Balcony Waterproofing: Types, Materials, Membranes, Methods, Guide and Protections

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Balcony waterproofing is applying a water-impervious membrane on the balcony to prevent water from leaking into the building slab, walls, and structure. You should waterproof all types of balconies and all sizes of balconies that are made of concrete, wood, metal, plastic and composite materials.

If you do not waterproof the balcony, you can observe water leaking, mold and mildew growth, metal rusting, paint peeling and cracking, damage to adjoining structures, wood rotting, concrete spalling, and balcony tile damage. In order to prevent these damages, you should waterproof the balcony floor, walls, doors and windows properly.

The balcony floor should be waterproof using a sheet membrane or liquid membrane. You can use waterproof sealant, coating, liquid, and sheet membrane to protect the balcony walls. You can use weather stripping, door sweeps, window flashing, and rail sealing for waterproofing the balcony doors and windows.

You should waterproof balconies that are made of tiles, wood, concrete, and composite materials. Because these materials are not waterproof and they can cause water damage due to pores in the materials. You can use a liquid waterproof membrane, sheet waterproof membrane, rubber membrane, epoxy coating, and sealants to protect these materials from water.

A balcony can be water-protected from the waterproof flooring. Waterproof florings are designed to prevent water infiltration, leakage, or seepage into the balcony deck. Waterproof flooring act as a water barrier, prevents water seepage, easy to create slopes, and seal the surface for water absorption.

You can protect the balcony from water by using the balcony waterproof essentials. The most popular waterproof balcony essentials are waterproof balcony curtains, storage, furniture, rugs, mats and carpets. These tend to reduce the water damage of the balcony.

A waterproof layer on the balcony can be damaged due to physical impacts, incorrect installation, wear and tear membranes, poor waterproof installation, exposure to UV rays, exposure to harsh chemicals, and incorrect repairs. You can protect a waterproof balcony by applying the weatherproof coating, doing regular maintenance, applying UV resistance, preventing harsh chemicals, choosing the right chemicals, applying balcony flooring and building balcony drainage.

You can waterproof a balcony by considering all the above tasks and following the below step-by-step process. You can tile over the waterproof floor. You should always have an expert guide before waterproofing your balcony.

What is Balcony Waterproofing?

Balcony waterproofing is applying a water-impervious membrane on the balcony to prevent water from leaking into the building slab, walls, and structure. A waterproof balcony can prevent water damage such as structural deterioration, mold growth, and interior water stains, which can all compromise the integrity and safety of the building.

Balconies are mainly 5 types, such as cantilever balconies, stacked balconies, false balconies, stacked balconies, and hung balconies. Among these, cantilever balconies are most susceptible to water damage due to their design, which extends out from the face of the building without any additional support from beneath.

What are the Balcony Water Damages?

Balcony water damages are caused to the leak of water through the balcony deck. The most common 8 balcony water damages are water leaking, mold and mildew growth, metal rusting, paint peeling and cracking, damage to adjoining structures, wood rotting, concrete spalling, and balcony tile damage.

Water typically leaks into the balcony through areas where the balcony surface meets the exterior wall, around railings, doors, and windows, and through cracks or damage in the concrete or tile surface of the balcony itself. If the balcony is not properly sloped to allow for adequate drainage, water can pool and seep into the structure.

In order to prevent water damage on the balcony deck, you should waterproof the balcony and repair and maintain the balcony deck regularly.

What Balcony Parts You Should Waterproof?

You should waterproof the main balcony parts, such as the balcony deck/floor, walls, doors, and windows in order to prevent water from leaking into the structure. Among them, you should waterproof the balcony floor. It is the most water-affected balcony area. Hence, you should apply a liquid or sheet waterproofing membrane on the balcony deck. Balcony walls should be sealed by the waterproof coating, and doors and windows should be sealed properly to protect them from water leaking through non sealed leaking.

Balcony Floor Waterproofing (Deck Waterproofing)

Balcony floor waterproofing is a process that involves applying a waterproof membrane or coating to the surface of the balcony floor. This is done to prevent water from penetrating the floor and causing damage to the underlying structure.

You should waterproof all types and sizes of exterior balconies, from small apartment balconies to large outdoor decks. Balconies are made of concrete, wood, tile, and metal. All of these materials can be damaged by water if not properly waterproof.

You can use liquid waterproofing, sheet waterproofing, and waterproof tiles for balcony waterproofing. You can use waterproof coating such as epoxy on the old balcony deck to prevent water leaking. You should use proper waterproofing methods and techniques to waterproof the new balcony during construction.

