Strata balcony leak repair and door replacement (Inner West)

balcony leak repair

Strata balcony remedial repair Inner West.

We were engaged to undertake remediation works to a balcony in one of the 12 units within this four-storey, 1970s brick apartment building in Abbotsford, in Sydney’s Inner West.

No waterproofing membrane.

The balcony had been failing due to poor original construction, most notably the absence of a waterproofing membrane between the tile screed and the tiles. Without this crucial waterproofing layer, water was able to seep through the tiled surface and into the screed and adhesives beneath, leading to a range of issues over time.

balcony leak repair
Above: Cavity replacement. Cavity jacks used to support the structure.

Water ingress was staining the balconies below.

The ongoing water ingress resulted in significant mineral leaching and staining to the balconies below, particularly on the tiles and aluminium balustrades. This staining also caused deterioration to the powder coating on the balustrades and raised concerns about the long-term effects of moisture exposure and potential structural erosion. The presence of efflorescence was further evidence of trapped moisture within the balcony structure. This is a common consequence of poor design and lack of proper waterproofing. As part of the scope, we also carried out repairs to the balustrades of the units below by re-powder coating them to restore their finish and protection.

balcony leak repair
Above: Existing tiles removed. Waterproofing primer applied (left), followed by secondary membrane application (right).

Rectifying the balcony leaks.

Our remediation process began with the demolition and removal of the existing tiles and screed, taking care to properly prepare the surface for the next stage of works. We replaced the sub-sill door flashing and installed a new aluminium sliding door to improve weatherproofing and functionality. A new waterproofing membrane was applied to the balcony substrate, followed by the installation of a fresh tile screed and the laying of new, modern tiles chosen for their resilience, durability and aesthetic appeal.

balcony leak repair
Above: New tiles. New powder coated aluminium balustrade.

Balustrade replacement.

We also replaced the original balustrades with new powder-coated aluminium balustrades, selected for their strength, low maintenance and contemporary design. These upgrades not only improved the balcony’s performance and safety but also greatly enhanced its overall appearance.

Balcony leak repairs

Our team delivered this project with a commitment to quality workmanship, attention to detail, and the use of premium materials, ensuring a long-lasting and high-quality result that will serve the residents for many years to come.

If you have questions about remedial repairs and waterproofing at your strata building, contact expert remedial builder, Brett Kohler, for advice. We work in all areas of Sydney.