Waterproofing a balcony is an important construction procedure, the high-quality implementation of which allows you to several times increase the service life of the concrete slab laid at the base of the structure.
Timely concern in this issue allows you to significantly reduce the cost of periodic repairs and prevent premature destruction of supporting elements.
The need for arrangement
It is possible to waterproof a balcony with your own handsReinforced concrete structure balcony slab has a porous composition. Based on this, moisture penetrating through the pores freely enters the internal cavity of the monolith during the cold season.
When exposed to negative temperatures, the trapped water expands, which leads to damage to the integrity of the concrete and rapid development corrosion of internal metal products.
In this regard, sealing balconies and loggias can significantly reduce the intensity of the processes described above, protecting the slab from the harmful effects of external factors.
Along with this, the waterproofing device glazed balcony will significantly reduce the humidity in the air both inside the loggia and inside the adjacent room.
Installation work does not require special skills and abilities. Any customer can perform the entire volume of operations without the involvement of specialists.
Types of waterproofing materials and optimal selection of raw materials
Rational selection of material – important stage when arranging waterproofing of a balcony. The choice of the facade layer of the loggia subsequently depends on the characteristics of the raw materials.
Thus, the use of, for example, a coating material makes it possible to install in the future decorative tiles and products imitating masonry from natural stone. Balcony waterproofing wooden house the use of penetrating compounds is envisaged. Do-it-yourself balcony waterproofing is currently gaining wide popularity.
![](https://i0.wp.com/balkon.expert/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/26-e1480796405669.jpg)
In this regard, it is more expedient to highlight the most commonly used varieties:
- Pasted view. Representatives of this subgroup are roll materials. The sheets are laid overlapping each other along the entire perimeter of the loggia, while the joints of the two rolled elements are covered with a mastic composition. The presented method of protection is actively used when implementing such measures as waterproofing a loggia from the inside. In addition, it is worth noting that to increase the efficiency and reliability of such protection, sheets of rolled waterproofing materials are laid in at least two layers.
- Polymer (cast) insulating compositions. The presented type of waterproofing consists of covering monolithic slab special water-repellent layer. As a rule, cast-type compounds are used to waterproof balcony floors. The essence of the method is to uniformly cover the treated surface with heated polymer agents, which, when hardened, form a protective shell that prevents moisture from penetrating deep into the slab.
- Painting type. Carrying out protective measures using the presented method differs from other representatives in that it costs significantly less to consumables and ease of implementation. However, waterproofing a balcony in a wooden house with your own hands using paint waterproofing predetermines periodic conduct updating the applied layer.
- Impregnating compositions. This type of protective antiseptics is used in most cases in houses made of timber or logs. The compositions are manufactured with the addition of special additives, which not only provide reliable waterproofing balconies and loggias, but also to provide the surface to be treated unique properties: resistance to fire, mold, insects, etc.
Each of the presented methods of installing waterproofing on a balcony has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as an individual cost expression. In this regard, in each specific case, the customer makes an independent decision when choosing a particular material, depending on design features loggia and surrounding climatic conditions.
Watch a video of how the process of waterproofing a balcony room is carried out.
The procedure for performing waterproofing
Having decided on the most optimal type waterproofing material, you should proceed directly to the work. The implementation of this activity must be carried out step by step, adhering to the following sequence of actions:
- Preparatory work. Having dismantled the old floor layer, it is necessary to analyze the condition of the concrete slab for destruction of its surface. It is best to remove old damp or crumbled areas using a hammer drill and a brush with stiff bristles (alternatively, you can use any available tool). We clean the surface to be treated from any remaining dust and debris. If there are cracks or potholes, we first cover the damaged areas with soil and restore them using cement mortar. It would be useful to inspect the roof of the loggia and protect the under-roof space from moisture. Then, we proceed to applying primer to the cleaned surfaces of the walls and ceiling.
