As the weather begins to cool down in Perth, it’s a good time to start preparing for the rainy season. That might sound a bit dramatic — we’re not expecting any monsoons — but poorly waterproofed area can lead to significant, costly damage in your property.
Whilst wet-areas, like bathrooms, are the obvious place to think of when we mention waterproofing, in winter, we want to consider balconies. This is especially true when it comes to older properties that have seen a bit of wear-and-tear. When it rains, improperly waterproofed areas can lead to expensive water penetration and leak issues such as flooding, concrete cancer, and rising damp.
What to look for
A water-damaged balcony usually occurs when the balcony hasn’t been properly waterproofed in the first place, or when the building is old and simply worn down. In either case, here’s what to look for:
· Loose or cracked tiles.
· Splitting, cracked, or peeling paint.
· Discoloured or stained tiles and grout.
· Mould.
· A hollow sound underfoot.
· Water pooling.
Can I DIY?
Although there are DIY waterproofing products on the market, we strongly advise against tackling such a foundational job alone. If waterproofing or protective coatings are incorrectly applied, you’ll end up having to redo it later, which will burn a hole in your pocket, fast. A part of waterproofing your balcony also involves restoring old, damaged, or worn grout and tiles to make it look good as new. If you’re inexperienced in restorations, the end result may not look much better than when you started… It’s always best to engage a professional to ensure the job is done correctly the first time — it’ll be much faster, and save you money in the long run.
Don’t wait
If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms of a water-damaged balcony, don’t delay. The longer you wait to repair leaks and other water penetration, the more complex (and expensive) the job will be. As experts in structural remediation, Conspar are well-equipped to waterproof or rewaterproof a range of areas efficiently and effectively. Take a look at some of our case studies, or get in touch for a free quote.