Balcony Waterproofing
Balcony Seal System (AKA Balcony Wrap)
We call them them balcony wraps. Imagine the benefits of wrapping one membrane with minimum seams (if none). We have done hundreds of installations. Our systems outlive building (50year life expectancy) – download our Ebook on balconies to find out more.
Balcony Wateproofing done the right way
Balconies are one of the most common sources of water leaks and when not properly waterproofed can lead to a multitude of problems – the biggest problem being that most balcony waterproofing products can’t withstand movement and cracks in the substrate, water damage from balconies can cause extensive water damage to interiors especially a balcony located above other rooms in a property, resulting in damp, peeling or bubbling paint and other structural problems that can be costly to fix.
Balcony Seal Systems (Balcony Waterproofing) or Balcony Wraps as we like to call them are installed using Firestone RubberGard EPDM, one of the most versatile products on the market. The EPDM membranes are wide and long resulting in little, if no seams to minimise risk and with our Balcony Waterproofing System 50 year life expectancy your balcony is likely to outlive your building.
Balcony Waterproofing, if not correctly executed, can result in recurring problems and significant damage to your property. With hundreds of installations under our belt factoring in location, accessibility and environment, and using the appropriate, high quality materials and techniques, our Balcony Waterproofing System will guarantee your balcony will not leak again.
Other benefits of using RubberGard EPDM for your Balcony Waterproofing System are:
- Tiling, screeding and painting with acrylic paint is not a problem.
- No maintenance required – ever!
- Zero degree slopes are no problem i.e. EPDM can withstand pooling water
- The membrane is designed to withstand high UV
- No fire or heat is used in adhering membrane to roofs or balcony
- RubberGardTM is fire retardant and eco-friendly!
- Light weight on roof – only 1.5kg/m2
- RubberGardTM can withstand moving buildings and building cracks – elongation of more than 300%
Product warranty up to 15 years – no maintenance
Warning signs that your balcony or the walls and ceilings below and around your balcony may be leaking include:
- Paint bubbling or flaking
- Damp, musty odours
- Excessive mould growth
- Rust stains or spots
- Cracks
Where leaks or water damage has already started to occur, either due to lack of waterproofing or as a result of waterproofing failure on your balcony Waterproof Lab’s Firestone Rubberguard EPDM Balcony Waterproofing System is the answer to your waterproofing woes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- It is most eco-friendly, having been used for years as a pool liner which sustains fish life & plant growth. Firestone RubberGard EPDM is an inert roofing material with limited environmental impact during manufacturing, installation and use:
- The initial production of the membrane has a low embodied energy number.
- The effectiveness of the EPDM polymer results in low quantities of polymer being required to obtain proper mechanical and physical properties.
- During the membrane’s service life, no toxic substances are released from the membrane, allowing collection and use of run-off rainwater for household applications.
- EPDM is a very highly durable material: Firestone RubberGard EPDM has outstanding weathering characteristics and a life expectancy up to 50 years.
- In regions like South Africa where Heat Degree Days outnumber the CoolDegree Days, a black EPDM membrane on top of a properly insulated roof can help to save energy and reduce associated carbon emissions.
- At the end of its service life, the membrane can be recycled and re-used
For more information on eco-friendly properties of the Firestone EPDM Roofing and Lining Systems, download the EPDM Sustainability Brochure
These ecological benefits, in combination with the membrane’s life expectancy of up to 50 years, make RubberGard EPDM an environmentally friendly roofing solution.
Due to the ever increasing concern for the environment, green roofs are becoming a regular part of our landscape. The RubberGard EPDM membrane has successfully passed the FLL test for root penetration resistance in green roofs. It is an ideal membrane for combination with extensive green roof systems using lightweight and low maintenance sedum vegetation.
The ecological benefits of a green roof system are numerous:
- Reduction of the urban heat island effect
- Reduction of energy costs
- Stormwater management
- New habitats for plants and animals
- Improved air quality
- Reduction of noise pollution
Combine this with a Solar System solution, will be the ultimate in saving energy costs and reduction of carbon emissions – click here to find your eco-friendly solution or Green Roofing System
- A resounding yes. See how we did this here in an installation we did in the leafy suburbs of Noordhoek in Cape Town – see Waterproof Lab Facebook Page for video showing how we do it
It has many benefits, which are listed in our ‘Benefits & Gains’ brochure.
For best results, you will require a measuring tape, a chalk line, a pair of scissors, a paint brush & a rubber roller;
It is always best to allow the substrate to dry before applying the membrane, as it is important to ensure that the bond between the membrane & the surface is not compromised.
