Category: Maintenance

ArticlesAsk The ExpertMaintenanceRoofing Work
Remedial Waterproofing for Balconies: A Comprehensive Guide to Fixing Balcony Leaks in Toronto’s GTA

Balconies, cherished for their outdoor charm, can quickly turn into a homeowner’s nightmare when leaks occur. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and costly repairs. In the bustling Toronto GTA area, where extreme weather conditions are prevalent, it’s essential for homeowners to understand the causes, warning signs, and effective solutions for balcony leaks. This article, brought to you by Royal Roofing, will guide you through the intricacies of remedial waterproofing for balconies.

Causes of Balcony Leaks

Balcony leaks can stem from various sources, and understanding these factors is key to effective remediation. Immediate or post-construction issues may arise from workmanship mistakes, damaged membranes, or incorrect flashing installations. Leaks occurring after a year or two often result from weather-induced movement, lack of maintenance, and higher-level construction challenges. Additionally, factors like inadequate slope and moisture-retaining stone tiles can contribute to balcony leaks.

Preventing Balcony Leaks

To safeguard your balcony from leaks, our recommendation is a multi-faceted approach. Begin with a heavy-duty builders plastic, such as a pond liner, beneath the sand/cement screed, followed by a reliable waterproofing membrane. Proper drainage, separation from the building’s interior, and maintaining an external height lower than the internal height are essential precautions. Regular inspections, especially after extreme weather events, can identify issues early, allowing for proactive repairs.

Warning Signs and Inspection

Timely identification of warning signs is crucial to preventing extensive damage. Keep an eye out for missing or cracked grout, water stains on ceilings, difficulties with balcony doors, peeling paint, and weak structural joints. If you notice any of these indicators, contact our accredited Installers at Royal Roofing for a professional assessment and discuss potential solutions, including over-tile waterproofing.

Repairing Leaking Balconies

Delaying balcony leak repairs can lead to structural damage, making early intervention vital. Traditional methods involve removing tiles and re-tiling, but these may not address the underlying issues. Remedial waterproofing, utilizing Clear Waterproofing Membrane, offers a cost-effective, less invasive solution. This 2-part aliphatic polyurethane membrane provides flexibility and durability, making it an ideal choice for balcony waterproofing. Whether you choose a professional installer or a DIY approach, Royal Roofing provides full help desk support for your convenience.

Waterproofing Systems for Balconies

Effective balcony waterproofing systems are crucial for preventing leaks. Quality membranes, proper surface repairs, and meticulous attention to balcony details, including wall upturns, floors, drains, and balustrades, create a lasting water barrier. Choosing high-quality materials and correct installation methods is essential to avoid severe water damage and potential structural collapse.

Cost Considerations

Fixing a leaking balcony can be a substantial investment, involving labor-intensive processes and material removal. Traditional methods often lead to higher costs and longer timelines. In contrast, remedial waterproofing with Clear Waterproofing Membrane offers a more cost-effective, time-efficient solution, potentially saving homeowners up to 70% of traditional repair costs.

Don’t let balcony leaks dampen your outdoor enjoyment. Stay vigilant, address issues promptly, and consider remedial waterproofing as a practical and cost-efficient solution. For expert advice and professional assistance in the Toronto GTA area, reach out to Royal Roofing. Let us help you enjoy your balcony worry-free, regardless of the weather.

Maintenance
Fiberglass Asphalt Shingle Roof Maintenance

A fiberglass asphalt roof does the best when it is disturbed the least. The shingles do “cure out” after they have been laid a few months. The grit is less likely to scuff off after the roof has aged a little.

However, every time you walk on it, a little bit of grit lets go and a little bit of cracking might occur at the edges of the tabs. It’s not disastrous and it’s not usually noticeable. But you don’t want to get in the habit of taking a daily walk on your new shingle roof.

When you do get up there, don’t step or stand on your caps. You have them double-overlapped and securely fastened, but why ask for trouble. (I got one reroofing job because the youngster in that house watched parades while standing on the peak of the lower roof. Several buckets were strategically placed in their family room when I got there.)

Don’t step in your double weave valleys and risk cracking a shingle. Don’t step in your metal valleys; your print might stay in the metal as a reminder.
More…