- Floor surface. This event becomes especially relevant when living on the first floors of multi-story buildings. High-quality floor waterproofing will prevent moisture from entering from basement and soil. The first priority is to putty the side seam joints. Having cleared the floor of foreign debris, it is more advisable to treat the surface of the slab with penetrating waterproofing compounds. After waiting the necessary time for drying, we place overlapping sheets of foil. A small wooden frame is formed on top of the laid material, onto which oriented strand boards are placed using self-tapping screws. The final step is to place finishing material on top of the formed structure.
- Ceiling part. Waterproofing a balcony ceiling from the inside is usually done using coating or penetrating compounds. All cracks and joints are coated with sealants. Finally, we proceed to arranging waterproofing.
Conclusion
The question of how to make waterproofing on a balcony can be done by every developer with his own hands without involving the labor of specialists. Carrying out waterproofing measures in advance will ensure reliable protection protect your balcony from the outside and inside from the harmful effects of moisture, increasing the period of its operation.
Sealing and waterproofing are mandatory measures that follow the repair of a balcony or loggia. When a balcony leaks and water pours inside it, the moisture causes damage to the internal surfaces and insulation, if any. This negates all efforts on insulation and finishing.
In this article we will discuss what actions can be taken to insulate balconies and loggias, and what materials can be used. In addition, you will learn about the necessary preparatory work.
Materials for waterproofing and sealing. Preparatory work
First, let's figure out what the difference is between waterproofing and sealing.
Waterproofing is the protection of a ceiling or balcony slab from leaks: sealing all cracks that may form at seams, joints and cracks. In addition, the concept of “waterproofing” also includes protection of the surfaces themselves from moisture using special coatings.
Sealing is the subsequent treatment of seams and joints with special sealing compounds that have undergone waterproofing procedures. All seams and gaps of the constructed glazing structure of a loggia or balcony are also treated. Next, we will tell you how to independently organize the sealing and waterproofing of a balcony or loggia.
Materials for insulation and sealing
How to cover up or seal leaks? The most commonly used is the following:
- Elastic coatings - usually based on bitumen. Used as a waterproofing layer under rolls roofing materials.
- Polymer - made on the basis of polyurethane, have high elasticity. These are various mounting foams and sealing compounds.
- Rolled are materials for flat roof on a bitumen basis. Glassine, roofing felt and the like.
Preparatory work
Preparations for sealing are carried out simultaneously with preparations for balcony repairs. Speaking of the question “who should repair the balcony.” You can involve housing and communal services in repairing the balcony slab, but you will have to deal with its roof, walls and parapet yourself.
We inspect the surfaces: places where water flows are determined visually. The ceiling may show dried water stains, blistering paint, and/or traces of mold in areas of leakage. We will seal them. We are looking for the same thing on bottom side load-bearing plate. Along the way, we examine it for destruction. Then we begin repair work.
Leak on the balcony: localization of places requiring waterproofing and sealing
During the repair process, we check the slope of the balcony slab. It should be 2-3 C° from the wall of the house. This will ensure water drainage and will not accumulate on the stove. If for some reason there is no slope, then we eliminate this drawback.
Mix a mixture of cement and sand in a ratio of 3/2, the screed should be thick enough and not spread. We spread the mixture onto the surface of the slab and distribute it using the rule so that the layer near the wall is thicker. Using a level, we check the resulting angle and adjust it to 2-3 C°. The thickness of the screed should not exceed 4-4.5 cm.
How to waterproof a balcony: organizing the slope of the slab
Please note:when laying cement screed needs to be organized expansion joints where the slab meets the wall of the house. This will compensate for the expansion and contraction of the screed under the influence of temperature changes. The width of the seams should be 10-12 mm.If the balcony is very long, then additional “forced” seams are made along the slope of the slab. On a narrow and long balcony they are located every three meters, on a wide one every 2m2. They can be made both when laying the screed layer, and cut after it hardens.
Do-it-yourself waterproofing of a loggia: expansion joint
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 a 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, 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 with inside, under a layer of insulation and finishing materials. Under exterior finishing Balcony vapor barrier is being installed. If this is a loggia with a parapet and concrete walls, then we do not do a vapor barrier.
