causes of balcony leaks, and the best way to perform repairs.
There Are Many Reasons That a Balcony May Start to Leak
Most balconies will leak at some stage during their lifespan. Whether it’s due to having insufficient fall to the substrate, or inadequate waterproofing membrane, here’s a few of the most common reasons why balconies may leak:
Inadequate waterproofing membrane – Balconies are continually exposed to the elements, so it’s vital that they are waterproofed correctly when first constructed. A waterproof membrane is installed on or below the surface to stop water from seeping through the structure. Generally, membranes are made from rubber, bitumen, and polymers but whichever is used, it must be applied or installed correctly because if it has any holes, tears, folds or other defects, leaks can easily occur.
Inadequate grouting – Balcony membranes are the second line of defence when it comes to waterproofing. It is also essential that tiles are properly installed and grouted to provide a strong barrier against water. If your tile grout has degraded, water can penetrate through and pool underneath the tiles, and once it builds up can cause damaging leaks. For professional grout repairs, Perth homes and business can rely on My Shower. Get a quote today.
Cracked tiles – Cracks in the tiled surface are very common causes of leaks. Damaged tiles will easily allow water to pass through and this can eventually damage the structure below. Broken tiles should be replaced promptly and then the whole surface should be sealed.
Building movement – Even the most well-constructed buildings will suffer expansions and contractions due to heat, cold, humidity, and a number of other natural factors. Over time as a building moves, structural breaks can occur. These movements could cause the membrane to tear or warp.
Porous surfaces – Balconies with a porous concrete surface, or porous tiles often suffer water issues. Porous surfaces allow water to penetrate through, so it’s vital that any of these materials are appropriately sealed or else it will lead to issues with water leaks.
There’s several other cause of leaks including a lack of maintenance, and drainage, or a general lack of pre-construction planning. Regardless of the reason, it is crucial to have any balcony leak fixed as soon as possible to ensure the structure of the building is not compromised.
Repair Your Balcony Without Removing the Tiles
Many leak repair companies only offer a service that involves removing balcony tiles to rectify the issue. Here, the leak will be assessed, fixed, and re-waterproofed before the whole balcony must be re-tiled. This process can be extremely expensive, messy, and can take weeks to complete. Fortunately, there is an alternative! My Shower offers simple yet high-quality leaking balcony repairs without removing any tiles. Your balcony will be left looking brand-new, and you can have the confidence that you will not encounter any more issues with water leaks. If your balcony surface is porous we can apply a premium exterior penetrating sealer leaving the balcony not only leak free but also rejuvenated making it easier to clean and maintain.
Do You Have Issues with Your Balcony or Leaking Showers? Perth Can Rely on Us
Building movement, porous surfaces, or damaged tiles can create the ideal situation for leaks to occur. Most of the time old balconies just need a re-seal to stop any leaks and make restore to their original condition. Our specialised balcony leaks detection service will diagnose problem areas accurately and quickly and provide a cost effective solution to repair the issue. Call us today on 1300 055 088 or contact us online.