How to waterproof the floor on the balcony? Balcony waterproofing: secrets, effective methods and useful tips Balcony slab waterproofing step by step

10.04.2020

The use of natural materials in the construction of a home is always relevant, due to the environmental friendliness and decorative finishes. Balcony waterproofing wooden house, performed in the correct sequence and subject to the technology of work, will ensure long-term operation of the structure.

Wood materials are able to hide surface defects, have good soundproofing properties, creating an optimal microclimate of the home. Exterior finish loggias from the array needs high-quality protection from the effects of atmospheric phenomena and temperature extremes. Waterproofing wooden balcony is a set of measures to prevent moisture from entering the structure.

The need for work is due to:

normal functioning of the building;
increase the service life of the coating.

Strong wetting of surfaces can lead to the development of mold, reducing the decorative effect of the tree. Subsequently, the material may lose its strength and attractive appearance, and irreversible deformation of the coatings will occur. Properly executed waterproofing of a balcony in a wooden house will prevent swelling, cracks, leading to the destruction of the structure.

The technology of work depends on the type and functional purpose of the loggias. It is important to take into account the features of open and closed structures, the material of the base and finish coating.

The choice of a waterproofing layer option should also provide for the intensity of operation and the intended purpose of the balcony (recreation or work area, pantry).

Materials for work

Balcony waterproofing in a wooden house is carried out using special materials, different in purpose and application methods. Products for the floor are represented by liquid, roll, membrane and film (polymer) finishes. There are several main types of insulation for walls: painting, cast, pasting.

Wooden parts must be treated with flame retardants, special compounds with antiseptic and water-repellent properties. Fungus and mold have a destructive effect, so it is important to prevent their occurrence.

The tree will retain its attractive appearance and strength when impregnated, painted, or varnished. Transparent compositions emphasize the natural texture and pattern of the surface. The varnish is recommended to be applied on the surfaces which are previously covered with drying oil. The final layer of finish can be additionally sealed with penetrating compounds.

perforator and fixing accessories;
cement, sand, bars;
means for waterproofing and processing floors;
expanded polystyrene and OSB boards;
foil steam insulator;
sealant, polyurethane foam;
reinforced mesh.

Timely waterproofing of the balcony floor in a wooden house during construction will eliminate the need to remove the coating in the future. The work plan includes the creation concrete screed, installation of rolled insulating material coated with bituminous or penetrating mixture. Only after completion of all stages, you can lay the board.

Waterproofing options for an open balcony

To find out how to waterproof a balcony in a wooden house correctly, the recommendations of experts will help. There should be a slight slope on the surface of the open loggia, which will help prevent the accumulation of water. Excess moisture is absorbed into the wooden floor surfaces on the balcony and leads to deformation of the material. The permissible difference in the height of the platform level is no more than 4 cm, which will preserve the hydraulic properties of the insulation.

The waterproofing layer can be made using various technologies:

Laying a special metal sheet. Insulation is installed at the stage of construction of the dwelling. Be sure to provide a gap between the coatings for ventilation.
Liquid rubber will ensure the tightness of the wooden floor. The finishing surface is removed, all cracks are sealed with mastic, and a layer of the mixture is laid. Upon completion of the work, the final installation of the external coating is carried out. It is important to consider the allowable weight for certain type designs.
The use of insulating boards. Sealing is achieved by laying the material under the floor finish.
Roll waterproofing, or application bituminous mastic. The advantage of the options is the availability and low cost of materials.

High-quality waterproofing of a wooden floor on a balcony should maintain a certain sequence of work. Initially, the surface should be prepared. On the this stage if necessary, the old layer of insulation is removed. After laying the waterproofing layer, the selected finishing material is installed. In conclusion, it will be necessary to treat the tree with an antiseptic.

Having determined the option of how to waterproof a wooden balcony, it is important to maintain the correct algorithm:

laying a draft layer of rolled insulation;
insulation layer flooring;
the use of coating compositions;
finish flooring.

In the event that tiles are the final floor covering of the open loggia, it will be necessary to apply a primer and level the base before installing the insulation. The result should be a durable seamless coating.

Waterproofing technology for a closed balcony

Waterproofing the floor of a balcony in a wooden house with a closed type of construction practically does not differ from the options for open loggias. Additionally, attention should be paid to the ceiling and walls. Treating the ceiling surface with a mastic with a polyurethane composition will provide the necessary protection against moisture. On the outer plane, it is recommended to create a roof covering, or perform work similar to the floor waterproofing technology.

