05 Jul Common issues in Balcony
Balconies are common, even in Singapore – in both private homes and apartments. They may be utilized as an outdoor lounge, a barbecue area, or a potted plant range for the home or laundry room; all in all, balconies are an important part of any house.
One of the essential things to keep in mind while constructing a balcony is to get it waterproofed. The weather conditions continually affect the balcony, and improper or no waterproofing can lead to long-term problems such as seepage, dampness, and peeling paint.
As balconies are often exposed to the elements and can suffer from leaks and other water damage if they are not properly protected.
Issue 1: Massive Gaps
Leaks in your balcony will seep past the top surface of the balcony and the exposed edges of wooden or concrete frame structures. Spalling of concrete follows, causing the shell to peel and pop off a flake as a result of trapped moisture.
As a result, portions of your balcony might lose structure and eventually fracture, leaving massive gaps.
Issue 2: Tile Movement
Gaps on the balcony surface may develop as a result of temperature or construction changes. The forces causing an imbalance in the connections between the materials and the structural core lead to a weakening of those bonds.
A home contractor would usually anticipate that there will be shifts in the building’s structure inevitably, and therefore would/should create some buffer for such expansions.
Issue 3: Mould Growth
Mold and mildew are fungi that grow in moist environments. They often appear as black, green, or brown patches and can cause significant damage to the balcony.
Mold and mildew require moisture to grow, so if there is any water leakage on the balcony, it creates an ideal environment for them to thrive.
It could also be in touch with the electric circuits. This might result in short courses and, perhaps, electric fires that may cause extensive property damage.
Issue 4: Water Leakage Issues
This is a serious problem because it can cause extensive damage to the structure of the balcony. If not fixed, it could result in the collapse of the balcony.
Issue 5: Poor Drainage In Placed
This is another common problem with balconies. If the drainage is not proper, it can cause water to pool on the surface of the balcony.
All of these issues need to be addressed immediately to avoid any further damage to the balcony or any accidents.
What if your patio is located in an area where rainwater isn’t permitted to drain? In that situation, due to the quantity of standing water that may accumulate on your balcony’s tiles and enable a significant amount of water seepage, puddles and even ponding might be observed.
Signs of Balcony Water Leakage
- Loose tiles / tiles are popping
- Black spots seen across tiles
- Fragments of grout seen
- Yellow / brownish stains on tiles
- Wooden parts in your balcony start swelling
- Peeled paint
Common Reasons For Balcony Waterproofing Membrane Failure
The waterproofing membrane is the primary layer of defence.
Leakages are a tell tale sign that there can be an issue with the waterproofing membrane in the balcony.
The most common reasons for membrane balcony waterproofing failure are:
- Lacking proper waterproofing membrane application
- Materials used are low quality and grade
- Solution applied failed to seal joints or protrusions
If the waterproofing membrane fails, any repairs or surface sealing will not be enough. While these treatments might help with bandaging or provide a short-term lift from water intrusion, the grout will eventually fail as the building’s thermal expansion or movement occurs.
Waterproofing membranes, rather than ignoring them, should be replaced by professionals. If there are any drainage issues or design for falls problems, they should be addressed.
The Solution
Waterproofing: Ensure that your balcony is covered with an effective waterproofing solution.
Membrane repair: If the membrane is already in place, check for any damage and if repairing it is possible.
Surface sealing: If there are any cracks or gaps on the surface, seal them with a high-quality sealant.
Drainage: Make sure that your balcony has proper drainage to avoid water pooling.
If you are unsure about how to carry out any of these steps, it is best to consult with a professional waterproofing contractor in Singapore. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for your particular balcony.
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