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Self-waterproofing of an open balcony. Everything you need to know about waterproofing a balcony with your own hands Balcony above the living space in a cottage

All photos from the article

More and more often, in suburban areas, you can see wooden houses with a bay window and a balcony, as they combine high aesthetic characteristics and functionality itself. Such designs allow you to increase the usable area of ​​the dwelling. At the same time, they can act as decorative elements of the facade.

Pros and cons of buildings with balconies

Objects of this type deserve special attention due to the presence of a structure protruding from the plane of the facade. Most often, such structures are fenced areas used as terraces, but if desired, they can be converted into premises for other purposes.

Main advantages

  • High decorative qualities make it possible to build attractive buildings... The balcony above the veranda in a wooden house looks especially elegant.
  • This extension allows you to get additional space... It can accommodate both a regular recreation area and a children's playroom, an office or a greenhouse.
  • When getting rid of the walls, such a design allows you to expand the living room.... However, this option is not feasible in all cases. It all depends on the constructive solution.

Some disadvantages

  • Buildings with a balcony have a rather complex construction technology, therefore, it is very difficult to carry out construction with your own hands in most cases.
  • The final price of real estate objects with a separate site of this type increases slightly. This is due to the purchase of additional materials for construction.
  • During the construction process, high requirements are imposed on safety, since the structure will protrude out of the walls. If the basic rules are not followed, there is a risk of collapse.

Note! If an individual developer is more interested in the decorative qualities of a building, then you can create a false balcony in a wooden house, which will serve as a rather attractive decoration.

Features of the work

Before making a balcony in a wooden house with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the nuances. They will help you build an aesthetically pleasing and at the same time safe structure, open or closed. Most often, for residential buildings, the first option is used with the ability to be outdoors.

A crate made of edged boards is attached to the control battens. The pitch between the main elements will depend on the type of roofing. If profiled sheets are used, then the distance should be no more than 30 cm.

Such a canopy can be supported by supporting posts or struts. The choice of a specific option is made taking into account the dimensions of the structure.

Installation of the fence

The supporting posts can be supporting posts to support the roof or separate pedestals made of beams with an increased cross-section. In the latter case, the installation of the elements is carried out by means of metal studs.

Balusters are also installed using metal rods, but with a reduced cross-section. A special rail is attached to them, on which a convenient handrail is put on.

Attention! Selecting wooden railings for a balcony in a country house or residential building should be taking into account the general design of the building, otherwise they may not look very appropriate.

In conclusion

Unlike the device of a conventional terrace, the construction of this structure is carried out without creating a foundation, since it is suspended. In this regard, special attention must be paid to the supporting part in order to achieve a high level of safety. As for the rest of the points, the structures are very similar.

Detailed information on wooden balconies is presented in the video in this article.

A balcony in a wooden house needs waterproofing to a greater extent than any of its counterparts in a stone building. After all, it is no secret that a tree is extremely susceptible to the negative influence of atmospheric precipitation; with high dampness, mold quickly starts in it, contributing to its accelerated destruction.

Conditionally, the waterproofing of a wooden balcony can be divided into several steps. Here, in many respects, it all depends on what type it belongs to - open or closed. Many today turn their balcony into a kind of pantry, others into a study, and still others into a recreation area. In all these cases, reliable insulation and waterproofing that can significantly increase comfort are indispensable.

Waterproofing an open balcony in a wooden house

When waterproofing an open balcony in a wooden house, it is important to create a slight slope of the coating away from the house, this will avoid the accumulation of water on its surface, absorbing which the wooden floors will damp and collapse. On average, the difference in the height of the edges of the covering near the house, and from the edge of the balcony should not exceed 4 cm, this will avoid a violation of the hydraulic insulation.

For any type of balcony, waterproofing the floor is of prime importance. There are a huge number of materials designed for such an operation, among which there are - roll, liquid, film and even membrane.

Much in waterproofing depends on the design of the balcony and on whether it exists in a finished form or is only at the stage of preparation for construction. In the latter case, everything is much simpler and you can build a waterproofing system at the same time as the balcony itself. For example, in Switzerland, a balcony covering is lined with a special sheet of metal, between the boards of which small gaps of a few millimeters are left to ensure ventilation of the metal layer.