The general scheme for waterproofing floors consists of a coating with a liquid insulating compound, a layer of insulation, a hydro-barrier, a layer of rolled materials and a crate. In conclusion, the external roofing material is mounted. The option is suitable when using sheet-type coatings. In the case of a roof with soft tiles, it will be necessary to perform a sheathing of a continuous type in combination with rolled waterproofing materials.

To find out how to waterproof the balcony in each individual case, the list of available ways to work on the walls will help:

Gluing method. Materials with a self-adhesive base are used, or requiring exposure high temperatures. Roofing material, or its analogues, can also be used. The application process is quite laborious and requires special knowledge and skills during installation.
Coloring way. Provides surface coating with a protective varnish with rubber components. The disadvantage of this method is the need for frequent and regular updating of the insulation. The total cost of varnish products makes this option quite costly.
powder method. As a material for waterproofing, cement mixtures are used in combination with hydrophobic additives (tile adhesive, liquid rubber, special plaster). The resulting coating is not resistant to mechanical damage.
Water repellents. The method is based on the use of ready-made compounds that have the necessary insulating and water-repellent properties. A high degree of hydroprotection of surfaces is achieved. It is recommended to use water repellents for internal work, in external conditions the layer is subject to strong destruction under the influence of ultraviolet rays.

Proper implementation of the waterproofing technology for wooden balconies will provide reliable protection of the structure from moisture. It is possible to do the work with your own hands, using the proven advice of specialists. A high-quality waterproofing layer will prevent deformation and increase the durability of the wood material.

Wood is excellent and versatile construction material used by man for thousands of years. With the use of wood, housing was built even in the presence of stone tools, such material has not lost its popularity to this day. Wooden houses they are quickly erected, have excellent heat-insulating properties, and, with proper processing, are operated for a very long time.

It is during processing and the presence of protection that the tree retains its properties for a long time. But if the walls, roof and ceilings are additionally protected, what should you 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 a country house, where it is not possible to constantly monitor the condition of the building.

What is waterproofing and why is it needed

The 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;
increase the life of the building.

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

Why waterproofing is needed

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZGhBPa1UZE Video can "t be loaded: Balcony waterproofing in frame house. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZGhBPa1UZE)

What will the waterproofing device give

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

So how do you do-it-yourself waterproofing of a balcony in a wooden house? Moisture protection of a wooden balcony or loggia can be done in several stages. It all depends on the type of balcony: open or closed, as well as the functions that it performs (resting place, work area, or pantry). In any case, you can not do without reliable waterproofing, and in some cases, insulation.

Outdoor balcony waterproofing device

On the open balcony, the waterproofing of the floor is arranged as a matter of 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 various kinds. Most often, one of the main types is used, depending on the capabilities:

roll;
liquid;
film;
membrane.

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

The simplest insulation can be arranged in the form of a metal sheet on which the flooring of the balcony is mounted, with gaps for ventilation.
If the balcony has already been erected, then you can make a simple concrete screed from a cement-sand mixture with the addition liquid rubber. But here you need to consider the type of floors, and whether they can withstand such a weight.
Even more in a simple way waterproofing can be the laying of insulating boards, which are mounted directly under the flooring.
The cheapest option would be to install rolled waterproofing in the form of roofing material overlapped sheets. More budget option is coating insulation by applying bituminous mastic to the surface.
If funds are available, it is better to use such options as applying liquid rubber, or polymer self-leveling floors. But it is quite difficult to do such waterproofing in a private house with your own hands, so you should turn to professionals.

When installing waterproofing, the following algorithm is observed: Surface preparation, laying a waterproofing layer, installation of a floor covering, treatment of floors with antiseptics. If the house was built a long time ago, then to equip a high-quality insulating layer, the coating is removed and one of the selected layers is laid. If an open balcony is located above the bay window of the first floor, 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 organizing a slight slope of the surface of the wooden balcony for the natural flow of water towards the edge of the balcony. The height difference is not significant within 40 millimeters, this will be enough and imperceptible in everyday use.

Features of waterproofing a loggia or a closed balcony

The organization of floor waterproofing on a closed balcony or loggia is no different from 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 to take care of warming if you plan to operate the house in the winter.

