A balcony is usually a space exposed to the outside elements with a horizontal walking surface. Typically, a balcony projects from the building and there is no enclosed living space below it. In times, a leaky balcony can spell trouble and can damage the interior living space. Balcony waterproofing products can help you achieve a waterproofed balcony seamlessly. Different balcony waterproofing products are available having different benefits for different balcony surfaces and require careful consideration to decide which solution best suits your need.
Butyl rubber
One of the most preferred membranes for waterproofing a balcony out of all balcony waterproofing products in the Butyl rubber waterproofing. It can be applied either directly under most surface finishes or under a screed. Most substrates that conform to a minimum specification that includes cement sheet, plywood and concrete, can have butyl rubber waterproofing applied to it.
In some cases, prior to the application of the butyl rubber waterproofing membrane, an epoxy primer is required to apply on it. To avoid any kind of moisture soaking in and/or efflorescence rising from the screed into the finished surface, the screed will require to be applied with another waterproofing membrane once dried when you are using butyl rubber waterproofing under a screed. This second membrane can either be another butyl rubber layer or any of the liquid membranes available in the market.
While applying the butyl rubber, another point to keep in mind is that you’ll need to apply it before the doors and window frames are installed and it also has to be well bonded to the very framework of the building before the wall installations are done.
Another thing to remember while working with butyl rubber balcony waterproofing product is the fact that they by their very nature are not easily bonding materials which makes it difficult for most tile adhesives to create an acceptable bond.
Seamless liquid
Tough the Liquid systems of balcony waterproofing is a little more difficult compared to the butyl rubber systems. The seamless liquids have an edge over butyl rubber waterproofing systems for their ability to be used during the later phases of construction which drastically reduces the chances of any damage. For the substrate to be able to accept the finishing product, it needs to be prepared and ready. In some cases, standard primers may need epoxy primers to be added to them. Liquid balcony waterproofing products, contrary to the butyl rubber waterproofing products, requires the door frames and wall claddings to be already installed before they are applied.
Liquid balcony waterproofing systems are also much more easily bondable and can accept a wider range of adhesives during its final finishes. Before the work starts, you need to have a discussion with an export to ensure the products used are compatible. To provide a more water-tight sealing there are also some liquid membrane balcony waterproofing products that ensure every system gets a trafficable finish. These systems are also quite budget friendly.
Sheet applied vinyl
Sheet applied vinyl is usually used on balconies with wooden frames. The most common material used amongst them are the reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheeting that are generally called vinyl are installed in the sections that has standard widths and has seams that can both be glued or heat-welded. PVC usually lasts for around ten to fifteen years, naturally depending on the general wear and tear, exposure to the natural elements and wetting.
Another popular and much stronger membrane commonly used in balconies and roof surfaces is the Styrene butadiene Styrene (SBS) bitumen. Pavers or decking can be used to protect the SBS membrane.
Liquid applied Urethane
To protect the reinforcing steel used in the concrete from corrosion or rusting caused by the penetrating of water through the cracks within the concrete, liquid applied urethane type of balcony water proofing product is installed on concrete or wood balconies that are built with a protective cover of asphalt urethane. They usually last for up to ten years and can last longer with proper maintenance.
These are s few types of balcony waterproofing products available in the market. It is always a good idea to consult with an expert before picking up the product that best suits your need. It will also ensure that everything is compatible to everything else.
