The balcony is leaking from above: what to do?

The canopy is the most unprotected part of the balcony. Rain and snow fall on it, and moisture seeps into all the small cracks. Mold appears in the cracks, the wind blows into them, the reinforcement is damaged by corrosion, and the holes gradually become larger. After a while, wet spots appear on the ceiling, with each heavy rain they become more and more, and this is a signal that repairs need to be done.

Why does a balcony roof leak and what to do?

If there is a leak from above, then your beloved balcony needs to be saved! First of all, you need to figure out what the causes of the leak are:

In poor quality sealing
In low-quality materials
In the incorrect design of ebb tides or in their absence
An error occurred when installing a balcony slab

Having identified the reasons, we move on to action. The first and second problems are solved radically: remove the old, install the new! The construction market offers a variety of sealants, roofing and other materials necessary in our case, we will talk about this in more detail below.

Improper sealing can cause the balcony roof to leak.

The third problem, accordingly, is solved by adjusting the tides or replacing them.

The last problem seems to be the most difficult of the list, since it lies at the origins of your balcony. But mistakes in installing a balcony slab can be corrected with your own hands by simply leveling the floor on the balcony, preventing the slab from tilting back.

How to deal with leaky windows?

All that is required from the owner is to eliminate the cause of water accumulation:

If the problem is a worn seal, it is replaced with a new one. A high-quality polymer layer should not move away from the glass unit; it feels elastic, elastic, and tight to the touch. If, when pressed, the rubber does not restore its shape, bends, or crumbles, it is unusable.
When plastic windows leak due to a lack of foam, more work remains. It is necessary to remove the slopes and re-foam all the seams. To do this, choose a special sealant designed for sealing joints and outdoor use. Plaster is placed on top of the mounting foam - it should not “peek out” due to sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. And only then the opening is lined with slopes.
Most of the work remains if the windows leak due to installation errors or defects in the design itself. In this case, the frame must be reinstalled. It is not recommended to carry out the installation yourself: it is better to entrust the work to professionals once and forever forget what happens when plastic windows leak.

Can a visor save you from a leak?

The balcony can leak and fill with water if there is no roof on it. That is why, first of all, you should take care of installing the canopy on strong wooden frames so that it is strong and stable. After the installation of the canopy is completed, you can safely proceed to glazing the balcony and thus it is completely isolated from the influence of the external environment. As a rule, visors are made of ondulin, metal tiles and steel.

Installing a high-quality canopy on the balcony will save it from leaking

There are two types of canopies for the roof of the balcony.

A dependent frame that needs to be mounted on a supporting structure, which costs quite a lot, and it’s unlikely to be done manually, since you need special equipment and the skills of a master for such work.
An independent roof is mounted on the wall. It is considered a cheaper option, and there is also a huge selection of designs and finishes.

Roof repair on the top floor

On upper floors, the roof can be supported on consoles or on consoles and posts.

The cantilever roof is an independent structure, its frame is fixed only to the wall, not attached to the balcony, it is easier to install, and its repair will cost less.

It has low thermal insulation and transmits heat well. Insulation measures are carried out using lightweight materials. For information about balcony roof installation errors that lead to leaks, watch this video:

The cantilever-rack roof is attached to the balcony frame and forms an integral structure with it, retains heat better, and can withstand significant loads. To seal such a roof, you can use any materials.

If the roof of the house is made with a slope, then the roof of the balcony is also made with a slope.

If your balcony is leaking, you can do the work to fix the leak yourself. Sometimes minimal costs are enough to eliminate water leaks on the ceiling or balcony wall. To avoid situations with unexpected leaks on the balcony, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive repairs.

Related article: Frame on the balcony for plastic windows

Ceiling leak repair

If the balcony ceiling is leaking, what should the neighbors do from above? First, we find the location of the leak; it may be yellowish or brownish.

Stages of work:

We clean the ceiling surface from dust, dirt, loose building materials, remove the plaster, wipe the surface with a damp cloth without using detergents.
We treat the surface with a primer and wait until it dries. The primer gives the surface strength and promotes stronger adhesion between building materials.
We expand all cracks, even the most microscopic ones, using a grinder and fill them with polyurethane sealant.
We seal the seams at the connection between the ceiling and the wall and at the connection with the balcony frame, smooth the seams with a plastic or wooden spatula dipped in soapy water so that the sealant does not stick to it.
A canopy must be installed on the balcony frame, and the joint between the canopy and the frame is treated with sealant.

Waterproofing can be carried out using coating materials

If the balcony is leaking from above, you need to contact your neighbors so that they also seal their balcony.

What to do if the balcony continues to leak. After treatment with sealant, more serious work is carried out to seal the seams on the balcony. To do this, choose either rolled materials or coating mastic.

It is easier to waterproof with coating materials. This work can be done with your own hands; the floor, ceiling, and side walls are covered in several layers of polyurethane mastic. For the first application, use a sprayer or a molar brush with synthetic bristles, layers are applied along the balcony slab.

