5 Tips for Balcony Renovation

Balcony Renovation is a big challenge for every contractor. Improper execution will result in its quick destruction.

The most common problems include the following:

Corrosion of drip caps made of traditional steel sheets
Cracked floor edges
Improper drainage of water from the floor
Stains
No tightness

In this article, we advise you on how to approach a balcony renovation because we know how many doubts arise when choosing materials and properly implementing this building element.

Materials for balcony renovation – what do we need?

The first stage of the renovation is selecting the materials needed for its implementation. This is not easy, considering the number of products available on the market, most of which must meet the durability requirements. Appropriate materials largely determine the durability of the terrace. What materials should be used?

Eaves profile

This is an essential element for balcony renovation, whose task is to drain water away from the floor. The lack of a drip cap causes dampness on the balcony and water to drip down the building walls, which may result in the formation of fungi and mould in apartments. In addition, the balcony structure is damaged.

What should you pay attention to when choosing eaves profiles?

Quality certificate
Guarantee
The materials it was made of

It is sealing and reinforcing tape.

Remember to properly seal your balcony when repairing it to enjoy our effect for a long time. For this purpose, we use sealing and reinforcing tape. This tape complements the system of strengthening and moisture-proofing floors. It strengthens critical places where high stresses occur at junctions of dissimilar materials (e.g., profile/substrate).

Tiles

For proper balcony renovation, tiles should be selected in dimensions no larger than 30 cm x 30 cm, in light colours, and with less than 3% absorbency. We should also ensure that the tiles are frost-resistant and have low abrasion. It is also worth considering choosing anti-slip tiles.

Balcony repair step-by-step

Properly renovating a balcony to withstand all conditions is difficult. The main reason is the omission of one of the assembly steps. Please remember that the only solution is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding selecting materials and artistry. In this section, we will dispel any doubts related to balcony renovation.

Substrate preparation

Balcony renovation begins with preparing the ground. Before starting the renovation, we remove the old floor and all loose surface fragments. Then, we make a cement screed with a slope towards the eaves, allowing rainwater to flow outside the terrace structure. The slope of the balcony should be 1-2%, i.e. 1-2 cm per meter of length.

Also read: Why Is a Prestige Kitchen Chimney Necessary for Your Home?

Installation of eaves profiles

Installing eaves profiles can only complete a balcony renovation. To properly install the profiles, a recess about 80 mm wide and 3-4 mm deep should be made in the base along the edge of the balcony or terrace. The profiles can be made by embedding assembly templates in fresh cement mortar and troweling the mortar to the upper surface of the template. After the mortar has set, we remove the template, obtaining an offset of the appropriate dimensions.

We place the corners on the prepared base to mark the places of mechanical fastening. We drill holes in these places, insert the dowel sleeves, and re-arrange the corners.

The next step in repairing the balcony is to measure straight sections. When measuring consecutive sections, you should leave expansion gaps of approximately 2 mm at the profile joints.

Start installing drip caps by placing the corners on a thin layer of sealing mortar and partially screwing in the screws. We proceed similarly when installing straight profiles. After the sealing mortar has initially set, tighten the screws.

Attach connectors to the joints of straight profiles and corners. Fill the entire length of the resulting expansion gap with a flexible sealing compound suitable for external applications.

Sealing

The next stage in the balcony repair is to strengthen the edges of the contact between the profile and the subfloor. We place a layer of sealing mortar on the width of the profile and partly of the subfloor and embed it in the reinforcing tape, ensuring no air bubbles remain under the tape. We paste reinforcing tape on the sealing mortar along the connection between the balcony slab and the building wall and reinforce all corner areas with corners. To seal the threshold zone of balcony doors, we use reinforcing tape with a butyl strip, through which we connect the tape to the door threshold and glue the remaining part on the sealing mortar.

Securing drip caps

When renovating a balcony, before applying layers of sealing mortar over the entire base surface, we recommend protecting the outer surface of the drip edges with painter’s tape. Thanks to this, no traces of mortar that are difficult to remove will remain on the surface of the profiles. We apply the sealing mortar layer according to the technical data sheets and manufacturers’ guidelines. Before laying ceramic tiles, we also recommend protecting the surface of the profiles against contamination with adhesive mortar.

Laying the floor

When renovating a balcony, we lay the floor using an adhesive mortar suitable for outdoor use. We start laying tiles from the line of eaves profiles. Smooth the mortar forming the face of the floor using a grouting spatula. The minimum joint width should be 6 mm, and the joint filling material should be suitable for terraces and balconies. We fill the expansion joints on the floor with a flexible seal that is ideal for outdoor use.

Many companies offer balcony repair services, but choosing the best leaking balcony repairs in Melbourne is essential to ensure that your balcony is fixed correctly, preventing any further water damage and ensuring the safety of your home and family.

The use of professional eaves profiles, the selection of appropriate materials, and proper artistry will allow terraces and balconies to use for many years and will make this element of the house decoration.

Conclusion

Balcony renovation requires careful attention to detail and adherence to proper procedures to ensure longevity and functionality. By selecting the best-leaking balcony repairs in Melbourne and employing professional eaves profiles, appropriate materials, and meticulous craftsmanship, homeowners can effectively prevent further water damage and enhance the safety of their homes and families. With thorough substrate preparation, precise installation of eaves profiles, thorough sealing, and meticulous floor laying, balconies can transform into durable and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces that provide enjoyment for years to come.

5 Tips for Balcony Renovation