Reasons why the balcony leaks from above: options for solving the problem

If the balcony leaks, then very soon all the decoration and things stored here may become unusable. Therefore, when a problem is discovered, you need to immediately begin solving it, but first you will have to understand the reasons. After all, first of all you need to eliminate it, and then eliminate the secondary factors and consequences of leaks.

The balcony is leaking through the ceiling Source blog-potolok.ru

Why does the balcony leak: reasons

A leak on a balcony occurs due to a number of negative factors, including:

• insufficient quality or outdated sealing of joints and cracks;
• the roof was laid with errors or not according to technology;
• there is no drip or it is installed incorrectly.

If the balcony is leaking from the neighbors above, then most likely there is damage in the concrete slab that separates them. In this case, you need to approach the issue radically, the most important thing is to convince your neighbors to rectify the situation together.

Old sealant on the canopy, causing the balcony to leak Source remontnik.ru

Important! Typically, in built-up buildings (Stalin-era, Khrushchev-era buildings), all balcony ceilings were made with high quality, but there is a risk that in some places moisture stagnates on such slabs, which gradually penetrates through the concrete layer into the ceiling. This is associated with the loss of waterproofing properties over time.

Preparatory work

The quality of waterproofing directly depends not only on the chosen material, but also on the thoroughness of preparation for repairs. If you want to waterproof a balcony with your own hands, then first of all, you need to thoroughly clean the surfaces of all kinds of contaminants: dirt, remnants of old finishing, dust. In this regard, it is best to use an industrial vacuum cleaner and a hard plastic brush.

After cleaning, the surface is primed with a special primer. It is important to thoroughly treat all seams, crevices, and hard-to-reach areas. For this purpose, it is better to additionally purchase a small brush. It is also worth paying attention to the following nuances:

• The surface must be flat. The maximum size of irregularities is 2 mm. Not more.
• Before applying coating materials to unprimed plaster, concrete or cement screed, the surface must be moistened with a spray bottle.
• All joints must be sealed with elastic tape.
• Fresh new screeds must have time to go through all stages of shrinkage. This will take about a month.

If all these conditions are taken into account, you can proceed to the work.

What to do when the balcony leaks

Having found out exactly where the leak is coming from, you can begin to eliminate it. But first, it’s better to inspect the visor for visible damage in order to understand exactly where to carry out the installation manipulations. In total, the entire process may involve several effective methods.

Balcony canopy through which water can flow Source okno-plastik.ru

Method one: eliminating leaks by sealing

Let's assume that a negative factor influencing leaks on the balcony has been found - a gap between the joints or seams. More often this happens precisely at the junction of the concrete slab with the wall of the house, but it is also possible for deep cracks to appear on the floor itself. Let's look at how to solve this problem. You need to start by choosing the right sealant.

Sealing seams on a balcony canopy on a high floor Source manrule.ru

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.

The appearance of tiny cracks in the walls and ceiling of the balcony, stagnation of moisture can lead to water leaking onto the balcony, even if it is glazed.

The balcony is leaking from the neighbor above

When the balcony is leaking from the neighbors above, what to do in such a situation is a pressing question. In this case, you need to determine what exactly is the cause. For example, in old houses, even if the upper balconies are glazed, but do not have a metal shimmer, water will continue to flow down the windows and penetrate into the concrete slab (the floor that separates the lower balcony from the upper one).

It is in this concrete foundation that cracks constantly appear from old age, through which moisture begins to seep into the balcony from below. If this factor is to blame, then there is nothing left to do but turn to your neighbor with a request to repair the foundation.

On a note! If the neighbor refuses and nothing bothers him in this situation, it is advisable to write a statement in the appropriate form to the service company. Here, either the utility companies will correct the problem at their own expense, or they will forcibly ask the neighbor to eliminate it.

