Waterproofing Balconies & Terraces
Waterproofing balconies and terraces is crucial to prevent water damage, leaks, and structural deterioration. Drizoro and SealTight are two alternative brands of waterproofing products for such applications. Many buildings where a balcony or terrace is not over a living area are not waterproofed before tiling. These may be waterproof initially but over time cracks in the concrete allow water to drip onto the balcony below.
This spoils the quiet enjoyment of the owner below. Often a low pressure application Sealtight – seals concrete and stone providing mortar lines are intact it will provide a cheap means to seal the balcony.
Here are the general steps for waterproofing balconies and terraces using these products:
Materials Needed:
1. Drizoro Maxseal Flex or SealTight Waterproofing Membrane (or another suitable product from these brands).
2. Protective gear (gloves, safety goggles, and a mask if necessary).
3. Pressure washer or cleaning tools.
4. Primer (if recommended by the manufacturer).
5. Low pressure sprayer or a Drizoro MaxBrush or roller.
6. Drizoro Maxmesh – fibreglass reinforcing mesh, (if recommended).
7. Trowel.
8. Clean water for mixing and cleaning.
Procedure:
- Surface Preparation:
• Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly. Remove any dirt, dust, debris, loose paint, or existing coatings. A pressure washer can be useful for this purpose. - Repair and Patching:
• Inspect the surface for cracks, holes, or any damaged areas. Repair these with suitable patching compounds or repair mortars as recommended by the manufacturer. - Primer Application:
• With Dizoro waterproofing products no primer is required. Just keep the surface wet during the application - Mixing the Waterproofing Product:
• Mix the Drizoro Maxseal Flex or SealTight Waterproofing Membrane according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure it is mixed thoroughly to achieve a smooth and consistent texture. - Application to Balcony and Terrace:
• Using a Drizoro MaxBrush or broom, apply 2 coats of the waterproofing membrane evenly onto the surface. Start from the highest point and work your way down to ensure proper drainage.
• If the product requires it, embed a reinforcing fabric into the first layer while it is still wet to enhance strength and durability. Apply a second coat over the fabric. - Sealing joints and Cracks:
• Pay special attention to areas where the balcony or terrace meets the building’s structure, as these are common points of water entry. Seal joints and cracks thoroughly with the waterproofing product. Embed membrane with Drizoro Maxmesh – fibreglass reinforcing mesh, alternatively use Drizoro Maxrest– restoration-repair mortar or Drizoro Maxjoint Elastic to fill the cracks. Read more on crack repair here >>>> - Curing Time:
• Allow the waterproofing membrane to cure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Curing times can vary depending on environmental conditions. - Final Inspection:
• Inspect the waterproofing application for any missed spots, thin areas, or imperfections. Touch up any areas that require additional sealing. - Cleanup:
• Clean tools and equipment with water immediately after use. - Additional Layers (if necessary):
• Some products may require multiple coats for added protection. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the number of coats required. - Drying Time:
• Allow the final coat to cure/dry completely before any foot traffic or placing furniture or fixtures on the balcony or terrace.
If the membrane is not tiled over we recommend using Drizoro Maxseal Traffic.
Properly waterproofing your balcony or terrace with our unique range of high-quality products can extend its lifespan and protect it from water damage and leaks. This will reduce the lifetime maintenance cost of these areas.
Waterproofing is a crucial step in maintaining the integrity of your outdoor living spaces.
Trafficable Waterproof Coating for concrete floors – Drizoro Maxseal Traffic
