Balconies offer beautiful views of sunshine and sunsets, not to mention a place where you can unwind after a long day. With that in mind, they need regular care and maintenance to ensure they go the distance. The balcony is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home, and a little TLC ensures it withstands storm damage.
Many homeowners often overlook their balconies regarding weatherproofing, resulting in substantial internal water damage and structural deterioration if you don’t act. If you don’t know where to start your project, Orange County Cable Railing can help. This guide covers practical methods for weatherproofing your balconies and signs of damage to look out for.
Signs a Balcony Has Water Damage
Do you suspect your balcony has sustained water damage? If so, there are telltale signs you can look for to determine the appropriate course of action. In the event of a storm or heavy rains, check your balcony for peeling paint, discoloration, cracks, persistent dampness, mold growth, and warping floorboards. Failing to act in time can lead to irreversible damage and compromise the safety of your home. Here are proven weatherproof techniques to help restore your balconies to pristine condition.
Invest in Waterproof Tile
Rainwater is usually trapped under the balcony’s floor or wall, destroying structural elements like metal or wood. Other materials susceptible to water damage can become damaged, adding to the overall repair costs. However, waterproof tiles are a viable alternative to mitigate such damages and come in various patterns, colors, and styles to meet your aesthetic design.
These tiles are available in your local store and help ensure water doesn’t seep through the structural elements of your balcony. Instead of installing it yourself, we recommend consulting a professional to ensure the tiles are applied correctly, minimizing the risk of errors or gaps that allow water to penetrate the surface.
Fit Your Balcony with a Drainage System
Without the proper water drainage provisions, your balcony can become a safety hazard and structural risk in your home. We recommend scheduling a professional assessment before installing drainage lines to ensure everything runs as expected. The slightest miscalculation can lead to stagnant water on your balcony, affecting the quality and safety of the added space. Runoff should drain efficiently off your balcony to the septic system, and a professional contractor can help fit the system in the right places for optimal efficiency.
Seal Balcony Surfaces with a Liquid Membrane
Another effective weatherproofing solution is sealing the balcony surface with a liquid membrane. The material is applied using a roller or spray, ensuring it sinks into every nook and cranny for complete water damage protection. This non-porous material acts as a bonded coating, an effective and pocket-friendly solution to guarding your balcony against extreme weather. The application process is easy and fast, but the results are durable and resistant to most weather-related threats.
Whether installing a balcony or upgrading the current one, consider these weatherproofing methods to ensure a return on your investment. Contact us at Orange County Cable Railing and enjoy quality services that exceed your expectations.