In the event that the balcony has already been built, the simplest, not expensive and at the same time reliable option is to carry out work to strengthen it and pour over the base of a small layer of concrete screed mixed with liquid rubber. Those for whom, for some reason, this method is not suitable, can use special waterproofing plates that are mounted directly under the floor covering.

Excellent waterproofing of the balcony floor in a wooden house can also be obtained thanks to liquid rubber, which is applied to the tree with a special spray. The main thing before this is to tightly seal all the gaps between the boards, ordinary mastic is perfect for this. Unfortunately, this method has one serious drawback for its implementation, special expensive equipment is needed, which means that using this method to waterproof a balcony in a wooden house with your own hands, most likely it will not work and you will have to call a master.

Waterproofing a closed balcony in a wooden house

Waterproofing a closed balcony in a wooden house is not much different from an open balcony, but this is only when it comes to flooring. It should not be forgotten that in closed balconies and loggias, in addition to the floor, there is also a ceiling and walls, which also need to be given time during the waterproofing process.

Note! The best way to waterproof a ceiling is to saturate it properly with special polyurethane mastics. It should be said right away that they are not cheap, but they pay off with interest, since the use of cheaper funds will require at least an annual renewal of them, and the polyurethane-based mastic will not require replacement for 5 years.

If there is access to the balcony ceiling from the outside, then it is quite possible to carry out waterproofing using a method similar to waterproofing the floor covering, or even create a reliable roof covering.

Waterproofing the walls of a closed balcony in a wooden house is done in one of the following ways:

  • Painting - the most popular method, which is the process of applying special protective varnishes containing rubber additives. Unfortunately, this option is short-lived and requires regular renewal of the protective layer, due to which, at first glance, economical, it turns out to be one of the most expensive;
  • Gluing - these protective materials are both self-adhesive and glued to the surface under the influence of high temperatures. The most popular pasting material is roofing material and its analogues. This method is rather laborious and requires rather frequent renewal of the protective layer, therefore it has recently become less and less popular.
  • Water repellents are ready-made mixtures sold in most hardware stores. They have water-repellent properties, due to this they provide protection of the loggia from moisture at a sufficiently high level. Unfortunately, they deteriorate rather quickly under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, therefore it is recommended to use them only for internal waterproofing;
  • Powder - these means include the usual cement mixture with hydrophobic additives such as liquid rubber, tile glue and special types of plaster. Of the disadvantages of powder waterproofers, only a relatively low resistance to mechanical damage can be called.

These are all the basic methods of how to waterproof a balcony in a wooden house. As can be seen from the above, it is quite within the power of any ordinary homeowner, in most cases it does not require special skills and special training. However, only by contacting professionals with a good reputation can you get truly reliable and high-quality insulation of your balcony.

An open terrace in a private house is comfortable and beautiful. But the joy of owning an outdoor tea area often ends with the onset of autumn: puddles gather on the terrace, the ceiling in the room under the site becomes covered with wet spots, and mold begins to grow on the wall adjacent to the balcony. What is the problem? In the absence or in gross mistakes when organizing waterproofing of terraces. In order not to constantly waste time and considerable sums on correcting other people's miscalculations, it is necessary to seal the floor on the site once - but correctly and reliably.

Regardless of what material the terrace slab is made of, it is only the base. The coating resembles a multi-layer cake made of materials that do not allow moisture to pass through. Insulation sandwich construction:

  1. Floor slab - the base of the terrace.
  2. The first layer of terrace waterproofing is a vapor barrier membrane. Installed directly on a concrete base.
  3. Heat insulating layer. Taking into account the loads on the coating, select solid polystyrene foam plates. The layer thickness should be at least 10 - 15 cm.
  4. Second waterproofing layer: durable waterproof PVC film.
  5. Reinforced cement-concrete screed. Compositions are added to the solution to increase the strength, reduce the permeability of the solution. Coarse-mesh steel welded or prefabricated mesh with a cell side of 10 - 20 cm is laid as reinforcement.
  6. The third waterproofing layer: liquid polymer membranes, roll insulation, coating compounds.
  7. Frost-resistant waterproof adhesive for ceramic tiles.
  8. Porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles for outdoor use.

Open terrace: tiled floor

When arranging an open terrace, be sure to install a drip for draining rainwater. It is advisable to provide for the installation of a gutter along the entire length of the terrace cornice.