The best way to organize high-quality insulation can be the impregnation of the ceiling with polyurethane mastic. This type of waterproofing is not cheap, but it pays off very well, especially in combination with roll types.

Waterproofing for a balcony in country house as follows:

floor impregnated with liquid waterproofing;
layer of insulation mineral wool;
steam-hydrobarrier;
a layer of roll insulation;
crate;
roofing material.

The options for laying waterproofing can be different, and what type of roofing material will be used. If you plan to install soft tiles, then you will need a continuous crate, and a layer of rolled waterproofing, when using sheet roofing you can use the cake above.

The walls of the loggia are less affected by precipitation, but also need protection from excessive moisture. The following types of waterproofing can be applied:

Painting is the protection of the surface of the walls by applying paintwork materials. They include rubber additives that successfully organize insulation. The disadvantage of such waterproofing is the need for periodic updating.
Pasting, types of insulation are created by mounting rolled materials on the surface. Roofing material used to be used, but today there are more modern materials.
Powder, these are various kinds of plasters with the addition of waterproofing additives. Excellent surface protection in combination with paint types.

To equip waterproofing with your own hands is not particularly difficult. Before starting work, you need to study the materials on the topic and view the SNiP, which lists all the standards for arranging waterproofing. But in the absence of experience, it is best to turn to specialists who will advise what is best done in your case. Also, the work of a professional employee is much better, and is completed faster than that of a simple layman.

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)

The condition of the balcony or loggia must be carefully monitored. It is the balcony structures that are most susceptible to negative atmospheric phenomena, the effects of moisture and sudden changes in temperature. At the same time, the balcony room can be effectively used. It is turned into a mini-warehouse for storing things, freeing up useful space inside the apartment. Some equip there small room, relaxing on the balcony in the evenings, as in the attic: the air there is always fresh. Of course, only reliable waterproofing will provide really safe and comfortable conditions on the balcony or terrace.

Many are sure that concrete walls are reliably protected from water by a facing tile. This is not so - moisture easily penetrates the wall under the cladding.

Take care of the waterproofing of the balcony in advance, without waiting for the cold weather or the onset of the rainy season. A well-equipped balcony will serve you for a long time. For example, after carefully conducting the insulation, you can arrange a real winter Garden. It's beautiful, cozy and healthy.

The value of waterproofing a balcony

Now the majority of residents of multi-storey buildings have begun to pay more attention to the condition of the balconies. This is quite natural. Insufficient control of the isolation of the balcony from moisture leads to negative consequences:

loss of the original aesthetic appearance of the balcony, peeling of panels and elements decorative finishes;
corrosion of metal parts, fasteners;
the formation of mold plaque, fungus, accompanied by the appearance bad smell.

Agree, it’s not so pleasant to go out on such a balcony, and sometimes it’s even dangerous.

The result of the destructive effect of moisture on the balcony in the absence of waterproofing can be a complete loss of the structure of its bearing functions. Balconies sometimes collapse! Where there is no necessary waterproofing, it becomes dangerous for the owners and others!

The process of preparing a balcony or loggia for waterproofing

The first stage is preparation for isolation. Work carefully and carefully.

Carefully and carefully, without violating the integrity, dismantle floor covering balcony.
Carefully inspect the concrete slab. Identify any areas where pieces of concrete have already become unusable, have begun to flake off and crumble.
Remove all loose areas of concrete with a perforator.
Use a hard-bristled brush to clean concrete from accumulations of dirt and dust to a solid and clean base.
Carefully get rid of the remnants of cement, glue.
A grinder can slightly expand small cracks to allow the solution of the future screed to penetrate normally into the depth. We level large cracks to a U-shaped type of crack. All grooves formed must be thoroughly cleaned of debris.
Remove concrete fragments from exposed rebar.
Clean the fittings from accumulations of rust. This can be done mechanically, but it is better to use chemical composition. The metal must be clean.
Coat the rebar with an anti-corrosion compound.
Restore Carefully concrete pavement: both special formulations and ordinary cement are suitable.
Inspect the roof of the balcony and identify any problem areas where moisture penetrates.
Clean the roof and partitions from debris and dust, moisten them. Remove all paint and glue residue.

Only after complete preparation for waterproofing, you can begin to cover the balcony or terrace with insulating compounds.