The second layer is applied after the first one has set (after several hours), across the slab. Before applying the second layer, the surface is moistened. For three days, to avoid cracking of the coating, the surface is constantly moistened.

When laying roll waterproofing, the joints are laid overlapping and treated with sealant. To install such insulation on the roof, it is better to invite specialists, since working at height is associated with risk for people without experience.

If the cracks are very deep, first we fill them with mounting foam (after wetting the crack from the inside), then we apply sealant to the foam. Sealants do not adhere to detergents.

Painting waterproofing

It involves applying several layers of water-repellent mastic to the surface. There are coating and penetrating mastics.

Coating mastics are produced on the basis of bitumen and rubber, cement with polymer, and have good adhesion to stone, polyurethane, and concrete surfaces.

Penetrating compounds are produced based on cement, quartz and the addition of chemically active substances. The composition is a powder that requires dilution with water before starting repair work. They have good adhesion to concrete surfaces on the balcony.

Roll waterproofing

Installing roll insulation will require some experience and tools. We lay the roofing felt sheets on the surface and heat them to bind them together using a hair dryer or gas burner.

Materials with an adhesive base, for example, penofol, are glued. Penofol has a metallized coating, provides waterproofing and vapor barrier on the balcony.

Fixing roof leaks

If the roof on the balcony is leaking, we will repair it without delay. The longer the water stagnates, the faster the surface of the slab will begin to deteriorate, which will lead to the destruction of the reinforcement.

If at first it is possible to put a patch in place of the leak, if the repair work is delayed, the need for a major overhaul may arise.

If the balcony has just started to leak, we will inspect the roof. If the waterproofing material is destroyed, we purchase the same material, cut out a patch from it 10-20 cm larger than the damaged area and solder it using flux, sand it, and paint it with moisture-resistant paint. For more information on how to fix a leak, watch this video:

What to do if major repairs are required:

We disassemble the old roof, widen the cracks, look at the condition of the reinforcement (if it is a slab) and the frame if the roof is made of roofing materials.
If necessary, a metal frame from steel profiles is manufactured and installed.
A wooden or metal sheathing is attached to the frame.
The waterproofing layer is secured on top using a stapler or self-tapping screws in one single piece.
Roofing material is being installed.

Basic steps

Eliminating water leaks on balconies cannot be achieved simply by covering up the cracks in the ceiling. Here you will need to eliminate the source of the leak .

The procedure will depend on whose fault the ceiling on the balcony is leaking. If from neighbors, then it is necessary to demand repairs from them. When the roof of the balcony located under the canopy leaks, the problem is eliminated either on our own or with the help of utility services.

What actions can be taken to eliminate the leak? Firstly, you need to minimize the process of formation of excess water on the balcony. Then, using waterproofing, eliminate the reappearance of moisture.

Preparing the slab for repair

The first step is to remove the old coating, as well as the cracked screed. Loose mortar, including unstable pieces of concrete, must also be removed.

It is important to thoroughly clear the joint between the wall of the house and the slab, and only after that fill the existing defects with cement mortar . If there are cracks and potholes on the slab, they need to be leveled.

Before starting work to eliminate the source of moisture, it is necessary that the surface of the concrete slab is prepared, that is, it must be smooth and without holes . This is required so that the layer of waterproofing laid on it does not deform or break through in the future.

Sealing seams

Sealing is aimed at sealing seams and joints between the wall of the house and the glazing. Excellent not only when a leak appears, but also as a preventive measure.

The sealant used is important here. The main thing is that it is not subject to deformation as a result of exposure to weather conditions . First of all, it must be reliable and durable; the final result will depend on this.

It is better to give preference to polyurethane sealant, which resists sunlight and high moisture well.

ATTENTION! It is better to entrust the sealing of seams to experienced specialists who have the necessary equipment used for roofing. Thanks to my experience, such work is completed in just a few hours.

The use of polyurethane foam is considered the easiest way to seal joints and seams. As soon as the foam swells and hardens, the excess must be cut off with a construction knife and puttied. Puttying must be carried out necessarily, since under the influence of the sun and wind the foam can darken and decompose.

If water enters from the side of the glazing frames, then a system of gutters is installed to drain water from the frames. First of all, along the perimeter of the upper balcony slab or canopy, ebbs with round gutters under them are installed. They are also installed under the window frame from the outside along the edges of the entire balcony slab.

Waterproofing

Once upon a time in the past, roofing felt glued to resin was used to waterproof a balcony. It is difficult to carry out such actions in a residential area, so more modern materials began to be used. The main steps for insulating a balcony room are:

Covering the roof with protective materials.
Installation of slopes for moisture.

There are several methods aimed at removing roof leaks. Their main difference is the use of different protective materials. They can be polymer or bitumen based, and mastic can also be used.

Painted waterproofing is often used. It involves applying several layers of water-repellent mastic to the surface of the slab. There are coating and penetrating mastics.