Insulation functions: why insulate and insulate the floor from moisture

Each of the waterproofing layers has a specific function. Therefore, you should not save on materials, the absence of one of the components can lead to the fact that all the work will have to be redone.

The result of savings in waterproofing: rust and leaky gaps

A vapor barrier film or membrane applied to the floor slab protects the thermal insulation layer. Condensation penetrates from the living area through the concrete floor and steam rises. If moisture gets into the thermal protective material, this will significantly increase its thermal conductivity.

The membrane must be brought up to a level of 20 cm above the floor surface on the terrace wall. Such a solution will protect the walls of the room adjacent to the open area from moisture seeping outside.
A layer of expanded polystyrene or mineral insulation with fiberglass protects the room, which is located under the terrace, from heat loss.

Waterproofing, installed above the heat-insulating layer, prevents the material from getting wet when the screed hardens, protects it from getting wet when the upper layers lose their tightness.

The screed, which is poured over the thermal insulation, must necessarily be inclined. Its task is to direct the flow of rainwater down the slope from the building to the drain. There are 2 options for arranging an inclined surface:

  • With one slope direction from the wall to the edge of the terrace. A single slope is organized on small terraces of residential buildings, loggias and balconies of high-rise buildings.
  • Gable slope. A method of removing moisture along two slopes from the edges to the center of the terrace: used when arranging roof drainage on large areas and operated roofs. In the center of the site, a tray is laid for collecting and draining rainwater, which is connected to the drain.

An elastic waterproofing coating, which is installed over the cement screed, protects the mortar from water seepage and cracking.

Methods for sealing the surface of terraces

Criteria that must be taken into account when organizing waterproofing of terraces:

  • The need to insulate the base. If there are no heated rooms under the site, you can save on a layer of expanded polystyrene.

Diagram of a waterproofing device without insulation

  • The choice of decorative coating. Options: laying ceramic tiles, installing boards, pouring a polymer floor.

Terrace flooring in a new house

Are you planning to build a house with a terrace above the first floor? Make sure that builders install floor slabs under the sloped terrace - no need to tilt in the screed, which puts additional stress on the base.

Choose a flooring material. If you plan to lay tiles, stone, porcelain stoneware, consider the possibility of a heating device. An electric heating cable under an adhesive layer will increase the service life of the decorative coating. The tile, heated from below, will not swell and crack. In addition, in winter there will be no need to clean the area from snow.

Option: instead of tiles - polymer fill

In addition to facing materials, bulk polymer waterproofing mixtures and roll materials are used as the top layer. Laying synthetic elastic materials significantly saves time.

It should be noted that the surface will lose its shine over time. Elastic materials do not tolerate mechanical damage. In a few years, the floor will have to be repaired.

Waterproofing of the site without insulation

Terraces adjacent to the house at ground level or at the entrance to the house are equipped without an insulating layer if there is no basement or basement under the site. All other layers of waterproofing are laid according to the standard scheme.

Installation of a base for a wooden platform without insulation

The following are used as flooring:

  • A natural stone.
  • Ceramic tiles.
  • Deck board.

Wooden terraces look luxurious, but the cost of the material is high, because only superhard rocks with a low coefficient of thermal deformation and moisture absorption are suitable for laying outdoors. The wooden floor will have to be regularly maintained: apply special bio- and moisture-proof impregnations.

Emergency repair of a leaking ceiling on the terrace

Problems with overlapping on balconies and terraces arise in autumn and winter, when it is not possible to make a full renovation. As an emergency measure, liquid waterproofing materials are used:

  • Lubricating mixtures and mortars based on cement and polymers with a high degree of adhesion to any type of surface. Such compositions well close small holes and cracks. You can apply the composition in several layers directly to the old coating: concrete or tiles.

Leaking areas can be urgently isolated without removing the coating

  • Bituminous materials: roofing material, coating. You can cover a large area of ​​the current base with bitumen-based roofing material. There are membranes with an adhesive layer that does not require heating.

Rapid sealing of the terrace floor will allow you to postpone repairs until the onset of the warm season.

