Do I Need To Waterproof My Balcony in Singapore?

Do I Need To Waterproof My Balcony in Singapore? One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether they need to waterproof their balconies. The answer is yes, you do because a leaking balcony could lead to water and mold damage. Balconies serve as the third zone of your house since it has direct access to the outside.

By creating a waterproof balcony, your home’s structural integrity is protected. Roof leakage is a common trouble homeowners face on their balconies. The top part of the house will be at the greatest risk of water damage if you don’t waterproof your balcony in Singapore.

The general issues with most homes are leakages from pipes and appliances situated outdoors, or from the sewerage system. The exterior walls of your home are vulnerable to leaks since they are made up of highly absorptive materials like brick, cement, and even concrete.

It is therefore important for homeowners to install a waterproofing system on their balconies by using ready-made waterproofing membranes.

What Happens If I Do Not Waterproof Balcony?

If your balcony is not waterproofed, you’re in danger of experiencing problems such as:

i. Moulds

Molds grow in moist and humid areas such as your balcony. These fungi are dangerous to your health since they can cause infections and allergic reactions. If molds develop, it affects the entire house since it spreads easily from one surface to another.

ii. Mildew

Mildew looks like fuzzy discolorations on surfaces, carpets, and walls. This means wet surfaces are left abandoned for extended periods, allowing mildew to grow on your balcony’s surface.

iii. Baseboards and flooring stain

Stains develop when your balcony is wet for too long. This results in water seeping into floors and walls, deteriorating the finish of your flooring and baseboards.

iv. Deflected brick surfaces

When water seeps in from leaky pipes or faulty rain gutters, it could cause buckling of surface bricks, leaving ugly indentations on walls.

How To Build A Waterproof Balcony?

Avoid the common mistake many homeowners make of constructing waterproofed balconies without following codes and regulations. Homeowners need to follow the below steps to build a waterproof balcony:

• Ensure your balcony is higher than 2.5m above the ground.
• Ensure your balcony has a waterproof membrane, which is designed to keep water and moisture from seeping in from pipes or trees.
• Ensure the perimeter walls of your house are extra strong, especially at the corners and gateways where the wall meets the ground level.
• Flooring materials should be specially selected for outdoor usage, including tile, slate, and stone among others since they are likely to absorb water quickly.
• Use treated wood products in the construction of your balcony’s surface as they will minimize mildew and mold outbreaks, thus extending the length of time you can use it without having to replace the unit with a new one.

Finding The Right Waterproofing Services in Singapore

If you are interested in having your balcony waterproofed, you should look for a reputable company. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right company:

i. Experience

Ask to see the company’s portfolio of existing clients as it will give you an idea of how long they have been in the business. The more projects the company has completed in the past, the better. You can also use online databases to find out the company’s name and address.

ii. Licensing

Make sure that the company you are hiring has a valid license to operate in Singapore. Hiring a company without a license will result in legal issues, so be cautious.

iii. Specs

When comparing waterproofing companies in Singapore, you need to ensure they have the right set of skills and materials required for your project. Likewise, you need to verify that their services are not too expensive.

iv. Guarantee

Ask the company to clearly outline their guarantee terms as they mutually determine. If there is no agreement or contract, you will not be covered by their warranty. The warranty should also specify the type of waterproofing materials they will use and how long it will last.

v. Professionality

Ensure that the company’s staff are knowledgeable professionals who know the industry well enough to answer your questions and solve your problems quickly. If you are not satisfied with the company’s service, you can always file a complaint with their customer service department.

Importance Of Waterproofing Your Home

Waterproofing your home is an essential part of home maintenance, here are some benefits you can enjoy when you waterproof your home:

i. Protects your home from water leaks.

Waterproofing your balcony will minimize the risk of water damage to your home’s foundation and walls.

If a water leak occurs in the roof, foundation, or wall, it could lead to a structural failure in these areas. This will then result in heavy structural damage and expensive repairs and replacements. To prevent such an unfortunate incident from happening, why not waterproof the structure of your house?

ii. Protects your home from mildew and mold.

Mildew and mold can develop in your home’s interior space, which is why you need to waterproof the building’s surface. This will allow you to protect yourself from materials that could develop in the presence of moisture or water.

Furthermore, mildew and mold can also cause health problems such as skin allergies, so you need to waterproof your home to protect yourself and your family from these health risks.

iii. Protects the aesthetics of your property.

Waterproof surfaces of your home prevent water and moisture from seeping through gaps and cracks, which is why it protects the overall appearance of your property. By waterproofing your home, you will be able to retain the looks of your house’s exterior while not sacrificing its structural integrity.

Do I Need To Waterproof My Balcony in Singapore? – Conclusion

Waterproofing your balcony will help you avoid costly repairs and replacements in the future. The best way to ensure that you will be able to continue using your balcony for as long as possible is by waterproofing it every 3-5 years. Hire qualified contractors to Waterproof the balcony to minimize the gaps in your house’s structure and exterior to prevent water damage.