Materials used

In the course of work, you can use the following materials, tools and compositions:

measured containers;
bucket or basin;
brush with hard synthetic bristles;
perforator;
jackhammer;
the composition of the "Scrape M500";
"Penecrete";
"Penetron";
foil expanded polystyrene;
sealant;
polyurethane foam (without toluene);
"KT throne";
respirator;
thick rubber gloves;
protective glasses.

Materials can be selected according to the area you are isolating and your personal preferences. CT throne can be coated or penetrating. Penetrating compounds are only suitable for concrete. When processing a brick or wooden balcony, coating compositions must be used.
Now also used roll materials based on polyethylene, with which surfaces are glued. Penofol is in demand.
The floor of the balcony can be well insulated additionally if you use modern foil insulation. Balcony lintels made of concrete or bricks are perfectly waterproofed by polystyrene foam. Sometimes mineral wool slabs are used for these purposes, but they are not suitable for insulating a balcony, since they are exposed to moisture condensate.

Estimated prices for materials for waterproofing a balcony

Name	Weight, kg	price, rub.
Penekrit	1	220
	5	1200-1650
	10	2407
	25	5750-5770
Penetron	1	250
	5	1350-1720
	10	2703
	25	6520
Skrepa M500	25	1000-1500

Glazing of an open balcony

Of course, to ensure high-quality waterproofing of the balcony, you will need to glaze it. Please note that just installing double-glazed windows is not enough. It is important to equip the outer cornice well, as well as carefully seal all seams. To do this, you can use mounting foam, various sealants. Pay attention to the instructions and keep in mind that your sealant will be subject to temperature fluctuations.

Balcony waterproofing with penetrating compounds

Penetrating compounds are suitable for concrete surfaces.

First you need to moisten the concrete;
Apply the first coat of compound (such as Penetron) to the wet concrete with a synthetic bristle brush;
Wait until the first layer sets a little, but does not have time to dry completely;
Lightly dampen the surface and apply a second coat of the compound. It is recommended to apply the composition in perpendicular directions;
Monitor the condition of the surfaces for three days. They must be protected from temperature extremes, any mechanical impact;

The composition should not peel off, crack.

Cover the surface with foil. Lightly wet the surface by gently spraying water.

How to waterproof a balcony with coating compositions

When the surface is brick, polyurethane or stone, a penetrating compound will not work. You need to apply a coating mixture.

Moisten the partition, balcony floor;
Apply the first coating layer;
Use the brush in one direction, make sure the layer is even;
The second layer must be applied after five hours. Observe the direction: it must be perpendicular to the first;
Reinforcing mesh is used in places where tile joints pass. Cells should be five millimeters. Drown the mesh in the waterproofing layer;

See also step by step video for waterproofing a balcony with mastic:

Coating mixtures form a high-quality elastic coating, reliably eliminate cracks.

Waterproofing the ceiling and roof of the balcony

Be sure to pay attention to the waterproofing of the roof of the balcony.

Treat the slab with compounds (penetrating or coating);
Eliminate all cracks, cracks. Use SEALANT;
You can attach additional insulation from penofol or polystyrene foam;

If the balcony is on the top floor, additional work is needed:

reinforced concrete roof is covered with roofing mastic;
when the roof is tiled or made of metal, mastic is applied to the joints of materials;
the seams between the panels are sealed at the level of the technical floor.
The roof of the upper floor is successfully complemented by skylights.

Waterproofing of balcony partitions

Partitions are treated in the same way as the floor. Choose which products suit you: coating or penetrating. The best option for partition insulation - foil polystyrene foam. It is simply carefully glued to the partitions.

Perform all waterproofing work on your balcony carefully and accurately. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them. Then excellent result guaranteed: you will enjoy the comfort on the balcony, you will be able to use it effectively.

Today, a balcony or loggia is not used as a pantry, where various unnecessary things are stored. Every family tries. and that's not enough. If you do not carry out waterproofing of the balcony from the inside, its sealing and vapor barrier, you can incur considerable financial losses in the future. What these works are and how to perform them correctly, you will learn from this article.

Balcony waterproofing

Waterproofing– protection of building materials and structures from the damaging effects of water. The results of the lack of waterproofing can be seen on the balconies of the upper floors, which do not have a roof and glazing, to which water constantly flows from the roof. On closed balconies, loggias, moisture gets inside due to poorly performed sealing work.

