Balconies that are getting old often have cracks or tiles that have come off. You should seal such balconies as soon as possible!
If tiles are coming off or cracks have formed on the balcony, then you shouldn't let this condition persist for too long, because a leaking balcony can have many unpleasant consequences. Of course, should rainwater seep into the fine cracks, the damage will be exacerbated. If it still freezes in winter, the ground can even be blasted open.
» Recommended reading: Make your balcony and terrace winter-proof - protect them from frost now!
But that's not all: the underground contains iron compounds for stabilization, which can rust if exposed to moisture. This can ultimately lead to damage to the facade of the house. In summer, the great heat also causes problems for the balcony covering. That's why you should get to work and seal your balcony.
If the balcony is not very large, you can seal it yourself. You can get all the materials you need for the renovation of the floor covering in the hardware store. Below are three ways you can do the caulking.
3 ways to seal a balcony
Option 1 - replace tiles:
If the tiles are already badly damaged, it makes the most sense to remove them completely and lay new tiles on the balcony. Proceed as follows:
» Step 1:
Before the subsoil can be renovated, the old tiles must be completely removed.
» Step 2:
If the surface is then in good condition, you must apply a sealing compound made of plastic and cement in two layers. This sealant ensures reliable sealing of the balcony. Alternatively, you could apply foil.
» Step 3:
After the subfloor has been prepared, you can lay the new tiles on it.
Option 2 - waterproofing the tiled floor:
It's not necessarilynecessary to remove the old tiles. If they are not badly damaged, you can simply impregnate the existing covering. However, you should choose a rain-free day because the impregnation has to dry for up to five hours so that it can reliably repel moisture. Proceed as follows when impregnating the tiles:
» Step 1:
First clean the entire floor and remove any moss from the joints.
» Step 2:
Then shake the impregnating liquid well and distribute it evenly on the tile covering. You can apply the mass evenly with the squeegee.
» Step 3:
After the exposure time specified on the packaging, you must wipe off the excess mass with the squeegee and wipe over it again with a damp cloth.
Once you have impregnated the tiles in this way, you must repeat the procedure at least once a year, possibly even every six months. As an alternative, it is also possible to treat the tiles with a special tile paint.
Option 3 - Seal the tiled floor with liquid plastic:
If the tiles are more damaged and there are bigger cracks and breaks, then you need to bring out the heavier guns. In this case, a liquid plastic is needed to seal the floor. Then do the following:
» Step 1:
You should put on protective gloves before working with the plastic. Then clean the tiles thoroughly and fill any holes and cracks with putty.
» Step 2:
Then mix the plastic according to the instructions on the packaging and then spread it evenly on the tiled floor. A special fleece from the hardware store is then immediately put over it. The individual strips must overlap by around five centimetres.
» Step 3:
After the fleece has been properly soaked with the plastic, a second layer of plastic is applied. You should distribute this with a roll on it. Make sure that the fleece does not slip.
By the way, on the packaging you will find information about the time after which the covering can be walked on and when it can withstand rain.