The balcony is leaking from the neighbor above Source remontnik.ru
If you are lucky and the neighbor agreed to help, then you need to follow the following instructions to reliably and permanently eliminate any leak:

• Dismantle the flooring that is on the neighbor’s balcony, remove old parts of the waterproofing and sealant residues, if any.
• Clean the coverings, remove dust, cracked parts of the concrete structure, and take out the trash.
• Seal large holes in the area where reinforcement structures are visible. They need to be completely hidden in concrete.
• The joint between the concrete base and the wall of the house must be carefully checked for defects. If there are potholes, they will have to be filled with concrete mixture.
• Next, after eliminating large holes, you need to start filling the base with cement mortar. Here the maximum parallelism of the surface is monitored.
• Carry out waterproofing only after you are sure that the prepared base has dried well. This usually takes 3-5 days (depending on the weather and time of year).
• Apply material in the form of mastic, which should be used to first coat all joints, and then the entire floor area. Be sure to make a smooth turn onto the walls, about 15 cm up.
• Apply several layers. Apply the next one only after the previous one has completely dried. Each layer must be at least 1 cm thick.
• Make a concrete screed. For the material, use a cement-sand mixture. It needs to be applied so that it extends onto the wall, forming a rounding. Moreover, at the edge of the slab the layer of screed will have to be made smaller. This is necessary so that moisture does not linger in the concrete, but flows down along the edges.

Next, all that remains is to lay the flooring with preliminary laying of insulation.

Application of rolled floor waterproofing for a balcony Source ekrovli.rf

Waterproofing and sealing

The work for open and closed balconies is different, so here we will describe them separately. A description of the roof insulation will also be given in a separate paragraph.

Insulation and sealing of an open balcony

After the screed has completely hardened (14 days), we will organize waterproofing of all seams with injection materials based on polyurethane. Alternatively, the seam can be sealed by inserting an elastic band into it. It is pressed into the seam, and everything is sealed with waterproofing compound on top. This is what it looks like:

Waterproofing a loggia with your own hands: laying an elastic cord in expansion joints

After the waterproofing has hardened, we begin sealing. The sealant is used in the same way as waterproofing, based on polyurethane, applied with a spatula. Next, the entire surface of the slab is coated with a composition that reduces water absorption by concrete.

Balcony sealing: fully sealed seam

We isolate a closed balcony or loggia

Sealing the seams of the load-bearing slab is done in exactly the same way as described above. The seams of the walls and ceiling of the loggia, which have cracks, are passed from the inside with polyurethane foam. After it has completely hardened, remove excess material using a knife or metal spatula, and treat the seams with a sealing compound.

Waterproofing the balcony ceiling from the inside: foaming the cracks

In addition, a layer of waterproofing material is laid under the insulation of the loggia floor. For this purpose, special membranes or ordinary cellophane film are used. The material is laid with an overlap at joints of 15 cm and overlapping walls of 10 cm.

Waterproofing the loggia from the inside: laying the material

Waterproofing of the parapet and sides of the balcony is organized by laying a layer of material on the inside, under a layer of insulation and finishing materials. For exterior finishing, a vapor barrier for the balcony is installed. If this is a loggia with a parapet and concrete walls, then we do not do a vapor barrier.

Now let's start sealing. We apply a special compound to all the joints and seams on the inside and outside of the balcony or loggia, which we have previously waterproofed. This is done using a spatula. Do not forget about the glazing of the balcony; when sealing, we pay special attention to the places where the frames are attached to the parapet and roof.

We seal the balcony after glazing. In difficult places we use sealants in syringes

Work on sealing the roof of a balcony or loggia

If this is a balcony, then the roof is most likely based on a metal or wooden frame. Everything is simple here. First, we apply a compound from the inside to seal the joints between the sheets of roofing material, then we lay a layer of waterproofing material under the sheathing.

DIY sealing and waterproofing: roofing

We foam the joint between the roofing material and the wall of the house from the outside, and after the material has dried, we coat it with a sealing compound. Next, we attach a strip of tin or aluminum above this joint, and also seal the connection between the metal and the wall.

How to eliminate the possibility of a balcony roof leaking: sealing the joints with the wall

The roof of the loggia, if it is a concrete slab, requires preliminary organization of a slope from the wall. This is done differently than in the case of the load-bearing slab of an open balcony. Further actions will be as follows:

• We lay a layer of vapor barrier.
• A layer of insulation if further insulation of the loggia is planned.
• We make a cement-sand screed and apply a layer of bitumen waterproofing.
• We lay roll roofing materials - some type of roofing felt.
• Now an additional layer of roofing material.
• Using self-tapping screws, we attach the edge strip 50mm wide. It should grip the edge of the roofing material.
• The upper edge of the slats is treated with bitumen sealant.