Coatings are the most optimal option for waterproofing. They are produced on the basis of rubber, bitumen, cement with polymer and interact well with stone, concrete or polyurethane surfaces.

Penetrating mastic is made on the basis of quartz and cement, in combination with chemically active substances. They interact well with concrete surfaces.

If you choose rolled building materials for waterproofing, there is a possibility that seams will appear, as well as kinks, which may become a source of leaks in the future. In addition, this method is considered more labor-intensive.

IMPORTANT! Waterproofing is also well suited as a preventive measure against moisture ingress.

Installing the visor

To prevent the balcony from leaking, it is advisable to install a canopy or glaze it. It can be made from metal, metal tiles or ondulin. The main thing is to decide what type of roof it will be. It can be dependent on the balcony structure or independent.

A dependent roof will cost more, but it will be necessary in the future for balcony glazing . The independent type canopy is attached to the wall. This option is more profitable in terms of financial costs.

Floor waterproofing

Work begins with making a concrete screed. For an open balcony, it is necessary to make a screed with a slope of 2%. It is necessary for the free flow of water from the surface of the slab. The screed is reinforced with metal mesh.

When making a screed, three types of seams are required:

Compensation – formed when laying the pressure layer. Another name is temperature.
Forced - seams dividing the screed into squares.
Wall-mounted – located at the junction of the balcony slab with the façade slab.

Subsequently, the seams are filled 50% with mastic for sealing, into which an elastic cord is pressed.

The screed is cleaned of dust and debris, and a primer is applied to it for better adhesion. One of the best is Primer WB.

Apply several layers of polyurethane mastic (for example Hyperdesmo RV) to the moistened concrete. The final thickness of insulation on the floor of a balcony or loggia must be at least 20 mm.

In addition to the floor, the waterproofing layer should extend up to 150-200 mm onto the walls.

Application of polyurethane waterproofing to the floor of a balcony (loggia)

To insulate floors, foam sheets are laid between wooden joists on top of the applied mastic. OSB boards are fixed on top, which are the basis of the decorative coating.

The ceiling on the balcony is leaking from the neighbors above

We live on the 8th floor, on the 9th floor our neighbors have no roof on their balcony. That's why they have water there when it rains. The balcony consists of 2 slabs (1 large piece of slab and 2nd smaller one). There is a gap in the joints between the slabs into which water drips every time it rains.

This is what it looks like:

Question: what is the best way to cover this hole? Before me, previous residents tried using tile adhesive, but the water still eroded it and seeped through. I have 2 options: polyurethane foam or silicone sealant.

Who will advise what?

There is nothing to advise here. The problem can ONLY be solved by the upper neighbor. If this is unrealistic, then you have only one option left - to line the ceiling over the entire area with a waterproof structure (for example, a polycarbonate sheet)

You can repair VP with enecrite, if you don’t mind spending ten on it. But it won't blur

An application to the DEZ or Criminal Code and, in parallel, a complaint to a higher authority. If it doesn’t rise, repeat after a while. The emphasis in the complaint is on the destruction of the balcony slab and the possible flooding of the living space.

Cheap and cheerful.

buy linoleum, several bags of screed and put it on the floor on the neighbors side. And then force the neighbors/DEZ to fix it

Are the neighbors required to build a roof or glass the balcony? All their lives, everyone had open balconies, and no one forced anyone to glaze!

The question is not in the glazing, but in the repair of the balcony slab. it collapses => the house collapses.

if the apartment is privatized, then the owner is obliged to monitor the condition of the premises, up to and including deprivation of living space. if it is not privatized, the Management Company (MC) is obliged to monitor. And before, the zheks dealt with such problems (if the residents didn’t care, then the zhek did everything that was supposed to), with the management company the same situation.

Arty66, ten thousand??

To everyone else: what, sealant or polyurethane foam will not give results.

If you want to constantly tinker with this problem again, do it in other ways. And good quality materials cost accordingly.

Go upstairs to your neighbor and seal this joint.

Will not give. Buy your neighbor a solid piece of linoleum, the size of a balcony. Before laying, coat the joint of the slabs with mortar. It is not necessary to do the screed - let the neighbor do it himself if he wants. Linoleum must extend at least 10 cm onto the walls, where it must be secured with a strip and dowels. From the overhang side - extend at least a few cm beyond the edge of the balcony slab. Then even the snow that melts in the spring on your neighbor’s balcony will flow out. Synthetic linoleum will last on the balcony for 10-15 years.

When it rains, water flows onto the glazed balcony

Kind and lovely people, please tell me. During heavy rain, water flows from above onto the balcony, and floods the entire floor of the huge balcony. The windows there are sliding. When they installed the windows, they also made a canopy over them to prevent water from flowing onto the balcony, but apparently they did something wrong.

What needs to be done to prevent this flood on the balcony from happening again? Install a new visor? Or do something with the existing one? How much does it cost approximately for a normal master? I am attaching a photo of the balcony, I apologize for the quality.

