In many properties, whether new or old, external tiled floor surfaces of balconies and terraces are usually the main source of moisture penetration. This causes leaks and property damage to areas below such as internal living spaces, basements or underground carparks. The cause of this water penetration is usually a lack of or failure of a waterproof membrane (WPM).

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When there is a lack of or failure of a WPM between a tiled surface and concrete slab substrate, water is able to penetrate through the tiles and / or grout, come into direct contact with the concrete substrate, penetrate through the concrete to the structural steel and start the concrete cancer process.

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What About the Fall?

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​If a balcony or terrace lacks sufficient fall, which would normally allow for water run-off, any excess water will pond on the floor surface and stay there for extended periods of time. This resting water increases the likelihood of it penetrating the floor surface and accessing the substrate below which can lead to concrete cancer. 

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Long-term Solutions 

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The first step to treating terrace or balcony leaks is to be able to understand the building you are dealing with, which can only be done by reviewing any drawings available.

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The second step is to conduct a destructive inspection to determine;

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• the type and condition of the substrate

• the thickness of the substrate

• the condition / presence and type of any existing WPM

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These factors are important in determining the type of new WPM required and the value of the works.

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The only way to address the cause of the issues and provide a long-term solution, is to replace the existing WPM with a new, durable and flexible WPM system. This involves:

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• Removing floor and skirting tiles, and existing WPM to entire area.

• Preparing existing structural concrete substrate.

• Supplying / installing new screed substrate.

• Applying new waterproof membrane over new screed substrate – lapping down into drains and lapping up at wall junctions.

• Installing new floor tiles and skirting tiles to terrace area. 

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Maybe I'll Just Seal Over the Tiles...

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Sealants simply applied to the surface of the tiled floor do not provide a mid-long term solution. These coatings are non-flexible and crack following movement in the tiled or concrete substrate due to the natural, daily and seasonal process of thermal expansion and contraction. 

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Can I Just Repair the Area That's Leaking?

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The method of removing the tiles and surface finishes directly above the damaged area, repairing the substrate, and then replacing the WPM in the localised area does not provide a long term solution and certainly will not provide the owners with 10 or 20 year warranties for the work. There is also no way of knowing whether water will continue to leak through tiles in other areas and penetrate through these untreated areas allowing structural damage to develop. Eventually owners are reconciled to having to install a new WPM down the track once substantial damage has had time to build up.