Leaking balcony in Wollongong? Why re-grouting is not enough
A leaking balcony is one of the most common problems we see in coastal homes around Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. Often, owners are told to “just re grout” and hope for the best. Sadly, that fix rarely lasts.
Why balconies start leaking
Balconies take a lot of punishment. Sun, rain, movement and salt air all play a part.
From our experience, balcony leaks usually come back to:
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Failed or missing waterproof membrane
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Poor falls, so water sits instead of draining
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Cracked tiles and drummy screeds
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Unsealed joints and penetrations
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Old or poorly detailed flashings at walls and balustrades
If you only address the surface, the leak will often return.
Why re grouting is not a real repair
Re grouting can sometimes make a balcony look better for a short time, but it does not fix:
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Water trapped in the screed and slab
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Broken or missing waterproof membrane
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Structural damage caused by long term moisture
In some cases, it can even trap moisture and make the problem worse.
What proper balcony waterproofing looks like
At MJ Reilly Constructions, balcony waterproofing is treated as a full remedial project, not a cosmetic job.
A proper repair usually includes:
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Removing tiles and screed as needed
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Checking the slab and structure for damage
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Adjusting falls so water drains correctly
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Installing a compliant waterproof membrane
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Re tiling or finishing the surface with suitable materials
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Re sealing all joints, penetrations and edges
Why act early on balcony leaks
Ignoring a persistent balcony leak can lead to:
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Damage to ceilings and walls below
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Mould and health issues
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Rusting reinforcement in slabs
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Larger, more expensive structural repairs
If you have water staining under a balcony, loose tiles, or signs of moisture inside your home, it is worth getting a remedial builder to assess the damage.
Need help with a leaking balcony in Wollongong or the Illawarra?
CONTACT OUR WATERPROOFING AND REMEDIAL REPAIRS TEAM