Undoubtedly balconies and facades can add charm and value to any home or commercial space. If you’re lucky enough to have one, then every time you invite company to sit with you, or you are simply out watering the flowers that sit on the sill, it’s likely you’re the envy of your neighbors. What’s not envious however is the possibility that your balcony could be allowing water to seep into your rooms.
How Balconies Get Damaged
Most of the time this is a problem that waterproofing specialists like Vincent Boccia of Boccia Inc., a waterproofing and masonry company in New York, see most commonly in high-rise buildings, like apartments, hotels and condominiums. But it does not mean that just because you only have one balcony on your home that you are completely in the clear. Anyone who owns or lives in a hotel, apartment or home that has a balcony or facade can benefit from Boccia’s warnings and advice.
Usually waterproofing is a job confined to the level of a building that is underground like a basement and crawl space. But, in the case of balconies and facades, the restoration involves above-ground structures. If a balcony is not pitched or sloped properly when constructed, then water that pools on floor of the structure during heavy rain runs towards the home as opposed to off the sides like desired.
Besides letting water run into the house, the incorrect pitch or slope of the balcony allows excess water to rot the balcony, resulting in unsafe conditions. The last thing anyone would want is to be standing on a weak, rotting balcony when it starts to give way. The key is to stop the process well before it ever gets to the point of being a significant risk.
How to Fix It
The first problem to rectify is the pitch. It must be reconstructed so that no future water builds up and that damage will no longer be a concern. Afterward, a waterproof membrane can be placed over the balcony or façade to protect it from water stains, cracking and peeling. Like waterproofing done to other parts of the home, this is a long-term fix.
In addition to the balcony or façade, it is also wise to check the condition of high windows. Buildings made of brick or stucco are especially vulnerable to water leaks around these areas. Treating windows is not a solution limited to commercial buildings. The average homeowner can get all windows on his house sealed and protected properly too.
If it seems that you may be the victim of water damage that is coming from your window or balcony, call a local waterproofing specialist to assess the damage and get lasting solutions.