Please note:You cannot lay a second layer of waterproofing when insulating. If water somehow gets inside, it will not be able to dry, which will lead to an increase in the thermal conductivity of the insulation and its further deterioration.Now let's start sealing. Let's pass special composition all joints and seams with internal and outside balcony or loggia, which we previously waterproofed. This is done using a spatula. Don't forget about the glazing of the balcony, special attention When sealing, we pay 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 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. Next steps will be like this:
- 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.
In the last decade, the glazing service for loggias has become widespread. Every day there are more and more people who want to give it a more attractive look. There is another reason. Sometimes balconies from above leak so much that careful sealing is simply necessary.
At the same time, it is important to understand: for this room to turn into a cozy extension of the apartment, glazing alone is clearly not enough. It is equally important to protect it from moisture penetrating from the street. For this purpose, installation is used special materials. Quite often, experienced craftsmen are hired to carry out such work, but the advice of professionals will help even a beginner to cope with the work with his own hands.
This concept includes a set of works aimed at protecting building structure from humidity. Water can penetrate the loggia during rain, snow, evaporation from the basement (on the first floors), from the roof or upper floor.
Waterproofing the balcony from the outside and inside allows you to create a durable protective layer made of special materials that prevent moisture from entering inside. Thanks to this, it is possible to solve several problems at once.
- Protection from destruction. When moisture gets into microcracks in concrete or other building material, it begins to destroy it. As a result, repairs will be required very soon.
- Blocking the development of mold and mildew. High humidity in the room sooner or later leads to the appearance of fungus and mold on the walls, ceiling and floor. This phenomenon can often be seen in a bathtub or sanitary unit, where high air humidity is constantly present. This factor negatively affects the health of apartment residents and contributes to the appearance of unpleasant odor. Waterproofing the loggia from the inside will completely solve this issue.
- Corrosion protection. Metal fastenings and elements in contact with water are susceptible to corrosion. The appearance of rust indicates the beginning of the destruction of the metal.
All surfaces of the loggia need waterproofing: walls, floor and ceiling.
Types of materials
The construction products market today offers dozens of different types of materials. A builder can easily select a suitable product from this assortment, but a beginner in this business will have a difficult time. It is better not to rely on the advice of consultants in the store, but to choose the right building material according to building regulations and requirements.
In this case, waterproofing the balcony from the inside will give a good result. All coatings are divided into just a few groups.
- Coatings (they are also often called cast polymer coatings). This option is one of the most reliable and easy to install with your own hands. Typical representatives This class includes asphalt coatings and mastics. The only drawback of this technology is its high cost.
- Impregnation. These materials penetrate deeply into building material and reliably protect it. There are special penetrating compounds for concrete, wood, and other materials.
- Rolled. Installing such moisture protection will not allow residents to regret their choice. These polymer-bitumen coatings guarantee high reliability and long term service, but installation requires a lot of labor and experience.
- Coloring compounds. The main purpose of such materials is to protect metal elements from moisture. Among the advantages are relative cheapness and ease of application of insulation.
- Plastering. This method is considered one of the most famous and simplest. At the same time, for for many years application it has proven to be highly effective.
- Leaf protection. This class is represented by metal and plastic sheets. It is rational to use them only in cases where other options cannot be used for some reason.
- Injection protection. This type is used for spot insulation of cracks and seams. Such sealing of the balcony becomes possible with the use of astringent solutions.
Preparatory work
Before you begin repair work with your own hands, the surface must be carefully prepared. The quality of workmanship and service life of the coating will depend on this.
- If there is a floor decorative finishing carry out its dismantling. All work must be carried out carefully to avoid damage to the concrete slab.
- The slab itself is inspected and all potholes, damage and cracks are found.
- All areas with loose, exfoliated concrete are removed using a hammer drill.
- Thoroughly clean the base from dirt and dust. This can be done quickly and conveniently using a brush with long, stiff bristles.
- If there are small cracks, they are slightly expanded with a hammer drill. This will allow the solution to penetrate deeper and harden well. Large cracks are leveled to a U-shaped groove.
- If during the destruction of the balcony slab the reinforcement is exposed, signs of corrosion are carefully removed from it. A special chemical composition copes best with this.
- The metal, cleaned of rust, is coated with an anti-corrosion compound.