What to do to seal and waterproof the loggia roof: roofing pie.

Next, you can watch a video about what can result from a careless attitude to sealing the roof of a balcony or loggia. [su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51PcZtvxkjA”]

Processing joints as one of the important stages

After any installation work: be it glazing or installing a roof, many visible joints and cracks remain on the balcony. They need to be properly treated, as it is possible that the roof on the balcony will leak because of this.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to hide all the cracks is to fill them with foam. It will swell as it dries and close all the holes as much as possible. After this, the protruding remains must be cut off with a construction knife and plastered.

If you do not finish the polyurethane foam, then under the influence of sunlight the foam will acquire a dark brown tint and begin to crumble, allowing moisture to pass through it.

Sealing joints on a balcony using polyurethane foam Source strport.ru

Balcony ceiling decoration

To waterproof the balcony ceiling from the inside, penetrating compounds are usually used.

Sequence of work:

• the ceiling surface is thoroughly cleaned;
• leakage areas are treated with polyurethane compounds;

• a layer of penetrating material is applied to the pre-moistened surface;

• After drying, polystyrene foam boards are fixed to the waterproofing using special fungi.

For balconies on the highest floors, the roof is additionally sealed.

Important features of balcony waterproofing

If your balcony is leaking, then it’s time to think about how well its waterproofing is done. If it’s not the neighbors, but condensation still forms on the walls, and later the drips become covered with mold, then you need to re-insulate. How to do this depends on the type of balcony structure:

• Open. In this case, it is necessary to seal the roof and ceiling.
• Closed (complex design) requires mandatory waterproofing of the floor.

When the balcony room is on the top floor, you will have to think not only about yourself, but also about the neighbors below. They definitely won’t like it when the balcony roof leaks. Therefore, in this case, you need to make a slight slope under the flooring and bring the drain to the street so that the water does not touch the walls of the house.

Important! If the balcony structure is made of wood with installed glass frames, then you need to organize high-quality natural ventilation. This will prevent moisture stagnation and further mold formation.

Working with walls and partitions

The next layer of work will be insulating the walls. This section, of course, applies only to glazed balconies and loggias. Here it is better to stick to roll coverings. This way you can provide hydro- and thermal insulation at the same time, thereby saving time and money. But if you want to play it safe, it is better to apply two layers of bitumen mastic over the roll coating.

The waterproofing material is glued (or fused using a torch) to the wall, the joints are carefully treated with sealant. This is followed by layers of mastic, then decorative finishing is performed.

Please note: roll waterproofing cannot be laid in several layers! This will not only not enhance the effect, but will also be harmful: if moisture somehow gets into the gap between the layers, it will not be able to dry.

If everything is done correctly, then comprehensive waterproofing of a loggia or balcony will provide reliable protection against moisture and related troubles.

Types of materials that can be used for waterproofing

At the stage of waterproofing a balcony or loggia, you can use several high-quality products that differ in type:

• pasted. They are produced in the form of rolls, which are based on polymer or bitumen. In the case of a balcony, it is better to give preference to self-adhesive varieties;
• penetrating. It only processes concrete surfaces. When interacting with cement, the product creates crystals that displace water;
• coating Typically these are mixtures of cement, bitumen, rubber and polymers. Using this product, a coating is created on which the concrete screed is laid.

An important note: you should not use all of the listed means in combination. As practice shows, this approach does not create the desired effect.

Types of materials

There are two large types of hydraulic materials: coating and roll. Each type has its own advantages, as well as disadvantages. Thus, classic roll materials are more durable and reliable compared to coating materials. But coating materials have a much simpler application technology. So, let's look at the main materials of each of these groups.