The destruction of concrete is observed at the junction of the balcony slab to the facade slab, its edges are heavily crumbled and cracks and shells are often visible on the plane.

What should be done to avoid such a situation? One of the prerequisites is to waterproof the balcony (loggia) with sealing of the seams.

You can use the services of specialists, but this is justified for outdoor work on the upper floors. From the inside, it is quite possible to waterproof the balcony with your own hands. It is necessary to pay attention to the sealing of all seams, regardless of their condition.

First, consider what the waterproofing of a balcony, loggia is.

The diagram below shows that during these works, the waterproofing mastic creates a protective layer, and the sealing of the seams and the restoration of damaged parts of the balcony slab is carried out using sealants.

Conditional scheme for waterproofing a balcony slab

The materials used in waterproofing work are divided into several types:

Coating compositions - bitumen-polymer, cement-polymer, bitumen-rubber. They form an elastic coating that requires a screed from above.
Penetrating compounds are the most persistent and popular. Apply to a damp surface, fill all cracks. They also increase the strength of building materials by 15-20%. But it can only be used for waterproofing concrete surfaces.
Pasting materials - polymeric (viniplast, polyethylene) and non-polymeric (fiberglass, roofing material). They are rarely used for waterproofing balconies (loggias), because working with them is expensive and laborious.

Consider step by step how to waterproof the balcony and loggia together with sealing.

Floor waterproofing

Work begins with the implementation of a concrete screed. For an open balcony, it is necessary to make a screed with a slope of 2%. It is necessary for the free descent of water from the surface of the plate. The screed is reinforced with a metal mesh.

When performing a screed, three types of seams are necessarily provided:

Compensatory - is formed when laying the pressure layer. Another name is temperature.
Forced - seams that divide the screed into squares.
Wall-mounted - located at the junction of the balcony slab to the facade.

Subsequently, 50% of the seams are filled with sealing mastic, into which an elastic cord is pressed.

The screed is cleaned of dust and debris, a primer is applied to it for better adhesion. One of the best is the WB Primer.

We apply several layers of polyurethane mastic (for example, Hyperdesmo RV) on moistened concrete. The final thickness of the insulation on the floor of the balcony, loggia must be at least 20 mm.

In addition to the floor, the waterproofing layer should also extend to the walls up to 150-200 mm.

Application of polyurethane waterproofing on the floor of the balcony (loggia)

Loggia waterproofing from the inside using polystyrene foam and vapor barrier film

Sealing and waterproofing the balcony ceiling from the inside

After glazing a balcony, a loggia, during precipitation, we sometimes see an unpleasant picture - a balcony is flowing. This could happen if the ceiling and roof of the balcony (loggia) were not sealed and waterproofed.

With poorly sealed balconies, the joints of windows leak, the roof flows from above, floods the floors. How to fix this defect?

From the inside, all work to eliminate the leak can be done independently. We seal all seams. We use polyurethane sealant Germoplast or Emfi. Before covering up the defects, we cut the seams and cracks with a grinder, clean them of dust and moisten them with water. We also pay attention to dark spots on the ceiling - in these places there may be microcracks through which water also flows. We also cut and seal them.

Sealing joints with polyurethane sealant

Next, we examine (loggias). Often frames are installed with technology violations. These shortcomings will have to be corrected with your own hands. Otherwise, having sealed and waterproofed the ceiling, we will constantly observe how water flows through the cracks in the glazing.

When installing glazing, mounting foam is used. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays, the foam is destroyed, water flows freely through these seams. It is necessary to partially remove the outer layer of foam, fill the formed groove with a hydro-swellable elastic cord. Under the influence of moisture, the cord increases in volume and prevents water from flowing in this place.

Leak at the bottom of the loggia frames due to poor sealing

We start waterproofing the ceiling by cleaning the entire surface and treating it with an antiseptic for (for example, Dali). Then we perform sealing of cracks and chips according to the technology described above.

For the ceiling, it is better to use polyurethane mastic Elastomiks or Elastopaz. They have good adhesion and it is not very difficult to apply it to the moistened surface of the ceiling.

The ceiling is covered with mastic in two layers - the direction of the second is perpendicular to the first. The waterproofing layer is reinforced with mesh after the first layer. To create a durable crystalline protective layer, it is necessary to allow the mastic to harden for 3 days.