Materials for work: finished products for waterproofing

When choosing materials for waterproofing terraces, it is advisable to select products from one line of one manufacturer. For work you will need:

  • Priming compound. It is applied on cement screeds and concrete substrates before waterproofing.
  • Vapor barrier membrane. Also, roofing material, membranes and roll materials on a bitumen basis are used as the bottom layer. In a private house, especially if the terrace is adjacent to the living room, it is better to install a film: bituminous canvases emit a pungent odor when heated. The material is bought with a margin for the output of the layer to the wall along the entire surface of the abutment.

  • Insulation. Extruded polystyrene foam, mineral mats with fiberglass are suitable as insulation. The thickness of the insulation, depending on the characteristics of the material, is up to 20 cm.
  • Waterproofing polypropylene or PVC film. Material thickness - from 0.2 mm.

Polyethylene waterproofing materials

  • Mortar and reinforcement mesh. It is necessary to calculate the amount of mortar for a screed up to 5 cm thick. The length of the side of the cell in the mesh is from 10 to 20 cm. The thickness of the rod is from 3 mm. You will also need roughing boards and metal corners for expansion joints.
  • Elastic cord. Synthetic polymer cord is placed in expansion joints. The thickness of the strips should be greater than the seam width and the height should be less than the seam depth.

  • Basic waterproofing. The choice depends on the type of decorative coating. Liquid polymer and mineral compounds are used under the tiles. Roll-on polymer membranes are also used.

Two-component formulations

  • Tile adhesive. Choose frost-resistant products for outdoor use.
  • Waterproofing tapes on an adhesive basis: necessary for processing corners, projections, baluster bases.

  • Silicone sealant. Used to fill gaps between tiles instead of decorative grout.

Step by step: waterproofing your terrace floor and walls yourself

It is necessary to equip the floor with waterproofing on the terrace during the warm season. The materials that are used have a minimum air temperature limitation of +5. It is not recommended to work in the heat, especially to fill the screed. The maximum temperature is from 25 to 28 o.

Preparation of the base

Before starting work, you will have to completely dismantle the old decorative coating: tiles, roofing felt. It is necessary to clean the surface down to concrete. After cleaning, the overlap is carefully examined.

The old coating must be removed

All cracks must be expanded by expanding them inward and to the sides. Remove the old solution to a solid base.
Cracks, irregularities, cracks must be sealed with a waterproof mortar. Before repairing, the edges of the defects are treated with soil so that the repair mortar is firmly held in the cavities.

After sealing the defects, the base is leveled. If the surface is severely damaged, it makes sense to make a leveling layer of concrete pouring with the required slope from the wall.

Fixation of primary insulation strips

After the base has dried and the solution has set, a vapor barrier is laid on the surface. The strips of film are laid with an overlap, seizing the edges with adhesive tape. The edges are folded onto the wall and fixed with insulating tape at a height of 15 - 20 cm.

Thermal insulation is placed on the film base. Make sure that no gaps form between the sheets. The sheets are stacked tightly butt-to-end.

A waterproofing film is laid on top of the expanded polystyrene layer. The edges are wrapped and fixed on the wall: at the same height as the vapor barrier. On the lower edge, the film is wrapped under the sheets of thermal protection.

Screed: pouring rules

The next layer is cement screed. The layer thickness is from 3 to 5 cm. Formwork is formed along the edges of the site. Reinforcement mesh is laid. It is advisable to add special compositions to the solution that improve the characteristics of the coating: the setting time decreases, the resistance to temperature drops increases.

Screed on the terrace: formwork and reinforcement layer

After pouring the mortar, it is necessary to lay the planks to form the seams. Expansion joints are left in order to protect the base from cracking and deformation. The planks are laid along the perimeter along the walls. The joint width against the wall must not be less than 15 mm.

Stacked elastic divider in the expansion joint

Metal strips with a thickness of 12 mm are laid along the site to a depth of up to 2/3 of the thickness of the screed. The step between the seams is from 1.5 m.

Take out the strips after the solution has solidified. An elastic cord is placed in the slots obtained, pressing tightly.

Waterproofing layer: 3 ways to protect against water

Before laying the waterproofing on the terrace, the surface of the screed is treated with a penetrating primer. When choosing liquid materials, several layers are applied to obtain a general waterproofing layer with a thickness of 2 to 4 mm.

Coating with processing of adjacent surfaces with tape

There are 2 types of liquid materials:

  • Ready-made compositions. Apply with a spatula, do not require dilution.
  • Two-component mixtures. Apply after combining and mixing the components.