Rolled hydraulic materials

The most common lining material is roofing felt. It is roofing cardboard impregnated with a special composition. It is installed in the usual way - using a gas burner. But there are other modern materials that are widely used in repairs to provide protection from moisture. Namely:

• Foam foil or foil-isolon. Essentially it is a porous film with a metallized coating. It is durable, does not absorb moisture, and reflects UV radiation. In addition, it provides excellent thermal insulation. So there is no need to additionally insulate the walls and floor on top of foil insulation. It is enough just to blow out the joints with foam.

• Isol. This is roofing cardboard impregnated with bitumen with various fillers: rubber, antiseptic and additives. Provides excellent vapor barrier.

• Stekloizol, hydrostekloizol. Unlike previous materials, the basis of glass insulation is fiberglass. The binding element is a special composition with bitumen and various additives. It is also additionally protected by a polymer film - one-sided or double-sided.

• Tol. This is roofing cardboard impregnated with tar products and sprinkled with mineral chips. A fairly simple and inexpensive option.

How to choose a company that will seal balcony seams?

If you need to treat balcony seams, you should definitely keep in mind that this work requires not only special skills and knowledge, but also permits. The work is carried out at heights, so the employees who will perform them must be trained, have special certificates, know the labor protection requirements and have the appropriate equipment. For this reason, we suggest contacting, whose specialists have undergone special training and have all the necessary permits.

In addition, we use only high-quality materials for processing seams in our work. Proof of the high level of quality is the positive feedback from our clients and long experience in the market.

As for our prices, they are affordable. Contact us and you will quickly receive a warm and cozy balcony where you can have a pleasant time at any time of the year.

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.

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.

How to seal cracks in concrete balcony walls

Probably everyone understands that the strength of concrete walls, floors and fences is extremely important for the operation of the balcony to be safe. Therefore, any crack or gap formed in concrete requires immediate attention.

To seal the cracks in the balcony walls, prepare the surface by removing all dirt and crumbled concrete, wash the crack, dry it, and then use a waterproofing material. It is best to use cement mortar to seal the crack, which hardens quickly.

Installation and repair of a soft loggia roof. Replacing the roof on the loggia.

A soft roof is required on the ceiling slabs of the loggia. In winter, a large amount of snow accumulates on the ceiling slabs of loggias, which melts from the heat coming from the apartment. Melt water seeps in through the seam or seeps through the slab. When temperatures change, water freezes inside the concrete and breaks it. Microcracks in the slab expand and after some time, the ceiling slab of the loggia may begin not only to leak, but also to crumble. When installing a soft loggia roof or repairing a loggia roof, our company uses only high-quality materials, mainly from. When installing or repairing a soft roof for a loggia, it is necessary to make a large overlap of the roofing fabric on the wall in order to completely prevent moisture from getting under the soft roof. The junctions between the roofing fabric and the concrete slab are properly coated with sealing mastic.

TOP

Installation of pitched roof

If the property owner has chosen a pitched roof for the balcony, its repair will not take much time, and the thermal insulation will be significantly improved. When installing a pitched roof, first of all, a frame is made, onto which the selected material will be mounted in the future. At the same time, thermal insulation can be significantly improved by using insulation. At the client’s request, it is also possible to install galvanized ebbs along the perimeter of the balcony, which will provide maximum protection from moisture penetration. As for the material that is often used for a pitched balcony roof, in most cases ondulin, corrugated sheeting, and metal tiles are used. Polycarbonate is also in great demand today.

Polycarbonate roof

Polycarbonate is a unique material of its kind. It is very light in weight, which has a positive effect on installation and is durable. The unique structure of such roofing material allows you to improve the soundproofing properties of the room, while such a roof will allow natural sunlight to pass through. The only and significant disadvantage of polycarbonate is its fragility. Even if ice falls from a height of 2-3 meters, a crack can form.

Additional sealing services include:

1. Arrangement of canopies, installation of ebb tides.

2. Sealing the low tide on the balcony 3. Repairing the metal roof.

4. Fusing the waterproofing coating.

5. Insulation of windows and stained glass.

Sealing a balcony is impossible without insulating the junctions of the frames, clamping strips, and joints. We use silicone sealants as an insulating material between the balcony and the outside world.

Our company will provide seal replacement services. When you contact our company, you will receive free specialist on-site services and consultations.

The cost of the work is calculated after determining the commercial proposal and assessing the scope of work.