Balcony Wall Waterproofing

Balcony wall waterproofing is a process of installing a waterproofing layer on the balcony exterior walls to protect the walls from moisture intrusion. You can use waterproof sealant, coating, liquid, and sheet membrane to protect the balcony walls. Balcony drainage is another successful way to control the balcony deck water flashing to the walls.

You should waterproof all types of exterior balcony walls that are made of concrete, wood, bricks, and composite materials. These wall materials tend to seep the water and cause to warping, paint peeling, staining, mold, and mildew to grow on the walls. Therefore you should apply liquid waterproofing on the concrete balcony and sheet membrane or sealant for the wood and composite balcony walls.

Balcony Door and Window Waterproofing

You should waterproof both balcony doors and windows. Balcony doors and windows can leak water into the room due to their non-sealed connections and joints. You can follow the steps below to waterproof the balcony door and windows.

1. Install weather stripping around the edges of balcony doors and windows to create a tight seal. It helps prevent water and air infiltration.
2. Install door sweeps at the bottom of the exterior balcony doors to prevent water from seeping underneath.
3. Installed window flashing for the balcony windows. It helps direct water away from vulnerable areas.
4. Properly seal the balcony railings. It prevents water from getting into the structure.

What Balcony Materials You Should Waterproof?

You should waterproof tile balconies, concrete balconies, wood balconies, and composite balconies to prevent water from leaking into the building structure. These balcony materials have pores. Hence water can seep into the material over time when these are open to the water. But you should now waterproof PVC and metal balconies. You have to apply the waterproof coating or sealant on these balconies in order to prevent the rusting of the metal and slippering on the PVC balcony decks.

Tile Balcony Waterproofing

A Tiled balcony should be waterproof to prevent the water from leaking to the substrate. You should waterproof the balcony before tiling. Because tiles are not waterproof, they are a water-resistant material. Tile grouts can crack due to temperature fluctuation. Hence, balcony water can seep through the grout line cracks over time.

In order to prevent this, you can use a sheet membrane or a liquid membrane to waterproof the exterior balcony tiles. If your balcony is already tiled and has water damage, you should waterproof the balcony above the tiles. You can use waterproof coating, sealant or epoxy for the above tile waterproofing in the balcony.

Wood Balcony Waterproofing

Wood balconies should be waterproof to prevent water leaking from the balcony and protect the balcony wood materials from the water. Balcony wood can rot, warp, deteriorate and paint peeling when they are getting wet. In order to prevent this, you should waterproof the wood balcony using a sheet membrane waterproofing.

Concrete Balcony Waterproofing

Concrete balcony waterproofing is a process that protects your balcony from water infiltration, which can lead to serious water damage over time. You should waterproof exterior balconies to seal off the pores in the concrete, prevent UV ray damage, and withstand extreme weather conditions.

When the water can seep into the concrete, porous surface, causing it to expand and contract due to temperature changes. Seeped water can increase the dampness of the concrete balcony deck, and it causes mold and mildew growth and stains beneath the deck. Due to the water damage exterior balcony will be slippery and unsafe.

Composite Balcony Waterproofing

Composite balconies should be waterproof in order to prevent mold and mildew growth on the outdoor balcony deck. Composite balconies are made of wood-plastic composites (WPC). When the WPC is getting wet it can tend to mold and mildew growth. This can make the slippery and unsafe deck surface. Therefore you should apply waterproof coating or sealant on the composte balcony floor in order to prevent water damage and UV ray damage.

What Waterproof Membranes Can be Used for Balcony Waterproofing?

Balcony waterproofing membranes are water-impervious layers that can be used to prevent water leaking from the balcony deck, walls, door and windows. Waterproofing membranes for the balcony can be varied with the balcony size, type and materials. You can use both sheet waterproofing membranes and liquid waterproofing membranes for outdoor balcony waterproofing.

What are the Waterproof Balcony Floorings?

Waterproof balcony flooring is a type of flooring designed to prevent water infiltration, leakage, or seepage into the balcony deck. Waterproof balcony floorings are made from water-resistant materials that can be used in outdoor spaces such as balconies, patios, and decks. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow, and are also easy to clean and maintain.

4 importance of waterproof floorings.

1. Act waterproof flooring as a barrier against water
2. Waterproof flooring prevents water from seeping through the floor
3. Waterproof flooring helps to create a slight slope to facilitate water drainage
4. Waterproof floorings have a sealed surface that prevents water absorption

The most popular 8 waterproof balcony floorings are

1. Rubber balcony flooring
2. Vinyl balcony flooring
3. Epoxy Coating
4. Wooden Deck Tiles
5. Artificial Grass
6. Composite Decking
7. Ceramic Tiles
8. Porcelain Tiles

What are the Balcony Waterproof Essentials?