1st, if the neighbor above does not have glazing, then if there is a joint, there may be leakage through him, both the installers and the measurer should have been warned about this (this is how we do it)

2nd option, draining in the opposite direction, we do it this way, the gap between the plate and the frame is closed with a plastic corner, but leaving a gap of 3-5 mm for drainage, then we screw the drain through the corner so that it doesn’t go anywhere, and the slope is set and, IF possible, go through the gap with transparent sealant on top if there is any left

The problem has already been raised on the forum. I know her. The neighbors downstairs were leaking. I'm FUCKED. They accused me of flooding. Got it.

I will repeat my version of the answer and illustrate it with a drawing.

You need to make sure that the balcony is glazed on top and DOES NOT HAVE PROBLEMS with leakage.
This means that water, due to the wetting effect (due to surface tension forces), flows along the end of your ceiling (along the end of the floor of the neighbor above) and flows towards you along the horizontal section of the slab and through the gap between the canopy and the slab ends up on your balcony.

Who is to blame and what to do?

You need a waterproof sealant for exterior use (I think bitumen is better, silicone can peel off over time)

FROM THE STREET, seal the gap between the top of the canopy and the concrete slab.

Since working at heights is very inconvenient, all safety measures must be taken. (insurance) As an option, do it from the balcony of the top floor.

If the frames were installed recently, file a claim with the frame installers. This is their JOB. Let them eliminate it. Show them my drawing.

Related article: How to arrange a small balcony in a panel house
Note: Seal along the ENTIRE length of the canopy, including in the corners! Because water can flow in one place and flow out in another.

Mazaika, Yes, that was all in another topic. Stand on the parapet (observing safety regulations) and seal the canopy along its entire length.

Mazaika wrote: The neighbors below were leaking. I'm FUCKED. They accused me of flooding.

By the way, you can send your neighbors away with the forest. The balcony is not included in the apartment area.

Hubert wrote: By the way, you can send your neighbors away through the forest. The balcony is not included in the apartment area.

I had a loggia. The BTI said that the area of the apartment includes 50% of the loggia. But it’s not even about the formal side. It's just unpleasant when you are accused of something that is not your fault.

So where does it flow, in what place? I have such glazing - it doesn’t leak. Is there a slope and holes for water drainage in the bottom rail?

Grace, if this whole thing happens in a new building, then if the balcony is leaking, it’s better to do the following procedure:

What to do if the balcony is leaking?

As a rule, most properties are rented under 214-FZ. However: 214 law does not guarantee against low quality construction work. The question arises: what to do if, after renting out an apartment in a new building, the balcony begins to leak? In the same 214-FZ there is Art. 7 “Quality guarantees provided for in the contract”, in accordance with it, the apartment must be transferred with the quality stipulated by the DDU agreement, the requirements of urban planning regulations and building codes. And if the apartment does not meet the quality requirements, then the developer is obliged to eliminate all the shortcomings or compensate the costs to the shareholder if he eliminates the shortcomings himself.

In order to achieve success if the balcony is leaking, let’s figure out step by step what needs to be done and in what order. In fact, everything is very simple:

STEP 1 – Review the contract with the developer, clarify whether warranty obligations apply to eliminate construction defects. If they are still in effect, go to STEP 2. In accordance with Art. 7 Federal Law “On participation in shared construction of apartment buildings and other real estate objects and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation” dated December 30, 2004 No. 214-FZ (hereinafter referred to as “Federal Law dated December 30, 2004 No. 214-FZ”) the developer is obliged transfer to the participant in shared construction a shared construction project, the quality of which complies with the terms of the contract, the requirements of technical regulations, design documentation and urban planning regulations, as well as other mandatory requirements; a participant in shared construction has the right to present claims to the developer in connection with the inadequate quality of the shared construction project, provided that such quality is identified during the warranty period. The warranty period for the apartment is established by the contract and cannot be less than 5 years.

The Report must indicate all the shortcomings made by the builders, describe the possible cause of the leak, the location of the leak, and preferably attach photographs.

STEP-3 – Prepare and send to the developer a claim containing a requirement to eliminate the deficiencies, making sure to indicate the period during which the leaks must be eliminated. The claim is accompanied by an Apartment Inspection Certificate.

General rules for filing a claim. Firstly, it is necessary to comply with the requirements established by the contract - there is probably a section in your contract that regulates the procedure for submitting quality claims, incl. the address and method of filing the claim are indicated. We recommend that you further duplicate the claim by sending it to the developer’s address (indicated at the end of the contract) by registered mail with return receipt requested. The claim is filed in the name of the head of the organization - the developer. The claim must refer to the number and date of the contract with the developer, indicate the address of the apartment, the essence of your requirements, as well as the deadline for eliminating the deficiencies (the period must be reasonable, for example, 5 working days). Why is it so important to specify a deadline? In accordance with paragraph 9 of Art. 4 of the Federal Law of December 30, 2004 No. 214-FZ to relations arising from an agreement for participation in shared construction, concluded by a citizen for the purpose of acquiring ownership of residential premises and other real estate exclusively for personal, family, household, household and other needs not related to with the implementation of entrepreneurial activities, the application of legislation on the protection of consumer rights is allowed. In accordance with Art. 30 of the Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights, for violation of the deadlines for eliminating deficiencies in the work performed (service provided), the contractor pays the consumer a penalty (penalty) for each day of delay in the amount of 3% of the price of the work (provision of the service), and if the price of the work (provision of the service) the contract for the performance of work (rendering services) is not determined - the total price of the order. In the future, in the event of a legal dispute, the court, when satisfying the demand for forced collection of the penalty, will additionally collect from the developer in favor of the consumer a fine of 50% of its amount. Be sure to include your mailing address in your claim, preferably a contact phone number.