When sheets of foiled polystyrene foam are glued to the ceiling - it also acts as a vapor barrier. The seams between them are also sealed.

Roof waterproofing

It is not always possible to do a complete sealing and waterproofing of the loggia with your own hands. We are talking about the upper floors - the roof of the loggia is leaking and external work is required. Who should fix the leak? It is impossible to do such work on your own - it is very dangerous. What to do in this case? It is necessary to invite experts.

You can watch how the work on waterproofing and sealing balconies (loggias) is carried out on the video on the Internet.

Conclusion

Now we know that waterproofing protects the balcony (loggia) from premature destruction under the influence of water, and sealing eliminates any leakage, preventing moisture from getting on unprotected surfaces.

As you can see, you can independently, using modern materials, carry out work on sealing, waterproofing the loggia and balcony. Protect them from even a small leak and dampness.

Which can be used at any time for different purposes.

In the last decade, the service of glazing loggias has become widespread. Every day there are more and more people who want to give it a more attractive look. There is another reason. Sometimes balconies flow from above so that careful sealing is simply necessary.

At the same time, it is important to understand that in order for this room to turn into a cozy continuation of the apartment, glazing alone is clearly not enough. It is equally important to protect it from moisture penetrating from the street. For this purpose, special materials are used. Quite often, experienced craftsmen are hired to carry out such work, but the advice of professionals will help even a beginner to cope with the work with their own hands.

This concept includes a set of works aimed at protecting a building structure from moisture. Water can penetrate either the loggia during rain, snow, evaporation from the basement (on the first floors), from the roof or upper floor.

Waterproofing the balcony from the outside and from the inside allows you to create a durable protective layer of special materials that prevents moisture from entering inside. Thanks to this, it is possible to solve several problems at once.

Protection against destruction. Getting into the microcracks of concrete or other building material, moisture begins to destroy it. As a result, repairs will be required very soon.
Blocking the development of mold and fungus. High humidity indoors sooner or later leads to the appearance of fungus and mold on the walls, ceiling and floor. This phenomenon can often be seen in a bath or sanitary unit, where there is always high humidity air. This factor negatively affects the health of the tenants of the apartment, contributes to the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Waterproofing the loggia from the inside will completely solve this issue.
Corrosion protection. Metal fasteners and elements in contact with water are susceptible to corrosion. The appearance of rust indicates the beginning of the destruction of the metal.

All surfaces of the loggia need waterproofing: walls, floor and ceiling.

Types of materials

The building goods market today offers dozens of different types of materials. A builder can easily choose a suitable product from this range, but a beginner in this business will have a hard time. It is better not to rely on the advice of consultants in the store, but to choose the right building material in accordance with building codes and requirements.

In this case, waterproofing the balcony from the inside will give a good result. All coatings are divided into just a few groups.

Coating (they are also often called cast polymer coatings). This option is one of the most reliable and easy to install with your own hands. Typical members of this class are asphalt pavements, mastics. The only drawback of this technology is its high cost.
Impregnation. These materials penetrate deep into the building material and reliably protect it. There are special penetrating compounds for concrete, wood, and other materials.
Roll. Installation of such protection against moisture will not allow residents to regret their choice. These polymer-bitumen coatings guarantee high reliability and a long service life, however, laying requires a lot of labor and experience.
Coloring compositions. The main purpose of such materials is to protect metal elements from moisture. Among the advantages - the relative cheapness, ease of application of insulation.
Plastering. This method is considered one of the most famous and simple. However, over the years of use, it has proven its high efficiency.
Sheet protection. This class is represented by metal and plastic sheets. It is rational to use them only in cases where other options cannot be applied for some reason.
injection protection. This type is used for spot isolation of cracks, seams. Such sealing of the balcony becomes possible with the use of binder solutions.

Preparatory work

Before proceeding to repair work with your own hands, the surface must be carefully prepared. The quality of workmanship and the service life of the coating will depend on this.

If there is a floor decorative finish, it is dismantled. All work must be carried out carefully to avoid damage to the concrete slab.
The slab itself is inspected and all potholes, damage and cracks are found.
All areas with loose exfoliated concrete are removed using a perforator.
Thoroughly clean the base from dirt and dust. You can do this quickly and conveniently with a brush with long hard bristles.
If there are small cracks on the plate, they are slightly expanded with a perforator. This will allow the solution to penetrate deeper and harden well. Large cracks are leveled to a U-shaped groove.
If reinforcement is exposed during the destruction of the balcony slab, signs of corrosion are carefully removed from it. Best of all, a special chemical composition copes with this.
The metal cleaned from rust is coated with an anti-corrosion compound.
Before waterproofing the balcony slab, it is restored. To do this, you can use ordinary cement or special compounds.
They examine the walls of the balcony and the roof, note all the problem areas in which the balcony flows.