- Before waterproofing the balcony slab, it is restored. To do this, you can use ordinary cement or special compounds.
- They inspect the walls of the balcony and the roof, marking all problem areas where the balcony is leaking.
Is it possible to do without glazing?
Many people wonder whether waterproofing an open balcony is necessary? Experts agree that it is necessary. Despite the fact that they will continue to get here precipitation, the balcony slab remains sufficiently protected from water penetration. This significantly extends its service life and slows down destruction.
Those who decide to completely block the entry of moisture will still have to think about installing double-glazed windows. This is especially important when it comes to waterproofing a balcony over a bay window or other living space.
First of all, double-glazed windows and external cornice are installed. All gaps and cracks are eliminated. Usually, after glazing, the balcony is sealed by the craftsmen themselves. However, if after this there are gaps left, you can deal with them yourself. You just need to use polyurethane foam or sealant designed for use in conditions of temperature changes.
Floor arrangement
First of all, you should make sure that moisture is drained correctly. If the slope is made from the wall, then waterproofing the floor on the balcony can continue. If the slope is made towards the wall, then all the water will flow towards the house. You need to fix this yourself using a screed. To do this, prepare a mixture of cement and sand (ratio 1:3), apply it to the cleaned base of the balcony slab. The angle of repose for moisture removal should be 1-2 degrees to the outside.
After the screed has dried and hardened, you can proceed to further steps:
- Clean the base from dirt, dust, and thoroughly moisten it.
- Cover the slab with a layer of penetrating material. It is best to always make strokes in the same direction. This will help prevent peeling.
- After drying, the surface is covered with a second layer. This time the strokes are made in a direction perpendicular to the first layer. This will give maximum protection against water.
- This layer is periodically moistened for 3 days, not allowing it to dry out.
- The next layer is a rolled foil insulator. The sheets are overlapped by several cm. The joints of the sheets are glued together with mastic.
- Wood beams are installed on the floor, and the gaps between them are filled with polystyrene foam.
- All formed seams and joints are eliminated with polyurethane foam.
- The subfloor is laid on the beams. For this purpose it is often used OSB boards, securing them with self-tapping screws.
- Conduct finishing floor.
If you need to protect a balcony above a bay window, porch or alcove from moisture, then insulation should be carried out as carefully as possible, since the appearance of a leak will cause damage internal repairs the room located below.
Working with walls and partitions
For finishing walls and partitions when waterproofing a balcony, it is most convenient to use rolled materials, for example, foil-coated rolled polystyrene foam. It is attached to a vertical surface using construction mixture. When purchasing this mixture, you need to pay attention to its frost-resistant characteristics.
After the layer has hardened, the surface is generously moistened with water and covered with a coating composition in 2 layers. Waterproofing a balcony in a wooden house is carried out using special clear varnishes, which do not violate appearance natural wood.
Correct ceiling finish
To carry out ceiling works You can call a professional or do this task yourself.
If the balcony is leaking from above, the question arises: “what to do?” Let's start with the fact that preparatory stage detect all roof leaks through which moisture penetrates inside. Usually there are quite a lot of them and they are not difficult to find - stains form around the cracks and are wet to the touch. During the repair, all defects of the ceiling on the balcony are eliminated:
- for better adhesion, the ceiling is generously wetted with water;
- a layer of mastic is applied to the ceiling surface using a brush;
- The first layer is left to partially dry. When the mastic has set a little, apply a second layer on top;
- In addition to the ceiling itself, sources of leakage include the joints of the ceiling and walls. To minimize the risk, the joint and walls (15-20 cm from the ceiling) are also covered with impregnating mastic;
- from the moment of applying the mastic for 3 days, the painted surface must be moistened with a spray bottle and covered with a film, protecting it from drying out;
- waterproofing of the balcony roof can be carried out using polystyrene foam boards. They are attached using special fittings or construction adhesive. The joints of the slabs are filled with polyurethane foam that does not contain toluene. This waterproofing of the balcony ceiling from the inside provides maximum protection against moisture and cold.
