If you’ve noticed water stains creeping across your ceiling or felt the dreaded squish of damp carpet near your balcony door, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience the frustration of a leaking balcony, often due to improper or failed waterproofing. But here's the truth: it doesn’t have to be this way. Many balconies are prone to failure due to poor waterproofing and drainage, but with the right approach, you can protect your home and avoid costly repairs. Let’s dive into why your balcony might be leaking and, more importantly, how to fix it the right way.
Why Is Your Balcony Leaking? Common Causes
Balcony leaks don’t happen overnight. Here are the most common reasons your balcony may be letting water in:
Poor Waterproofing Installation – If membranes, sealants, or flashing were installed incorrectly, water can seep through gaps and cause damage over time.
Improper Drainage & Slope Issues – If water isn’t directed away properly, it pools on the surface and eventually finds its way into the structure.
Cracks & Structural Movement – As buildings settle, small cracks can form in concrete or masonry, allowing water to penetrate. Without proper repairs, these cracks widen over time.
Low-Quality Materials – Cheaper waterproofing materials, like galvanized steel flashing, can corrode and fail faster, leading to leaks.
Now that we’ve identified the most common causes of balcony leaks, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of fixing them properly.
Understand the Waterproofing Process: What to Expect
Waterproofing a balcony involves several key steps to ensure long-term durability:
Removal of Existing Materials:
The first step is to remove the existing door, railing, top layer of the porch (such as travertine), and possibly some bricks where the porch meets the wall. This allows for a thorough assessment of any existing waterproofing failures.
Inspection for Structural Cracks:
Small cracks in the balcony’s concrete or masonry might seem harmless, but over time, they allow water to seep in, leading to significant damage. As buildings naturally settle and shift, these cracks can expand, making proper waterproofing even more critical. If no significant cracks are found, the surface is cleaned and prepped, allowing waterproofing installation to proceed as planned. However, if substantial cracks or structural damage are detected, they must be repaired first to ensure a stable surface before applying waterproofing. This may involve sealing cracks, reinforcing weak areas, or patching damaged concrete to prevent future failures.
Installation of the Waterproofing System:
Once the surface is prepped, a new waterproofing system is installed. This includes metal flashing, waterproof membranes, and protective coatings to prevent future leaks. At this stage, the focus is on sealing and protecting the structure itself before any aesthetic elements are restored.
Next Steps: After waterproofing is completed, all essential components—doors, railings, and final finishes—will be carefully reinstalled to restore the space.
Ensure Proper Drainage: The Key to Preventing Standing Water
Even with the best waterproofing, a poorly sloped balcony or blocked drainage can lead to standing water, increasing the risk of leaks. Ensuring proper slope and installing high-quality drains or scuppers prevents water from pooling and finding its way into your home.
Balcony Slope: A proper slope directs water away from the building.
Drains and Scuppers: These must be well-placed and maintained to prevent water accumulation.
Debris Management: Regularly clearing leaves and dirt from drains prevents blockages.
Choose the Right Waterproofing Materials: Why Stainless Steel Matters
We use a waterproofing system made by Westcoat, which comes with a 10-year warranty and includes stainless steel flashing. Stainless steel is crucial because it resists corrosion far better than regular galvanized steel, which can deteriorate over time, leading to leaks.
While this system isn’t the cheapest, it’s the only one we trust and warrant.
Remove and Reinstall Patio Doors with a Door Pan
To prevent water ingress, the patio doors must be removed and reinstalled with a door pan. This pan prevents water from entering around the sides of the door frame and the locking holes in the threshold. Unfortunately, some contractors overlook this essential step, especially those looking to cut corners.
For more details on the importance of a door pan, see our blog post on Patio Door Installation below.
How Much Does It Cost to Convert Windows to a Patio Door? 15 Things to Consider Before You Commit
Add Finishing Touches: Coatings and Decorative Options
Before the railing is reinstalled, you can choose to either tile over the area with a tile or stone or add a decorative coating. These coatings, which can mimic the look of tile or stone and come in various colors and patterns, add a stylish touch to your balcony.
👉 Explore finish colors and their properties here.
👉 See decorative waterproof deck patterns here.
Reinstallation and Final Touches
Reinstall the Doors and Railing:
Once the waterproofing is complete, the doors are reinstalled along with interior and exterior trim, which is then painted. Any removed brickwork is repaired at this stage.
Additional Costs:
If you want to restore the original material (like travertine), there may be additional costs depending on its condition. If the railing is too corroded or worn, a new one will need to be fabricated and installed.
Final Painting and Cleanup:
The last stage involves touching up any remaining areas, painting the doors, and ensuring the space is clean and ready for use.
Preventative Maintenance: Keeping Your Balcony Leak-Free
Once your balcony is properly waterproofed, regular maintenance is key to keeping it in top shape. Here’s what we recommend:
Inspect the caulking and seals around doors yearly.
Clear debris from drains to prevent clogs.
Look for cracks or discoloration in the waterproofing layer and address them immediately.
Check for any signs of water pooling after heavy rain.
Waterproofing a balcony requires careful attention to detail and the right materials. By following these steps and choosing a trusted contractor, you can ensure that your balcony stays beautiful and functional for years to come. A leaking balcony can cause extensive damage if left untreated. By addressing the root causes and using the right waterproofing techniques, you can ensure a durable, leak-free outdoor space for years to come.
Popular On The Blog
From Instagram
A leaking balcony can lead to costly repairs, water damage, and even structural issues if left untreated. In this guide, we break down the most common causes of balcony leaks—such as poor waterproofing, improper drainage, and structural cracks—and explain how to fix them the right way.