Which Points Plumber Should Keep in Mind While Doing Balcony Waterproofing?
Rona Regan
Which Points Plumber Should Keep in Mind While Doing Balcony Waterproofing?
When you move to a new home, you ensure that every care is taken to maintain it well. However, in spite of taking good care of your home, with time you will notice problems sprouting up. Water leakage in the balcony is one such issue that you will come across in your home. In most new constructions, proper balcony waterproofing is not done as constructors try to cut corners and save on money. However, with time the problem of water leakage causes a lot of inconvenience to home owners. The balcony is one of the most exposed areas of your house and the elements such as the sun, wind, rain, and snow first attack your balcony. Therefore, waterproofing is extremely important for these areas because if not done it could result in serious damage to your house. Mentioned below are top tips for balcony waterproofing
Patching the Area for Balcony Waterproofing
Only adding a waterproofing coat over the balcony is not enough, because it will not work as a patching compound. A simple waterproofing coat might not be strong and thick enough to keep the water away from settling in the cracked and chipped areas. So, one of the first things you need to do is to patch up the concrete. One of the simplest ways to do this is by getting the patching compound from a hardware store and use it directly as there is no need to mix new concrete for a small balcony. However, before the patching takes place, the cracked and chipped areas of the balcony need to be completely cleaned. Once the patching is done it needs sufficient time to dry out before the actual waterproofing process can begin.
Direct Water Away
After applying the patch, it is time to apply the waterproof coating, and when doing this avoid swirling motions. This can create small trenches on the treated area and water can easily be stored in the puddle further resulting in more leakages. However, make sure to use long strokes with your roller or brush and direct it away from the building. Take it to the edge of your balcony where you feel it is safe for the water to run off. Since you want the end of your balcony to slightly tip, grade the waterproofing coating downwards with a bit of extra pressure to the brush or roller you use for the process.
Seal the Concrete As Per The Need
In time, the balcony waterproofing membrane will also need sealing. However, you need to make sure that the right type of sealant is used for this purpose, and to identify the right sealant read the manufacturer's instructions. In the instructions, you will also come across how often you will need to apply the sealant. In order to be effective you need to consider foot traffic and other weights on your balcony and then decide the consistency of sealing needed for it. This process will help you protect the waterproofing coating and enjoy its benefits for a long time.
Taking Professional Help
Although balcony waterproofing sounds like a very easy job, there are still a lot of other important things that come under it. You need to have the right skills, tools, and time to carry out this task. If you are lacking the needed skills and tools, then it is best to get help from professionals. The professionals will make sure they provide efficient solutions so that water can be prevented from entering in the grout and extensive damage to your balcony can be avoided.
Explore the services of the various professionals who can help you and choose the best within your budget to enjoy the balcony of your home to the full!
Guest Contributor, Amelie Lawrence