Waterproofing balcony essentials are a set of items or tools necessary to ensure that your balcony remains safe, durable, and unaffected by water or moisture. These essentials are important to maintain the balcony's aesthetics, function, and longevity. You should have below waterproof balcony essential to protect furniture and items from the water.

1. Waterproof balcony curtain: Waterproof balcony curtains are made from water-resistant materials. They provide privacy, protect against sun damage, and prevent water from entering the balcony.
2. Waterproof balcony storage: This is a storage solution designed to keep items dry and safe from water damage. It is ideal for storing cushions, tools, and other outdoor items.
3. Waterproof balcony covers - A waterproof balcony cover is a protective cover that is placed over the balcony furniture or other items to protect them from rain, snow, and other outdoor elements.
4. Waterproof balcony furniture: This type of furniture is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, including rain and snow. It is made from materials that do not absorb water, such as metal, plastic, or specially treated wood.
5. Waterproof balcony rugs: Waterproof balcony rugs are made from synthetic materials like polypropylene that don't absorb water. Hence this can prevent slippering due to water in the balcony.
6. Waterproof balcony mats: Waterproof balcony mats are designed to protect the floor from water damage and provide a non-slip surface for safety.
7. Waterproof balcony carpet: Waterproof balcony carpets are made from materials that are resistant to water, mold, and mildew and slippering. It provides a warm, comfortable surface and can add a cozy feel to your balcony space.

How to Damage a Waterproof Layer on the Balcony?

The waterproofing layer on the balcony can be damaged due to physical impacts, incorrect installation, wear and tear membranes, poor waterproof installation, exposure to UV rays, exposure to harsh chemicals, and incorrect repairs.

The most common waterproof damages in the balconies are cracks, punctures, wearing, tearing, and peeling. These damages cause water penetration beneath the balcony deck and grow mold and mildew, form stain marks, rot the balcony materials, produce bad odors, and deteriorate the structure over time.

The negative impacts of the waterproof layer damaging the balcony are increasing cost of maintenance and repairs, decreased lifespan, increased health risk, decreased aesthetic appeal, and reduced property values.

How to Protect Balcony Waterproofing Layer?

You can protect the balcony waterproofing layer by following the below 8 methods.

1. Apply weatherproof coating on the balcony walls and floor
2. Do regular balcony maintenance
3. Apply UV-resistant coating on the balcony deck and walls
4. Prevent using harsh chemicals for balcony cleaning
5. Choose the right waterproofing products for your balcony: Choose a balcony waterproofing product. These products are specifically designed to provide a waterproof barrier and protect the waterproofing layer on the balcony.
6. Apply a balcony floor coating: Balcony floor coating not only enhances the appearance of your balcony but also provides an extra layer of protection against water and other elements.
7. Build a balcony drainage: If your balcony is highly water impact you should build a drainage to remove the excess water on the deck.

How to Waterproof a Balcony?

You can waterproof the balcony floor by using the below step by step guide. Balcony waterproofing requires expert knowledge, tools, materials and instructions. Therefore you should know how to waterproof a balcony? Properly step by step with recommended tools, materials and instructions. But this quick step guide help you to understand the process of balcony waterproofing.

Waterproofing a balcony in 7 steps

1. Clean the balcony floor
2. Repair damages on the balcony floor
3. Seal the balcony floor joints and edges
4. Apply primers on the balcony floor
5. Apply waterproof membranes on the balcony floor
6. Let the balcony waterproofing dry
7. Check for balcony waterproofing leaking

Can I Tile over the Waterproof Balcony?

You can tile over the waterproof balcony. Before you tile the balcony floor, you should waterproof the balcony floor because water can leak through the grout lines due to tiles are not waterproof materials. Hence water can leak through the balcony floor and damage the beneath structure.

Should You Waterproof Patios?

Yes, you should waterproof patios. Waterproofing patios is generally advisable because it helps protect the material from water damage, prevents mold and mildew growth, and extends the life of the patio. This is especially important for porous materials like concrete and natural stone, which can crack and erode over time due to water infiltration.

What is Aqviz's Thought About Balcony Waterproofing?

Balcony waterproofing is a combined process of balcony floor waterproofing, wall, door, and window waterproofing. You should waterproof all types of exterior balconies that are made of concrete, wood, metal, plastic, and composite materials. You can use liquid and sheet waterproofing for the concrete balcony waterproofing and sheet waterproofing for wood, metal, and composite materials.

You should apply a waterproof coating or sealant on the PVC balconies to prevent mold and mildew that cause it to become slippery. When you waterproof the balcony, you should know how to waterproof the balcony properly. The Aqviz team is always here to help you.