IMPORTANT: Very often the developer tries to minimize his costs and simply fills the balcony or loggia with sealant. In some cases, this may help if the leak is small. But: If there is a leak in the opening part, this may lead to the fact that you will not be able to open it or it will not close well. If the leak is not related to your balcony (for example, the leak location is higher), the sealant will not help. The developer must fix the problem and replace several pieces of glazing, including rubber seals.

STEP-5 – If the developer does not correct the deficiencies and/or leaks continue.

It is necessary to prepare and send to the developer a demand for payment of a penalty. Such a demand is drawn up according to the same rules as a claim and is sent by registered mail with acknowledgment of delivery. You have the right to go to court with a demand to oblige the developer to carry out the necessary work to eliminate deficiencies (leaks), and also to recover from the developer:

the cost of damaged property, if any was on the balcony/loggia at the time of the leak;
penalty for violation of deadlines for eliminating deficiencies (leaks);
fine for failure to pay the penalty voluntarily;
monetary compensation for moral damage caused. It must be taken into account that an examination may be required to determine the actual causes of leaks. Such an examination can be carried out before going to court, or as part of the consideration of a legal dispute. The costs of conducting the examination, if the requirements for eliminating deficiencies (leaks) are justified, are borne by the developer. Since the claim is related to the protection of consumer rights, the plaintiff is exempt from paying state duty, or has a preference for paying it (depending on the price of the claim). When satisfying claims in court, the developer bears the cost of paying for the services of your representative. An approximate list of appendices to the statement of claim (in copies): agreement for participation in shared construction; act of acceptance and transfer of the apartment; inspection (inspection) reports; claims; requirement to pay a penalty; postal receipts or notifications of delivery - evidence of sending correspondence to the developer; expert opinion (if available); photos; a petition for reimbursement of expenses for the services of a representative and distribution of legal expenses; statement of claim with attachments – kit for the developer (defendant).

Eliminating the reason for a plastic door

The problem of cold air entering from a plastic balcony door is familiar to many. To eliminate it, it is necessary to find out the cause of drafts.

First of all, you should check the condition of the rubber seal of the balcony door. If you find signs of wear on it, then it's time to change the sealing contour

Please note that there are no universal seals for plastic window and door units. They differ in size and cross-sectional shape

Therefore, when going to the store to buy a new sealing contour, take a piece of old tape with you. Before installing the seal, be sure to clean the inside of the groove from dust and dirt.

If the rubber band is not damaged, it is worth adjusting the fit of the sash to the frame. After all, poor pressure is another common reason why there is blowing from the balcony door. You can check the quality of fit of the sash to the frame using a simple test. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it between the canvas and the profile and close the sash. After this, start pulling out the sheet. If the paper is difficult to pull out, then everything is fine. Otherwise, you need to adjust the pressing force of the sash.

The locking elements are responsible for the tight fit of the door to the frame. The method for adjusting the degree of pressing of the canvas to the frame depends on the design of the fittings:

Typically, adjustment is made by turning the eccentrics located at the end of the blade. A hex wrench is used for this.
If the fittings include a trunnion, then the pressure is adjusted by installing the trunnion at the desired angle. This will require pliers. A right angle to the sash ensures maximum fit.
A counter plate is also used to adjust the degree of pressure. It is moved by rotating a special screw using a hexagon.

A draft can occur due to the fact that the door to the balcony does not close well. Over time, the sash sags under its own weight and a gap forms on top through which cold air enters. If it is blowing from below, then you need to adjust the position of the lower corner of the canvas. These defects can be eliminated by tightening the axial screws.

A cold breeze may come from under the handle of a plastic door. This indicates that the mechanism has ceased to perform its functions. To correct the situation, you need to tighten and tighten all fasteners tightly.

In the process of eliminating the causes of the draft, it may turn out that:

the fittings are worn out and need to be replaced;
There was a defect in the manufacture of the sash;
The installation of the balcony block was carried out with violations of technology.

Therefore, it is best to entrust the adjustment of the balcony door to the craftsmen of the company that installed the plastic glazing. They are required to fix these problems under warranty. If the warranty period has expired, you can contact any specialized company that provides such services. Well, if you have some skills and free time, you can try to adjust the fittings of the plastic structure yourself.

