Leaking Balcony

[gingerdazza]

I have a first floor balcony over a porchway. It's about 6m sq, with tiles on top of concrete. The water is leaking down through the concrete I believe and into the porch way.

I'm looking for a way to waterproof it.

Was thinking along the lines of a transparent resin to go straight over the tiles, but would be grateful for some advice on how best to sort this without spending thousands.

Alternatively, perhaps lift the tiles, put down a waterproof coating (not sure what type) and re-lay some tiles?

Any thoughts appreciated

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• gingerdazza
• 30 Apr 2014
• 1

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

What is the waterproofing layer? Age? Is the leak nearer to a particular wall or the front parapet or in the middle of the porch ceiling or what? etc

 

[gingerdazza]

Currently there is no waterproof layer. The age is 30 years+. Not sure where the leak is - only seeing the results of it in the porchway.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

So you are saying there is just bare concrete?

 

[gingerdazza]

I believe so yes. It was originally built over nothing more than a garage and an open porchway, so I don't the builders saw a need for true waterproofing.

Any suggestions?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yea, stick a proper flat roof waterproof layer on it!

A clear layer of whatever may do something in the short term but it won't last.

Tiles up, clean concrete, apply flat roof layer, tiles back if they'll still be compatible otherwise promenade tiles on top of the new flat roof.

Felt is still good for 20 years if done well as is EDPM or GRP. any pics of the drain/the flashing etc?

 

[gingerdazza]

The flashing is just a raised tarmac or something similar.

Zoom this pic...

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• gingerdazza
• 30 Apr 2014
• 1

The drain is a typical roof drain (raised protruding metal mesh) at the outer edge (under the railing)

So tiles can be laid on felt?
Would rubber paint (under tiles) be any use?

What sort of resin should I go for straight over the top if I did go that route?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

They look like paving slabs? If they are and they came up alright without falling apart (some are cracked already by the looks) they cane be laid on paving support pads. if there was enough height to do that.

You can also get 'promenade tiles' which can be adhered to asphalt or felt roof coverings.

A resin on top of the tiles? Likely a highway to nowhere tbh but you could try something like: http://www.arcane-industries.co.uk/p535-transparent-waterproofing-system-over-tiled-terraces.html

Another major issue is you don't know where its leaking, as you may have gathered already, identifying where a flat roof is leaking can be far from straightforward.

 

[gingerdazza]

Thanks

Ashphalt or felt.......
Which would be "best"?
Which would be cheapest?
Which would last longer?
Which is ewasier to lay?

Appfreciate your help

 

[cotswoldbuilders]

You have probably got asphalt under the tiles.

You might get away with removing the tiles and get a roofer in to torch on some underlay and green mineral.