Most residential properties these days have a tiled balcony. If your residence has one, there is a high possibility that you will experience a balcony leakage one day. All tiled balconies are exposed to harsh conditions, 24/7 all year round, especially in countries like Singapore. They are constantly exposed to heat and humidity. Not to mention there is UV degradation, extreme weathers from hot sunlight to acid rains, as well as movement pressures that are caused by humans.
How do you tell that your balcony is leaking? In this article, we will discuss the signs that you should look out for if you suspect that your balcony is facing a leak. In any event that you have noticed the following signs, chances are that there is a balcony leakage and it requires some rectifications to it.
The clearest indication of a balcony leakage is cracked or missing grout in your tiles. Do take note of the grout from time to time, as grout will wear off from mopping of floor or from movement stresses.
If you step on a tile and noticed that it has been loose and it gives out some hollow noises and see water oozing out, it is another indication that there is a balcony leakage. When the tile is loose, it means that it is allowing water to seep through.
Another clear indication of a balcony leakage is when you have noticed the interior or the exterior balcony finishes have some yellowish staining or dampness, this could be a sign of a balcony leakage. Similarly, if you have noticed that the paint in your balcony is peeling off, it could also be a sign that your balcony is leaking.
To fix a balcony leakage, most contractors would remove the old tiles of the balcony, apply a coat of waterproofing membrane, followed by installing a new set of tiles. At SWC Construction, we provide a non-hacking and long lasting solution that is High Pressure PU Injection Grouting. This method is an injection of liquid grouting material into the structure under pressure. During the grouting process, fissures (an opening or line of breakage made by cracking or splitting in structures) and pores are filled with the grouting material, which subsequently hardens and connects the disintegrated surfaces. PU injection grouting can help to fill the cracks fully as once the injection is administered, the foam expands to fill in the entire space of each crack. This fullness gives full coverage and protection from any water seepage. Another advantage of PU injection grouting is that the atmosphere’s moisture content does not matter. The foam can be injected into wet areas, which means you do not have to wait till the leakage area is completely dry before taking action against further water damage. Not to mention PU injection grouting remains flexible too.