Violation of installation technology

First you need to determine if the window is leaking when it rains or if water accumulates regardless of weather conditions. If puddles form only during bad weather, the first suspected reason is a violation of installation technology. Most often it leads to errors:

incompetence of workers;
ignorance of the design features of double-glazed windows and frames of a particular manufacturer;
choosing cheap materials out of a desire to save money.

The easiest way to avoid leaking plastic windows due to installation errors is to contact trusted companies that have been on the market for a long time.

What causes leaks

A leak can occur both on an open and glazed balcony with finishing work completed, if there is even the slightest crack in the walls or ceiling. The leak must be eliminated immediately, otherwise moisture will lead to the formation of mold and destruction of metal fittings.

Causes of leaks on the balcony:

poor-quality or deteriorating sealing of seams and joints;
there is no roof over the balcony or the roof is in disrepair;
the reinforcement begins to deteriorate, which leads to the formation of new and wider cracks;
the drip is installed incorrectly or is missing;
the panels have cracks, microcracks, chips;
on the top floor the balcony is not glazed;
The screed is not filled correctly, the drain is located above the floor level;
The roof of the upper floor is made without a slope, this leads to stagnation of water, concrete tends to absorb moisture through its pores, which leads to corrosion of the reinforcement and cracks form.

Where to go if your balcony is leaking

The roof of the balcony on the top floor must be repaired by the management company.
If the balcony on the top floor is leaking, we write a statement to the housing and communal services, they are obliged to either carry out the repair work on their own, or reimburse the amount spent on repairs to the owner of the apartment. Housing and communal services will carry out repairs on their own if the balcony is in disrepair.

In other cases (if the apartment is not on the top floor), it will be necessary to carry out sealing repairs at your own expense, with the involvement of specialists from a construction company or with your own hands.

Why does a balcony or loggia leak?

The problem of leakage occurs regardless of what materials the loggia is finished with. These can be both expensive and budget materials. Metal elements may well be deformed under the influence of corrosion processes. This will inevitably expand existing microcracks, turning them into full-fledged ones.

There are several reasons why a balcony leaks from above:

unsuccessful sealing of interpanel seams and joints;
poor quality of the soft roof of the canopy of the balcony or loggia of the top floor;
no castings from zinc-coated metal.

Balcony slabs have the unpleasant property of collapsing if precipitation forms on their roof. Another reason for leakage from above is the lack of glazing on the balcony located on the floor above. In this case, protecting yourself from moisture without the help of your neighbors will be feasible, but somewhat difficult.

Liquid precipitation forms stagnation on the roof if a serious mistake was made during the construction process, namely, the technology was violated when creating a slab slope. However, this particular problem can be solved quite simply, just level the floor.

Troubles with balcony leaks can arise if there is a so-called false balcony on top. It is actually part of the architecture of the house. And there is no special protection from precipitation here.

Causes of leakage through the balcony from above.

The cause of a leak from above is not always the poor condition of the balcony slab. Among the most common cases, experts note the following:

Unsealed seams at the junction of the balcony with the house structures.
Damage to roofing material.
Lack of specialized galvanized metal castings.

Also, leaks and dampness on the balcony appear due to construction defects - the reverse slope of the upper balcony slab. In this case, due to precipitation, moisture accumulates on the slab, which destroys the structure and seeps through microcracks. Over time, the cracks increase, which significantly aggravates the situation. To fix it, you just need to level the surface of the slab so that moisture does not accumulate and leak onto your balcony.

Leaks are often caused by complex architectural elements on the balcony façade above. They can cause the formation of excessive water flows in rainy weather, which seep through leaky joints. In this case, it will be necessary to seal the balcony and equip it with an additional drainage system.

Causes

As a rule, during the construction of a house, the balcony slab is covered with waterproofing, which should protect against leakage. It can only appear when technological errors have been made, or the house has already been in use for many years and requires repairs.

Why does a leak occur on the balcony? There are several reasons:

Poor quality sealing of seams between panels and joints.
Inadequate quality of soft roofing.
No galvanized metal flashings.
The upstairs neighbors' balcony is not glazed, or the balcony slab requires repair. In this case, the roof leaks from the neighbors due to their fault.

If the balcony is not glazed and is constantly exposed to precipitation, then sooner or later the balcony slab will begin to collapse. Water also accumulates if an inaccuracy was made during installation work, which led to the reverse slope of the balcony slab. This problem can be easily eliminated by leveling the floor.

Consequences

The appearance of a leak on the balcony makes it unsuitable for use, especially in wet weather when it rains or melts snow.

A leak can occur both on an open balcony and on a glazed one, if there is even a slight crack.
If it is not stopped in time, excess moisture can destroy metal reinforcement.
When a balcony roof leaks, there are many inconveniences. During this period, it is impossible to dry the laundry, and the things and objects on it become unusable. In addition, the finish deteriorates. The roof becomes covered with yellow stains and a dark moldy coating, which is very difficult to get rid of.