The layers are applied with a brush, roller or spatula, intermittently. For the initial setting, the material takes about 4 hours. Complete drying takes place in 8 hours. When working with liquid materials, it is necessary to choose the right weather: the layers must not be allowed to get wet until they are completely dry.
Professional waterproofing polymer compounds are applied with special sprayers. You can choose liquid bulk mixes that are leveled with spatulas.

Application of a bulk waterproofing composition

Before applying waterproofing, it is necessary to carefully glue difficult areas with insulating tape: in the corners, at the junction of surfaces.

Roll materials can be stacked in 2 ways:

  • On the adhesive.
  • Without applying glue under the material.

Laying waterproofing on glue mortar

The edges of the canvases are laid on the fixing tape end-to-end. Make sure that when the roll is rolled out, the canvas does not wrinkle and wrinkles do not form. The main waterproofing on the terrace is raised to the adjoining walls so as to close the edges of the vapor barrier and the film laid on the insulation.

If the installation of a heating cable is planned, then the cable is laid over the insulating layer.

Laying the cladding

Laying of the tiles begins after the final drying of the applied waterproofing materials.

Primary requirements:

  • You can only use materials for outdoor work.
  • Do not grind the seams between tiles with standard decorative grout. It is better to fill the gaps with an elastic, frost-resistant sealant.
  • If the terrace area is more than 20 sq. m, then it is necessary to make a gap between the tiles - an expansion joint. It is desirable that the seam separates equal surfaces.

Video lesson: insulation of a balcony in a frame house

The amount of work that needs to be done in order to properly waterproof the terrace is quite large.

It is necessary to precisely observe the installation technology of each of the layers, to calculate the correct slope. It is imperative to allow time for the mortar to set. It is worthwhile to independently engage in repairs only when arranging small areas - balconies, loggias. When equipping the overlap of a large terrace, especially over the living rooms of the lower floor, it is better not to take risks - a mistake can cost much more than the services of experienced specialists.

Wood is an excellent and versatile building material used by man for many millennia. With the use of wood, housing was erected even in the presence of stone tools, this material does not lose its popularity to this day. Wooden houses are quickly erected, have excellent heat-insulating properties, and with proper processing, they are used for a very long time.

It is with processing and the presence of protection that the tree retains its properties for a long time. But if the walls, roof and ceilings are also protected, what to do if there are balconies in a wooden house? Naturally, one cannot do without such a complex of works as waterproofing. Especially relevant is the waterproofing of an open balcony in the country, where there is no way to constantly monitor the state of the building.

What is waterproofing and why is it needed

Protection of building structures from moisture ingress is called waterproofing. Such a set of measures is used in the construction of any buildings from any materials. Moisture protection in construction is used for:

  • normal functioning of buildings;
  • increasing the life of the building.

These two points contain the whole secret of using waterproofing. Firstly, none of the homeowners wants to live in dampness and surrounding mold. And secondly, a house, and especially a wooden one, will become unusable very quickly under the influence of such an aggressive substance as water.

Why do you need waterproofing

Most often, country houses and cottages are built from wood, intended for recreation in the countryside. And the presence of balconies, open and closed loggias and terraces in such a house is simply a must. In our climate, it is imperative to worry about protecting the load-bearing structures of a wooden balcony from excess moisture. Especially when you are at home near water bodies and rivers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZGhBPa1UZE Video can "t be loaded: Waterproofing a balcony in a frame house. (Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZGhBPa1UZE)

What will the waterproofing device give

  1. Moisture protection will ensure long-term use of structures without additional repairs. If you ignore the protection measures, then the wooden structures will swell, and over time they will simply become unusable.
  2. High-quality waterproofing will avoid such unpleasant phenomena as mold and mildew, which also destroy structures.
  3. And, of course, the appearance will remain the same if the building is protected from moisture.

So how is the waterproofing of a balcony in a wooden house arranged with your own hands? Protection from moisture of a wooden balcony or loggia can be done in several stages. It all depends on the type of balcony: whether it is open or closed, as well as the functions that it performs (resting place, work area, or storage room). In any case, you cannot do without reliable waterproofing, and in some cases insulation.

Waterproofing an open balcony

On an open balcony, waterproofing of the floor is a priority, since it is this part that is most susceptible to the influence of atmospheric moisture.

