Balconies sit over living areas, garages and apartments below, so a leaking balcony can damage much more than the balcony itself. Sydney's sun, storms and temperature swings put external membranes under constant stress — which is why balconies are one of the most common defects we see in both new and older buildings.
We waterproof and repair balconies for homeowners, builders and strata committees using membranes designed for external use and installed to AS 4654.2 – Waterproofing membranes for external above-ground use.
Signs you need balcony waterproofing
- Water stains or drips on the ceiling or soffit below
- Efflorescence (white salt deposits) on tiles or grout
- Cracked or drummy tiles and failed grout
- Water pooling instead of draining to outlets
- Rust stains from balustrade posts
- Damp carpet or swollen flooring inside the sliding door
Balcony waterproofing that handles Sydney weather
An external membrane must cope with UV exposure, thermal movement and standing water. Getting the falls, outlets and terminations right is as important as the membrane itself. Our balcony systems address each of these points.
Key details we get right
- Falls — the screed or slab is graded so water drains to outlets instead of ponding
- Outlets and overflows — puddle flanges and overflow provisions so a blocked drain does not flood the door
- Door sills and upturns — membrane turned up behind the door frame and under the sill
- Balustrade fixings — penetrations sealed and reinforced, or relocated to the fascia where possible
- Perimeter terminations — sealed under cladding, render or flashings
Tiled, exposed or trafficable membrane?
Balconies can be finished with tiles over a concealed membrane, with a trafficable coating that is itself the finished surface, or with pedestal-mounted pavers above the membrane. Each approach has benefits in cost, maintenance and appearance — we will recommend the most practical option for your building.
Strata and multi-unit balconies
For apartment buildings we can provide scope reports, staged works to reduce disruption to residents and documentation suitable for strata records. For Class 2 buildings we work with the design and building practitioners involved to meet NSW compliance requirements.
Our balcony waterproofing process
-
1
Inspection & leak testing
We assess tiles, falls, outlets and the ceiling below, and water-test to pinpoint the problem.
-
2
Removal & preparation
Tiles, bedding and the failed membrane are removed and the slab repaired and cleaned.
-
3
Falls & outlets
A bonded screed corrects falls and new puddle flanges are fitted to outlets and overflows.
-
4
Membrane system
Primer, reinforcement at junctions and a UV-stable external membrane applied to specification.
-
5
Flood test & finish
The balcony is flood tested before tiling or applying a trafficable top coat.
Why choose us for balcony waterproofing
External membranes suited to Sydney's UV and heat
Correct falls to prevent ponding
Door sill and balustrade detailing
Strata-friendly scheduling and reporting
Tiled, coated or paver finishes available
Workmanship warranty in writing