ATTENTION! If measures are not taken in a timely manner, water will flow into the apartment through the joint of the slab with the wall, and repairs will have to be made not only on the balcony, but also in the living rooms.

Sealing and waterproofing the balcony ceiling from the inside

After glazing a balcony or loggia during precipitation, we sometimes see an unpleasant picture - the balcony is leaking. This could happen if the ceiling and roof of the balcony (loggia) were not sealed and waterproofed.

If the balconies are poorly sealed, the joints of the windows leak, the roof leaks from above, and the floors flood. How to fix this defect?

From the inside, all work to eliminate leaks can be done independently. We seal all seams. We use polyurethane sealant Germoplast or Emfi. Before covering the defects, we use a grinder to cut out the seams and cracks, clean them of dust and moisten them with water.

We also pay attention to dark spots on the ceiling - in these places there may be microcracks through which water also flows. We also cut them and seal them

Sealing seams with polyurethane sealant

Next, we examine the glazing of the balcony (loggia). Often frames are installed with violations of technology. These defects will have to be corrected yourself. Otherwise, after sealing and waterproofing the ceiling, we will constantly observe how water flows through the cracks in the glazing.

When installing glazing, polyurethane foam is used. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, the foam is destroyed and water flows freely through these seams. It is necessary to partially remove the outer layer of foam and fill the formed groove with a hydro-swelling elastic cord. When exposed to moisture, the cord expands in volume and prevents water from leaking in this area.

Leaking at the bottom of the loggia frames due to poor sealing

We begin waterproofing the ceiling by cleaning the entire surface and treating it with an antiseptic to protect against fungal mold (for example, Dali). Then we seal cracks and chips using the technology described above.

For the ceiling, it is better to use polyurethane mastic Elastomix or Elastopaz. They have good adhesion and applying it to a damp ceiling surface is not very difficult.

The ceiling is covered with mastic in two layers - the direction of the second is perpendicular to the first. The waterproofing layer is reinforced with mesh after the first layer. To create a durable crystalline protective layer, it is necessary to allow the mastic to harden for 3 days.

When insulating the roof, sheets of foiled polystyrene foam are glued to the ceiling - it also acts as a vapor barrier. The seams between them are also sealed.

What to do if there is a leak

You can eliminate balcony leaks from neighbors above in the following ways:

finish your part of the balcony;
influence neighbors to treat their balcony.

How to fix the problem yourself

If cracks are found in the ceilings, they are sealed with sealant. Thanks to its strength and elasticity, it does not allow moisture to pass through.

Attention! Sealing of seams is carried out only with those sealants that are suitable for external use.

If the balcony is leaking from neighbors above, then not only the seams between the slabs are treated with sealant, but also the joints of the balcony with the walls of the house and other parts that can allow water to pass through.

Another way to eliminate leaks is to insulate the entire ceiling between your balcony and your neighbor’s. To do this, the ceiling is covered with roofing material or treated with polyurethane mastic, paying attention to all cracks, joints and crevices.

Methods of influencing neighbors

Before going to court or other authorities, talk to your neighbor. Perhaps we can come to an agreement.

He will level the floor, make a drain or seal the seams and the issue will be closed. Otherwise, seek legal assistance.

A person living in an apartment building is not obliged to turn an open balcony into a closed one so that water does not reach the neighbors below. However, according to Part 4 of Article 30 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, he is obliged to maintain the premises in proper condition.

In this regard, if the balcony leaks were caused by his careless handling of residential property and your things were damaged by water, he will be punished for causing damage to someone else’s property. To do this, an application is submitted to the court and supported by recorded evidence.

Natural ventilation of the loggia

For natural ventilation, supply ventilation valves are used. They are divided into window and wall.

The window ventilation valve cuts into the upper part of the window profile. These valves come in various types. The simplest ones consist of a grille and a safety valve. Quite complex systems include filters and protective grilles in a single body and have control grilles for air direction. Installation can be done at home without removing the window or removing the glass unit. For simple valves, a number of holes are drilled, and the valve elements are screwed onto the outside and inside of the loggia with screws. For filters, you must use a router or dremmel to select a solid hole in the profile.
wall valve for supply ventilation. As the name suggests, it is mounted in the wall. Creates additional air circulation in the room and has the ability to adjust the flow intensity. Its structure is quite simple:

pipe for fastening other elements;
external ventilation grille that protects from large debris;
soundproofing pad;
O-rings;
fine filter;
inner cover – regulator.

The installation process is simple - a hole of the required diameter is drilled, and the valve is assembled in it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Regardless of the installation location, these ventilation systems have many advantages:

active air exchange, up to 35 m/kV depending on the model;
sharp changes in temperature and humidity in the room are smoothed out;
drafts are not created;
the flow of fresh air is regulated;
thermal insulation and sound insulation do not deteriorate;
ease of installation;
does not require electricity;
does not obscure the light opening;
relieves stuffiness in a sealed room;
eliminates excess moisture and mold.