Waterproofing for a balcony in a private house can be of various types. Most often, one of the main types is used, depending on the capabilities:

  • roll;
  • liquid;
  • film;
  • membrane.

What kind of waterproofing to choose depends on the availability of finances, as well as on the design features of the balcony, and it is also important whether the house is under construction or whether insulation is planned in the finished house.

  1. The simplest insulation can be arranged in the form of a metal sheet on which the balcony floor covering is mounted, with gaps for ventilation.
  2. If the balcony has already been erected, then you can make the simplest concrete screed from a cement-sand mixture with the addition of liquid rubber. But here you need to take into account the type of floors, and whether they can withstand such a weight.
  3. An even easier method of waterproofing can be the laying of insulating boards, which are mounted directly under the flooring.
  4. The cheapest option would be to install roll waterproofing in the form of overlapping sheets of roofing material. A more budgetary option is coating insulation by applying bituminous mastic to the surface.
  5. If funds are available, it is better to use options such as applying liquid rubber, or polymer self-leveling floors. But it is rather difficult to do such waterproofing in a private house with your own hands, so it is worth contacting professionals.

When installing waterproofing, the following algorithm is observed: Surface preparation, laying a waterproofing layer, installing flooring, treating floors with antiseptics. If the house was built a long time ago, then for arranging a high-quality insulating layer, the cover is removed and one of the selected layers is laid. If the open balcony is located above the first floor bay window, you can apply the following coating cake:

  • a layer of vapor barrier and roll insulation are laid on the ceiling;
  • installation of a layer of insulation (penoplex);
  • a layer of coating waterproofing;
  • floor covering.

It is also worth doing the organization of a slight slope of the surface of the wooden balcony for the natural flow of water towards the edge of the balcony. The difference in height is not significant within 40 millimeters, this will be enough and imperceptible in everyday use.

Features of waterproofing a loggia or closed balcony

The organization of waterproofing the floor on a closed balcony or loggia is no different from the open version. But at the same time, special attention is paid to insulating the ceiling, and if necessary, then the walls. In addition, it is imperative that you take care of insulation if you plan to operate the house in the winter.

The best way to organize high-quality insulation is to impregnate the floor with polyurethane mastic. This type of waterproofing is not cheap, but pays off very well, especially when combined with roll types.

Waterproofing for a balcony in a country house is as follows:

  • slab impregnated with liquid waterproofing;
  • a layer of mineral wool insulation;
  • steam hydro-barrier;
  • roll insulation layer;
  • lathing;
  • roofing material.

The options for laying waterproofing can be different, and what type of roofing material will be used will not be an unimportant factor. If you plan to install soft tiles, you will need a continuous lathing, and a layer of rolled waterproofing; when using sheet roofing, you can use the pie indicated above.

The walls of the loggia are less susceptible to the influence of atmospheric precipitation, but they also need protection from the excessive influence of moisture. The following types of waterproofing can be applied:

  1. Painting is the protection of the wall surface by applying paints and varnishes. They include rubber additives that successfully organize insulation. The downside of such waterproofing is the need for periodic updating.
  2. Glued, types of insulation are created by mounting on the surface of roll materials. Previously, roofing material was used, but today there are more modern materials.
  3. Powder, these are all kinds of plasters with the addition of waterproofing additives. Perfectly protects surfaces in combination with painting types.

It is not difficult to equip waterproofing with your own hands. Before starting work, you need to study the materials on the topic and look at the SNiP, which indicates all the norms for arranging waterproofing. But in the absence of experience, it is best to turn to specialists who will advise what is best to do in your case. Also, the work of a professional employee is of much higher quality, and is performed faster than that of a common man in the street.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJF-D9Abe7M Video can "t be loaded: Waterproofing a balcony in a frame house (part 2) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJF-D9Abe7M)

It is often important to waterproof the balcony despite the fact that it is not glazed. Otherwise, excess moisture can be absorbed into the floor, due to which the stove can be partially damaged over time (there is also a high risk of mold). It is especially difficult to waterproof an open balcony, because its structures are constantly exposed to moisture. You can handle internal waterproofing yourself, but for external it is recommended to invite professionals.

Available options

The list of the waterproofing process depends on the selected waterproofing option and the characteristics of the balcony. In total, there are two options for carrying out work and using materials:

  • Painting.

