Balconies are one of the main aesthetic components that beautify a house. A leaking balcony is a tragedy for homeowners. It causes damage to the infrastructure and looks unsightly. The water seepage can lead to the growth of molds, compromising the safety and integrity of your house. Leaving this problem undressed leads to costly repairs.
So why not understand the root causes of this problem to avoid it? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the major causes, how to identify them, and the preventive measures to fix leaking balconies. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of how to prevent balcony leakage to maintain the loveliness of your outdoor space.
Root Causes of Leaking Balcony
It’s essential to know some common reasons why a balcony leaks. Understanding the root causes helps you to later identify the sources when your balcony leaks and how you can fix the leaking balcony. At Allspex Tiling, we provide expert services and assess your balcony to prevent further damage.
Poor Waterproofing
Weak Waterproofing methods are one of the major reasons for a Leaky Balcony. When the balcony surface isn’t sealed properly, water can penetrate deep inside the grout. The protective membrane should be sealed with water repellents to ensure waterproofing.
Cracks and Gaps in tiles
Cracks and gaps on the balcony surface can cause water seepage, which damages all the underlying elements of your balcony and contributes to structural damage. These cracks develop over time due to harsh weather conditions and years of wear. It can also be a result of tile expansion and structural movement, which happens due to temperature fluctuations. This expansion and contraction can tear the membrane, allowing the water to seep through.
Blocked drainage
An insufficient drainage system is, again, a significant cause of leakage. Due to a bad drainage system, water accumulates in a particular area and soaks through the surface, leading to leakage.
Poor construction
Signs of poor construction include:
- Waterproofing failure
- Improper slope
- Poor quality membrane
- Lack of planning
When you’re designing your balcony, make sure to trust skilled balcony leak repair services to ensure your house is built properly. Sometimes, the building of a balcony and the materials used for it can contribute to leakage. In this case, demolition of the existing balcony is usually recommended. Allspex Tiling is a leading balcony repair service that has years of experience fixing Leaking balconies.
Red Flags of a Leaky Balcony
There are many visual signs that should tell you of a potential leakage. When you notice these signs, it’s of utmost importance to get in touch with Balcony leak repair services as soon as possible.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a whitish, powdery deposit on the surface of the balcony. It happens due to the reaction of moisture and salts from the balcony concrete or brick. Water evaporates from the concrete, leaving a white patch on the surface. Persistent efflorescences are a major red flag. It means water is constantly seeping through your balcony.
Water stains on the ceiling and walls
If you have an indoor beneath your balcony, look for discolourations on your ceiling and walls. Discolourations happen due to water patches. It means water is getting through your balcony surface.
Rusting of balcony fixtures
Signs of corrosion also indicate a leakage. Rusting happens when air and moisture react with each other. If any metal or iron parts like screws start to rust on your balcony, that tells us moisture is present.
Bad smell
Is there a musty odour coming out whenever you’re spending time on your balcony? It’s likely due to the presence of mould. Molds are not only disgusting but also packed with bacteria and are harmful. Molds grow in a moist environment, and that means water is seeping through your balcony.
Paint peeling
If you notice your balcony paint is peeling away, that means water is penetrating through it. The water inside the surface can push up against the paint, which can lead to peeling.
Water pooling
Does your balcony accumulate water after a rain? You may think of it as a minor issue, but if left unchecked, it can cause significant damage in the future. When the balcony surface is uneven, water can pool up. Constant water accumulation is a major red flag that you cannot overlook.
How can you prevent it?
There are some important precautions that you can take to ensure your balcony doesn’t leak in the future. If your balcony still leaks even after applying these tips, fix the leaking balcony with Allspex Tiling.
Regular maintenance & Inspection
Check your balcony and its surrounding areas for signs of leakage. Ensure water is draining properly. Check for signs of wear and tear. Heavy foot traffic can cause tiles to wear out, which leads to water seepage.
Install balcony covers
Install water-resistant balcony and roof covers during harsh weather conditions like heavy rain.
Clean your balcony
Regularly clean your balcony and its drainage system to ensure it isn’t clogged.
Repair damaged components
If you come upon cracks on tiles or loose tiles, get them replaced immediately. Ensure your balcony membrane is waterproof.
Seek professional assessments
If you still feel unsure about whether your balcony is leaking or not, consult with professional balcony leak repair services.
Final thoughts
A beautiful balcony increases the integrity and value of your house. It adds a certain ambience to your outdoor space. Routine maintenance is necessary to keep its original value. By identifying the leaking sources and applying advanced repairing techniques, you can enjoy a clean and dry balcony for years. If you notice any signs of damage, seek professional balcony leak repair services to avoid further deterioration. At Allspex Tiling, expert tilers fix leaking balconies to maintain their beauty.