Forced ventilation built into windows

Lack of polyurethane foam

The third reason why windows leak is insufficient sealing of the joints. Despite the fact that PVC structures are made according to precisely measured dimensions, the window opening itself rarely has ideal geometry. If the frame is installed to replace the old one, then the brick and concrete are painted during the dismantling of the window block. Cracks form, which, according to technology, workers must foam. Polyurethane foam additionally fixes the plastic frame, insulates it, and increases the sound insulation of the room.

Therefore, if a plastic window leaks during rain due to insufficient foam, the owner will face other problems:

there is a noticeable blow from the window;
during cold weather, ice forms;
Street noise penetrates into the room even when the doors are closed.

The procedure for recognizing the emergency condition of a balcony

In order for the management company to carry out a major overhaul of the balcony, it is necessary that its condition be recognized as emergency. Signs of this are:

the presence of deep cracks along the connecting seam;
exposure of reinforcement as a result of destruction of the concrete coating;
the presence of loose areas on the outside of the slab as a result of precipitation;
“crumbling” of the edge of the slab and collapse of larger fragments;
collapse of cornice or handrail;
loose fencing, etc.

The reasons for this may be either a violation of construction technologies, or destruction as a result of aging of the structure and the lack of timely maintenance. Very often the cause of damage is improper drainage. As a result of regular collection of water or melted snow, the balcony leaks. Who should repair it depends on the floor on which the apartment is located and the nature of the damage.

It is better to send the application by registered mail. The management company must also respond in writing. All correspondence must be saved. If repairs to load-bearing structures are not carried out, correspondence will be needed to file a claim in court.

It is worth noting that if an HOA or TSN was created in the house, then the decision to overhaul the balcony is made at a general meeting of participants (how does a HOA differ from a TSN, read here). To find out who is responsible for repairing the balcony, and how responsibilities are divided between the apartment owner and the management company, watch the video

To find out who is responsible for repairing the balcony, and how responsibilities are divided between the apartment owner and the management company, watch the video

If the housing and communal services institution does not carry out repair work in a timely manner, explaining this by a lack of funds, you can reach an agreement with them: the owner of the apartment carries out the repairs at his own expense, but the funds spent are counted towards the rent. If the utility company agrees with this, the resident must collect all documents that will confirm the purchase of materials and payment for work.

In a situation where the tenant has repaired the load-bearing structures at his own expense, but the rent has not been recalculated, he can go to court to recover his costs.

If there are controversial issues, when there is damage and the balcony is leaking, who should repair it is also decided in court.

At whose expense should the balcony be repaired?

If a double-glazed window is leaking, finishing materials are cracked, or the flooring has become unusable, routine repairs are carried out by the owner. If it is necessary to thoroughly repair the premises in the event that a balcony slab is destroyed or leaks, the overhaul is paid for by all residents of the apartment building. Since major repairs require large financial resources, a savings system is used, to maintain which each owner must regularly allocate funds for general needs.

Troubleshooting leakage

Sealing, despite all its effectiveness, is considered only a half-measure. The final way out of the situation is to carry out waterproofing work following sealing. They will include the installation of special protective slopes, as well as the creation of a reliable moisture-resistant roof covering.

There are two types of waterproofing materials:

rolled bitumen and polymer;
coating type waterproofing.

Various roll materials should be used if you already have experience working with them. Otherwise, the canvas may bend or gaps may remain. It is advisable to hire specialists. But if everyone has decided to work independently using rolls, you should use the help of one or two partners.

Coating waterproofing is considered one of the easiest ways to eliminate balcony leaks from above. To carry out the work, you don’t have to hire professional workers, but do it yourself. The main thing is to choose the right remedy.

Video:

The ideal option is a one-component mastic. In order to make the composition, you do not need to follow any complex technologies.

The final composition is carefully coated with the ceiling of the balcony, as well as the canopy. For the visor, it is advisable to choose polyurethane-based mastics. They are somewhat more difficult to prepare, but they have excellent protective properties. We wrote about the installation of a visor, as well as its types, in this article.

Sealing joints

Sealing joints

- an effective means of combating balcony leaks, as well as an active measure to prevent such a phenomenon. The main material is a sealant, which must be selected correctly. When choosing a sealing composition, it is important to take into account that it will be actively influenced by the environment, which means that under its influence the composition must retain its properties and characteristics. In addition, the sealant must be elastic and durable.

Among the best representatives of sealants for balconies are polyurethane-based compounds that perfectly retain their characteristics under the influence of moisture and sunlight. This composition can be used to seal seams between the balcony and the facade of the house, as well as the joints of the roof with balcony structural elements. It is best to entrust roof sealing to professional builders. The process will require the use of specialized equipment and equipment. All joint surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and treated and sealed with insulation and foam. The sealant is applied directly to the foam. In turn, the insulation ensures the strength of the seam, the foam acts as a sealant and filler for the joint, and the sealant protects against moisture penetration.