Balcony Waterproofing for a Double Storey Landed House in Seri Kembangan
Project Overview
Balconies are one of the most leak-prone areas in residential properties because they are constantly exposed to rain, sunlight, and surface movement. If balcony waterproofing is not done properly, water can seep through the slab, damage adjacent walls or ceilings, and lead to repeated repair issues over time.
For this project, ARCHTECH carried out balcony waterproofing works for a double storey landed house using a primer and torch-on membrane system. Covering approximately 300 sq ft, the objective was to provide a more durable waterproofing layer for an exposed balcony area that required long-term protection against water ingress and weather exposure.
This project highlights why correct system selection and proper workmanship are essential for balconies, especially in landed homes where exposed upper-floor areas are directly subjected to outdoor conditions.
Project Type: Double storey landed house
Area Covered: 300 sq ft
Waterproofing System: Primer + Torch-On Membrane
Application By: ARCHTECH Waterproofing Specialist
Why Balcony Waterproofing Is Important
Unlike internal wet areas, balconies are exposed external surfaces. They are subjected to repeated rainwater exposure, UV radiation, and daily temperature changes, all of which place stress on the waterproofing system over time.
If a balcony is not waterproofed properly, it can lead to:
- water seepage into the slab
- damp patches on ceilings below
- peeling paint or water stains on internal areas
- deterioration at edges, joints, and wall intersections
- repeated repair costs if only surface treatment is done
Because balconies are exposed to the elements, the waterproofing system must be selected based on durability, outdoor performance, and correct detailing at vulnerable areas.
Common Balcony Waterproofing Risks
Balconies may look simple, but they contain several vulnerable points where leakage often begins if the waterproofing system is not done correctly.
Typical balcony waterproofing risks include:
1. Ponding or Slow Water Discharge
If the balcony surface does not drain effectively, standing water can remain on the surface and place more stress on the waterproofing layer.
2. Edge and Upturn Detailing
Balcony perimeters, wall upturns, and edge transitions are common points of failure when detailing is weak or incomplete.
3. Exposure to Sun and Rain
External balcony surfaces undergo repeated expansion and contraction due to daily weather changes, which can affect long-term waterproofing performance.
4. Inadequate Overlap or Bonding
If torch-on membrane overlaps are not sealed properly, or bonding is inconsistent, water can eventually find a path through weak areas.
These are some of the reasons why exposed balconies need a more robust waterproofing approach than simple surface coating alone.
How The Balcony Waterproofing Was Carried Out
All works were carried out by ARCHTECH’s trained in-house waterproofing specialists using a structured installation process.
Step 1: Surface Preparation
The balcony surface was first prepared to ensure it was clean and suitable for membrane application. Proper surface preparation is critical because adhesion depends heavily on the condition of the substrate.
Step 2: Primer Application
A primer was applied to enhance bonding between the balcony substrate and the torch-on membrane. This helps support more reliable membrane adhesion across the waterproofed area.
Step 3: Torch-On Membrane Installation
The torch-on membrane was installed using controlled heat application to bond the membrane to the substrate.
Attention was given to:
- proper bonding across the balcony surface
- sealed overlaps between membrane sheets
- continuity of the waterproofing layer
- detailing at edges, corners, and wall intersections
Step 4: Detailing at Critical Areas
Special care was taken at vulnerable points such as perimeter edges and transitions, as these locations are often the first to fail when workmanship is rushed or detailing is incomplete.
Why Workmanship Matters In Balcony Waterproofing
Balcony waterproofing performance depends not only on the product used, but also on how the system is installed.
Common causes of balcony waterproofing failure include:
- poor surface preparation
- inadequate priming
- weak membrane bonding
- poorly sealed overlaps
- incomplete detailing at edges and junctions
- using a repair method that is not suitable for exposed external areas
For torch-on membrane systems in particular, workmanship plays a major role in long-term performance. Proper heating, alignment, bonding, and detailing are all necessary to reduce the risk of future leakage.
For this project, the balcony waterproofing works were completed by ARCHTECH’s in-house specialists as part of a controlled installation process designed for long-term protection.
Why Balcony Leaks Should Be Addressed Properly
Balcony leaks are often underestimated in residential properties. In many cases, people only notice the issue when damage appears on the ceiling below, on nearby walls, or around internal finishes.
Once these symptoms appear, repair works can become more disruptive and more costly.
By waterproofing the balcony correctly, homeowners can help:
- reduce the risk of seepage into internal spaces
- protect surrounding finishes and adjacent building elements
- improve long-term durability of the exposed balcony area
- avoid repeated patch repair that may not solve the root cause
- reduce maintenance issues caused by weather exposure over time
For exposed balconies, prevention is always better than dealing with recurring leakage later.
Key Takeaways From This Balcony Waterproofing Project
This balcony waterproofing project for a double storey landed house highlights several important points.
Exposed balconies need a suitable waterproofing system
Because balconies face constant weather exposure, the waterproofing method must be appropriate for outdoor conditions.
Torch-on membrane is commonly used for exposed surfaces
When installed correctly over a properly prepared substrate, torch-on membrane can provide durable long-term balcony protection.
Detailing is critical at balcony edges and transitions
Many waterproofing failures begin at corners, upturns, joints, and perimeter edges rather than the main surface area itself.
Workmanship determines long-term performance
Correct installation, proper overlaps, and careful detailing all influence whether the balcony waterproofing system performs as intended.
FAQ: Balcony Waterproofing
Why does a balcony need waterproofing?
A balcony needs waterproofing because it is exposed to rain, sunlight, and surface movement. Without proper waterproofing, water can seep through the slab and cause damage to ceilings, walls, and nearby finishes.
Is torch-on membrane suitable for balcony waterproofing?
Yes. Torch-on membrane is commonly used for exposed balcony waterproofing when durable outdoor protection is required. Its performance depends on correct surface preparation, proper installation, and good detailing.
Why is primer used before torch-on membrane?
Primer helps improve adhesion between the substrate and the membrane. This supports better bonding and long-term waterproofing performance.
What are common signs of balcony waterproofing failure?
Common signs include water seepage, damp patches, ceiling stains below the balcony, peeling paint, cracks, and recurring leakage after rain.
Where do balcony leaks usually start?
Balcony leaks often start at edges, wall-floor junctions, corners, upturns, outlets, and poorly sealed transition areas.
Is surface coating enough for an exposed balcony?
Not always. For exposed balconies, a more durable waterproofing system may be needed depending on the condition, exposure level, and long-term performance required.
About ARCHTECH Waterproofing Specialist
With over 10 years of expertise, ARCHTECH delivers precise, long-lasting waterproofing solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.
By combining accurate site assessment, certified professional-grade materials, and trained in-house specialists, ARCHTECH ensures durable waterproofing performance designed to stand the test of time.
Looking for Balcony Waterproofing for a Landed House?
ARCHTECH provides waterproofing solutions for balconies, flat roofs, slab roofs, metal roofs, bathrooms, car porches, external walls, concrete repair, wet kitchen and other areas in residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
Can’t Describe the Leak? Just Show Us.
Send a photo or video of your leak, and let our waterproofing specialist assess the situation so you don’t spend on wrong repairs.
Need Waterproofing Help?
Tell us what you’re facing, whether it’s a leak, damp smell, mould stain or bubbling paint. Our team will review your case and get back to you with a personalised solution and quotation.