Properly selected materials and high-quality work guarantee the absence of moisture, a long finishing period and the preservation of loggias from destruction.
Modern balconies have ceased to be storage rooms, warehouses and those rooms in which the oldest and completely unnecessary trash was stored. Now these small rooms have begun to be used in exactly the same way as the space inside the apartment. In other words, the balcony and loggia have become full-fledged rooms that can be converted into your office, combined with a living room, or simply made into a pleasant place where you can relax, drink a cup of coffee or read a book.
Waterproofing a balcony or loggia is a mandatory process if you plan to improve it. When insulating premises from the inside, it is waterproofing that allows repairs to be carried out correctly and without violating technology. Waterproofing prevents moisture from entering from the street and causing mold and other problems.
In addition, there are a number of understandable reasons why you should not skip this moment during finishing work:
- If the ceiling is leaking, you will soon have to deal with damage to the finishing of the balcony. Any decorative panel, or even more so wallpaper, will begin to peel off and deteriorate over time.
- If holes on the balcony leak, then corrosion on the metal structure begins very quickly.
- By eliminating the penetration of moisture inside, you can avoid the formation of fungus, which not only spoils the aesthetics of the room, but is also dangerous to health.
- Due to constant dampness, the integrity of supporting structures on the balcony, which over time makes it unsafe for use.
Specialized impregnations are used for concrete and wood. They penetrate deeply and are embedded in the structure of the canvas, which preserves its integrity and prevents water from getting inside. Wood processing should only be done in warm time years so that the material can dry completely.
For wood it is better to choose acrylic impregnation or made on the basis of drying oil.
Paste-type waterproofing is rolled materials that are rolled out overlapping over the entire surface of the balcony and loggia. Where the fabric is joined, gluing the layers with a special moisture-resistant mastic is required.
How to waterproof a balcony roof
Some people think that you can waterproof the outside and that will be enough, however, when water leaks through the gap, this is not the worst thing. Moisture can even penetrate through microscopic cracks in the floor, walls and roof. If the balcony is made of wood, in particular, we are talking about a wooden house, then the material is initially treated with an antiseptic. This prevents, again, mold and mildew, as well as drying out and loss of proper appearance. Some craftsmen advise choosing liquid rubber as a base, and only then laying the material, regardless of the type.
Sealing of a balcony roof with a bay window is required to prevent:
- Dampness;
- Drafts;
- Leakage.
Installing ceiling waterproofing begins with sealing holes and cracks with polyurethane-based sealant. If the cracks are too large, then the use of polyurethane foam and polyethylene filler is required.
In addition, waterproofing the top slab, either with your own hands or with the help of a professional, is carried out through the use of a special penetrating composition.
The material penetrates deep inside and there forms a durable sheet of waterproofing crystals. After the primer has dried, you can lay polystyrene foam or any other insulation material and even tiles.
We seal the balcony
It is worth noting that the improvement of a balcony, especially an open one, begins with glazing. Only in this way can the concept of leakage of water and other sediments be eliminated. After this, it is executed step by step instructions without violations, so that later you don’t have to redo the repair again.
Instructions:
- Sealing the room begins with preparing the surfaces. They are cleaned of debris, dust and dirt.
- If there are destructions of the slabs or too large openings, they are eliminated.
- If there is an old decorative coating, it should be removed.
Each stage is carried out carefully, carefully and without haste. This is required in order not to damage the integrity of the slab coatings and so that they do not crack, since in this case additional renovation work, means and strength. When dismantling the balcony floor, the covering from the floor is removed extremely carefully. A full inspection of the concrete slab is carried out for cracks and potholes. You need to clean the concrete with a stiff brush so that there is no small debris.
Using a grinder, you need to widen the cracks, if they are small, and if they are large, then they are leveled, which allows you to fill the floor with screed more evenly and thoroughly.
If the reinforcement is visible, then the concrete is removed and the reinforcement is cleaned of rust, and it is better to carry out mechanical cleaning. The concrete surface is being restored. It is necessary to inspect the roof of the balcony and identify problem areas through which moisture and water can penetrate. All partitions, ledges and ceilings are cleaned of debris, glue and paint residues.