EPDM is a blend of materials – Ethylene, Propylene, Diene Monomer, which imparts it’s outstanding flexibility, strength & waterproofing characteristics, making it the most ideal, long lasting, material to use for any waterproofing problems, most particularly, flat concrete or other, roofs;
EPDM is tough, flexible & resilient to foot traffic. Unlike most other waterproofing membranes, one of Waterproof Lab’s EPDM roofing systems main benefit is that it is also very easily & quickly repaired in the event of accidental damage ; simply cut a patch, apply a primer and Formflash patchto the damaged area, allow to dry & stick the patch down – & wallah! you once again have an uncompromised waterproof roof/deck! See video for explanation
- We currently import rolls of EPDM, measuring 6m wide x 30m long x 1.14mm thick, thus effectively giving access to a square area of 180m2. We can get bigger sizes too but imagine covering 180m2 with now seams!
NB: Detailed instructions as to the application procedures of our EPDM, appear in our website, as do videos of the full application procedure. Click here to access the information
Testimonials
Testimonial:
Here is my experience with your wonderful company:
For years I’ve struggled with a leaking Eco pool. It’s been especially troubling with South Africa’s water shortage. I was sold a so called high end epoxy coating, which cracked, and I spent countless hours trying to fix cracks with various products. Nothing worked for a very long time. I wasted a lot of money. A number of people recommended Waterprooflab in Cape Town.
From the first call to final delivery this company has been incredible. They have an extraordinary product called Epdm. I’ve not had the slightest leaking since. It was a great pleasure working with the team who are passionate and hard working. I initially wanted to install the Epdm myself but after seeing what the team did I’m very glad I never attempted this, it requires great skill and care. The product and the intense labour required is not a cheap quick fix, it’s a reliable long term solution.
If I’d started with Waterprooflab I would have saved myself an enormous amount of trouble and money. The company has an excellent follow up policy and immediately attended to questions I had after the job was completed. This is a great company, world class service, product and expertise.
Testimonial:
I have used Waterproof Lab on two occasions recently and have been very impressed with their service and expertise on both occasions.
In August, 2018, Waterproof Lab repaired a flat roof over a stoep, and lined a water feature at my house, that were both leaking. The flat roof was originally waterproofed with ‘Torch-on’ some 20 years ago and has leaked numerous places over the years.
Each time, the same product was used to repair the waterproofing, without permanent success.
It seems to be an inferior product, which is difficult or impossible to install on any flat roof that is slightly difficult, despite my using the most highly recommended installers (5 different firms over the years!).
I finally decided to try the EPDM product, based on published reviews and chose Waterproof Lab as the installer.
They impressed me at being extremely efficient at installing the product – and I am renowned for being difficult to please! I have had no Problems since then.
At the same time, they lined a water feature that was leaking – the builder had waterproofed it with a liquid product, that did not live up to to it’s s upposed claims. Again, the EPDM has shown no signs of leaking since it was installed.
Based on my satisfaction with their work at my house, In October, 2018, I asked Waterproof Lab to provide me with expert opinion on major Water leaks that have been occurring at a new block of apartments, Hugon Place in Claremont, of which I am a Trustee. They pointed out numerous problems that the builder/developer & well-known waterproofing company had failed to identify to us, or address properly, and the latter are currently attempting to fix these problems – which they have not managed to solve during the previous two years. Again ‘Torch-On’ had been used at this site; if it leaks again, I will be recommending to the other Trustees, that we appoint Waterproof Lab to install EPDM.
I would highly recommend Waterproof Lab for their expertise – from their expert advice, I would doubt that there is anyone in South Africa more knowledgeable than them – excellent service and what appears to be a much superior and more reliable product.’
Testimonial:
Bruce & I would like to highly recommend your Company for its standard of workmanship & attention to detail, from the time we contacted you for assistance, to the time you handed us a not inconsiderable bill for work well & successfully completed.
As you know, we had endless trouble in trying to find a solution to the problem of stopping our continuously leaking low pitch flat roof, to no avail. Since 2000 we have been trying everything to alleviate our distress during rainy weather & it was only after contacting Waterproof Lab, that you managed to solve our problem for us.
The EPDM membrane which you guys applied in February, 2019, is the only solution that has finally worked! It’s such a weird feeling now when it rains, I don’t have to rush around putting drip catchers all over the house. It’s not cheap, but it does work….
And you’re also all such nice guys!
We’ve had ZERO issues with the section you did last year. Bruce recently completed the Polycrete on the remaining corrugated sections, but is not yet convinced that we need the membrane – time will tell, we may need you to come & quote after winter!
Thanks once again for helping us to overcome our nemesis.
We’ll recommend you to all our friends & acquaintances.
Testimonial:
Water started seeping into our spare room after a crack formed in our wall following road construction.
We faced a potentially extremely costly and disruptive repair, but Waterproof lab were recommended to us through our plumber and we asked them to consult on the best solution.
The team were incredibly generous with their time, doing a few site inspections before coming up with a proposed repair plan. It was not an easy repair as required working with a number of contractors over a short period of time.
The team were always professional and on time, got the job done efficiently and with really good, quality results. We have had no issues following the use of the RubberGuard membrane, even during the most torrential rain. Thank you Waterproof lab for your excellent service, we would definitely use you again for any waterproofing needs!