In short: Upstairs balconies are common on Greenbank homes and they are waterproofed decks over living rooms. We have recently found three distinct issues that often go wrong during building projects.
Drain pipe sizing is insufficient
At fixing stage on a Greenbank home the balcony floor drain was undersized for the area it served. Heavy rain can block the smallest drains, forcing water back inside through the doorway.
The membrane fails at the overflow
At handover on another Greenbank home the waterproofing membrane did not terminate into the overflow outlet. If a blockage occurs, water will back up past the membrane and overflow.
Tiles set on dabs
On a Greenbank balcony that same month the tiles had been spot-fixed on dabs of adhesive rather than a full bed. Heavy tiles can fracture under furniture and foot traffic. Moisture often sits against the waterproofing membrane in the hollow spaces below.
Why inspections matter here
Inspectors view the drainage and waterproofing membranes during the fixing and waterproofing phases. Inspect the balcony before the tiles arrive to catch cracks or leaks before the contractor finishes the job.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Greenbank. Licensed building practitioners.