Proper waterproofing of balcony slabs
Waterproofing a balcony in a private wooden house or an ordinary panel apartment building is generally no different. The most important thing is to choose the right materials, which may differ.
The difference is in:
- Properties;
- Method of application;
- Cost;
- Service life.
Laying waterproofing is not a very complicated process, and it can be done with your own hands without turning to a specialist. If the base of the roof, walls or floor is concrete, then a special penetrating compound is needed. For polyurethane surfaces, as well as for brick and stone, coating mixtures are used, and the compositions must have an increased degree of moisture resistance.
Cast waterproofing is carried out by using heated to liquid state polymer composition, which is used to fill exclusively the floor.
The material has excellent moisture resistance, but it is very easy to deform. Painting waterproofing It is applied like a regular dye, which prevents the penetration of moisture. The method is not expensive, simple, but there are many disadvantages. Working with wooden canvas, you will need to constantly paint. Such insulation from water and dampness does not tolerate negative temperatures at all and, during sudden cold snaps, can lose its properties.
How to waterproof a loggia from the inside
It is very important to waterproof the surface of the floor, walls and ceiling, whether in a country house or in an apartment. This is especially required for premises in apartment buildings which are located on the first floor. It is waterproofing, done correctly, that will prevent the penetration of dampness and moisture from the basement, which often causes the formation of mold and mildew. In order for the repair to be carried out according to all the rules, you need to prepare the necessary tools.
Namely, it is desirable to have:
- Jackhammer;
- Hammer;
- Angle grinder;
- Synthetic bristle brushes;
- Metal brush;
- Basin made of soft plastic;
- Trowels;
- Measuring container.
Do-it-yourself balcony waterproofing (video)
The options for materials and waterproofing methods discussed above are affordable and easy to work with. If you follow the technology correctly, you can achieve excellent results in the shortest possible time and at low cost. In the absence even small stock repair knowledge and finishing works, it is better to choose a specialist, since illiterate waterproofing and other actions can lead to the harmful consequences described above.
A modern balcony is no longer a storage room for storing unnecessary things that do not fit in the house - it is, rather, a full-fledged room, and its functional purpose may be different. Someone arranges here, someone - cozy place for relaxation, or even a full-fledged office. However, such a transformation requires repairs, which means you will need to waterproof the balcony yourself.
Why waterproof?
If you ignore the need for waterproofing, then very soon your wonderful renovation on the balcony will become unusable due to the accumulation of large quantity moisture. After all, even durable concrete floors cannot fully withstand precipitation and low temperatures. If you do not carry out waterproofing or carry out work in violation of technology, then the following troubles await you:
- spoilage quickly spectacular finishing balcony - any decorative panels get wet and begin to peel off;
- metal elements will corrode;
- a favorable environment for growth will be created, which will cause an unpleasant odor on the balcony;
- The integrity of the supporting structures of the balcony may be compromised, making it dangerous to be here.
Important: Even on open balcony waterproofing can bring positive results. The roof and floor, seams and concrete lintels, as well as equip an external cornice. But it is better if the work is carried out on glassed balcony(double glazing).
Rules for preparing for waterproofing
Waterproofing is not only work to “improve” the floor and ceiling, but also carefully sealing seams and installing external cornices. However, all this work requires thorough surface preparation. Before waterproofing, all damaged areas must be removed and dismantled. decorative coating. The sequence of work is as follows:
- Dismantled with extreme care flooring balcony - it will be used later.
- Looking around concrete slab for the presence of peeling and crumbling areas.
- Loose areas of concrete are carefully removed using a hammer drill.
- Concrete is cleaned of dirt and dust, which will require brushes with hard bristles. The result is a strong and clean foundation.
- Remains of cement or glue are carefully removed.
- With the help of a grinder, small cracks are expanded, and large ones are leveled. This will allow the future screed to fill all elements of the floor structure. The formed grooves are thoroughly cleaned of debris.
- Fragments of concrete are removed from the exposed reinforcement, after which it is thoroughly cleaned of rust accumulations. It is better to use not a mechanical one, but chemical method, since the metal must become really clean.