The easiest way to make your own balcony waterproofing. Most often it is used to create a moisture-repellent layer from the inside of the loggia. In this case, bituminous mastics are used for waterproofing, which must be diluted before use. They are applied to the surface inside the covered balcony with a paint brush.

However, their level of protection is not sufficient for exterior decoration. Mastics are divided into two types - powder and coating. The former are sold in the form of a powder of quartz sand, cement, etc., diluted with water or special solutions. The second type is applied in the likeness of ordinary paint, it is necessary to warm up a little before use.

  • Roll.

The application process is highly complex and requires special knowledge, therefore, it is not recommended to roll the waterproofing layer with your own hands. Most effective for exterior decoration. Bituminous rolls of a certain size are laid on the surface and burned to it using a special device. Thanks to "gluing" to the concrete surface, the moisture-proof layer serves the longest and most efficiently. However, it is difficult to install any external finishing elements on top of the bituminous sheet, therefore this method is most often used to waterproof the floor on an open balcony and roofs.

  • Penetrating.

They are the most resistant to moisture, they are mainly applied in crevices between the wall and the window frame, in cracks, seams.

Preparation

In addition to purchasing all the necessary mastics, it is necessary to completely clean the balcony. If any cladding was installed on the floor, walls, ceiling, then before starting work it will need to be completely dismantled, leaving bare concrete. Then you need to check the quality of the concrete slabs themselves. If any defects are found on them (cracks, mold, irregularities, etc.), then they must be completely removed by covering them with plaster or removing damaged areas (in the case of irregularities). After the end of the work, dust and dirt are completely removed, and concrete can also be treated with special antiseptics.

If the walls, floor and ceiling are rotten to such an extent that rusty sections of the reinforcement are visible, then clean them as completely as possible from rust, and then apply special protective compounds for metals. Cracks that are too large will have to be widened and filled with a screed. Small cracks can be filled with ordinary plaster. Also, all large irregularities are removed with a spatula and the depressions are smeared.

If the concrete slab is damaged too much, then it will have to be replaced completely, but most often this can only be found in old and emergency houses.

Provided that all the preparatory procedures have been carried out, the mastics and sheets will more densely and evenly fall on the surface, thereby making the coating more durable and of high quality. High-quality waterproofing of the floor of an open balcony is especially relevant if it is located above the bay window of the neighbors below. Nobody wants to flood them.

Waterproofing process

The application of the moisture repellent layer may vary depending on the surface to which it is applied. The stages of the preparatory work may also differ slightly.

Floor insulation

If the balcony is located above the living space, then its floor must be waterproofed, because condensation accumulates on it, which can collect on the floor due to temperature differences and slowly destroy it.

Waterproofing the floor on an open balcony may involve the installation of a special floor screed with a slope of about 1-2% - this is required for the free flow of excess moisture. It is also desirable to reinforce it with a metal mesh (especially if it is planned to install insulation, decorative tiles, etc.). The screed must be divided into seams, which are of the following types:

  1. Temperature - formed when the pressure layer is laid.
  2. Wall mounted. Located at the junction of the balcony slab to the front slab, it is most suitable for small loggias.

Waterproofing an open balcony under a tile requires that the resulting joints be about half (maybe a little more or less) filled with moisture-insulating mastic. Then, insulation is added to the remaining space (if necessary) or it is simply poured with concrete, then tiles are laid on top.

You can also go in an easy way - either bituminous sheets are laid on the cleaned and repaired concrete slab, or mastic is applied. In the first case, it is advisable to entrust the matter to a specialist, since the sheets may need to be "burned" to the floor. In the second, you need to go to the walls 15-20 cm up.

Ceiling insulation

The ceiling on an open-type balcony can also be waterproofed by painting it over with mastic. If necessary, an additional film is applied to prevent the mastic from dripping from the ceiling.

But more often, ordinary mastic is applied to the ceiling, which has time to soak into the concrete. Application takes place in four stages:

  1. The ceiling is cleaned and slightly damp.
  2. The first thin layer of mastic is applied.
  3. After it dries, you need to moisten it a little.
  4. The second layer is applied. After that, it is advisable to moisten the ceiling 2-3 times a day for 2-3 days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5auk96rpDA Video can "t be loaded: Resitrix / Resitrix balcony waterproofing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5auk96rpDA)