Is it possible to do without glazing

Many are wondering if waterproofing an open balcony is necessary? Experts agree that it is necessary. Despite the fact that precipitation will continue to fall here, the balcony slab remains sufficiently protected from water penetration. This significantly prolongs its service life, slows down the destruction.

Those who decide to completely block the ingress of moisture will still have to think about installing double-glazed windows. This is especially important in cases where we are talking about waterproofing a balcony above a bay window or other living space.

First of all, double-glazed windows and an external cornice are installed. All gaps and cracks are eliminated. Usually the masters themselves seal the balcony after glazing. However, if after that there are gaps, you can deal with them with your own hands. You just need to use mounting foam or sealant designed for use in conditions of temperature extremes.

Floor arrangement

First of all, you should make sure that the moisture is properly removed. If the slope is made from the wall, then the waterproofing of the floor on the balcony can continue. If the slope is made towards the wall, then all the water will drain to the house. This needs to be fixed with your own hands with a screed. To do this, prepare a mixture of cement and sand (1: 3 ratio), apply it to the cleaned base of the balcony slab. The slope angle for moisture removal should be 1-2 degrees to the outside.

After the screed dries and hardens, you can proceed to further steps:

Clean the base from dirt, dust, thoroughly moisten.
Cover the board with a layer of penetrating material. It is best to make strokes always in the same direction. This will help prevent peeling.
After drying, the surface is covered with a second layer. This time the strokes are made in a perpendicular direction to the first layer. This will give you maximum water protection.
For 3 days, this layer is periodically moistened, not allowing to dry.
The next layer is a rolled foil insulator. The sheets are overlapped by a few cm. The joints of the sheets are glued together with mastic.
Wooden bars are installed on the floor, and the gaps between them are filled with polystyrene foam.
All formed seams and joints are eliminated mounting foam.
A rough floor is laid on the bars. For this, it is often used OSB boards by fixing them with self-tapping screws.
Cleaning the floor.

If you need to protect the balcony above the bay window, porch or alcove from moisture, then the insulation should be carried out as carefully as possible, since the appearance of a leak will cause damage internal repair the room below.

Working with walls and partitions

For finishing walls and partitions when waterproofing a balcony, it is most convenient to use roll materials, for example, foil rolled polystyrene foam. It is attached to a vertical surface with a mortar. When buying this mixture, you need to pay attention to its frost-resistant characteristics.

After the layer hardens, the surface is abundantly moistened with water and covered with a coating composition in 2 layers. Waterproofing a balcony in a wooden house is carried out using special transparent varnishes that do not disturb the appearance of natural wood.

Proper ceiling finish

To carry out ceiling work, you can call the master or cope with this task with your own hands.

If the balcony flows from the top, the question arises: “what to do?” Let's start with what preparatory stage detect all roof leaks through which moisture penetrates inside. Usually there are quite a lot of them and it is not difficult to find them - stains form around the cracks, wet to the touch. During the repair, all the shortcomings of the ceiling on the balcony are eliminated:

for better adhesion, the ceiling is abundantly wetted with water;
a layer of mastic is applied to the surface of the ceiling with a brush;
the first layer is left to dry partially. When the mastic grabs a little, a second layer is applied on top;
in addition to the ceiling itself, the joints of the ceiling and walls are sources of leakage. To minimize the risk, the joint and walls (15-20 cm from the ceiling) are also covered with impregnating mastic;
from the moment of applying the mastic for 3 days, the painted surface must be moistened from the sprayer and covered with a film, protecting it from drying out;
Balcony roof waterproofing can be carried out using expanded polystyrene boards. They are attached using special fittings or building glue. The joints of the plates are filled with mounting foam that does not contain toluene. Such waterproofing of the balcony ceiling from the inside gives the maximum protection against moisture and cold.

Properly selected materials and high-quality work carried out guarantee the absence of moisture, a long finish and the preservation of loggias from destruction.