- The fittings are completely coated with an anti-corrosion compound.
- Recovering concrete covering- for these purposes they can be used as special compositions intended for quick repair, and standard cement mortar.
- The roof of the balcony is carefully inspected and its problem areas are identified, where moisture penetrates most of all.
- The roof and partitions are thoroughly cleaned of debris, dust, paint and glue, and also moistened.
What materials are needed for balcony waterproofing?
Waterproofing a balcony with your own hands requires the use of appropriate materials. Yes, for concrete foundations penetrating compounds will be required, and for surfaces made of polyurethane, brick or stone, a coating mixture is used.
Important: Both the coating and penetrating compositions you choose must have a high degree of moisture resistance.
Each type of insulation has its own area of use, features and advantages. Highlight following types materials:
![](https://i0.wp.com/balkonsami.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/gidroizolyatsiya-na-balkone-svoimi-rukami-2.jpeg)
Carrying out work on vertical balcony surfaces
If work is being carried out on waterproofing vertical balcony partitions, then foil-coated polystyrene foam can be used - it is glued using an appropriate building mixture with increased moisture and frost resistance. On top of this coating is already treated with a waterproofing compound ( coating waterproofing). Before applying the solution the surface must be moistened, after which the first layer of waterproofing is applied using a brush (in one direction, thickness about 1 millimeter). After 5 hours, a second layer is applied, and it is placed perpendicular to the first. The average consumption of the mixture for waterproofing vertical surfaces is 1.7 kilograms per square meter. meter.
You should also lay the joints between the tiles with reinforcing mesh (a mesh with cells of about 5 mm is good). The material is “recessed” into the waterproofing material and placed in such a way as to cover both sides of the seam by 8-10 centimeters.
Floor waterproofing rules
We waterproof the floor with painting materials
In order to properly waterproof the floor on a balcony or loggia, the surface should be thoroughly prepared. The floor is inspected for loose areas, they are removed, then the surface is cleaned of dirt and dust and moistened. Penetrating waterproofing is applied to the prepared and moistened surface. in two layers, and the second is applied only after the first has dried.
After this, you will need a foil vapor barrier that is rolled out over the floor surface. They lay it on top wooden beams, in between which polystyrene foam is placed. The joints and seams formed during work are carefully filled with polyurethane foam, after which you can begin laying the subfloor. OSB board is best suited for these purposes. And after fixing it with self-tapping screws, they begin to create the final coating.
We waterproof the balcony ceiling correctly
Before waterproofing the ceiling on the balcony, you need to determine where exactly water is leaking and drafts appear. It is advisable to treat the areas of greatest accumulation of moisture. polyurethane based sealant. If large cracks are found on the surface of the ceiling, then use polyurethane foam and a polyethylene seal.
To waterproof the top slab, a penetrating compound is used - it penetrates deep into the surface of the slab and forms special durable waterproofing crystals in it.
Important: concrete surface After coating with a penetrating mixture, it is necessary to protect it from mechanical damage and sudden changes in temperature for 3 days. Fast drying composition is also not allowed, so the surface is moistened with water.
After the penetrating waterproofing has dried, you can begin laying the polystyrene foam from the inside. To do this, you can use appropriate brackets and special construction adhesive.
We carry out work on the balcony with a bay window
If the balcony is located above a bay window, alcoge, porch or other façade architectural element, then waterproofing will require even more thorough. Thus, waterproofing a balcony above a bay window requires enhanced protection of surfaces from atmospheric influences - otherwise leaks will form, which will require repairs to the interior.
As additional measures protection can be provided by the installation of a roof or glazing (partial or complete) - thanks to this, the balcony above the bay window will turn into a landscaped loggia.
It is clear that all waterproofing work will be more effective if the balcony is glazed - this means not only the installation of high-quality double-glazed windows, but also sealing the seams and installing an external cornice. In addition, in this case, waterproofing will also prevent damage to the expensive finish. However, even on an open balcony, such events will significantly increase comfort.
And now we invite you to watch a video on the topic of our article on waterproofing balconies and loggias from the inside. You will see a demonstration of the work described above.