Water can be incredibly destructive, especially when it infiltrates areas that were never designed to handle ongoing moisture. From mold growth to structural damage, unwanted water in your balcony can lead to expensive repairs down the road. If you own a balcony—or are thinking about adding one—effectively waterproofing it should be at the top of your priority list.
In this post, we’ll explore the crucial insights shared by Ken VahnDijk, owner of Rock Solid Waterproofing. You’ll learn why the Westcoat system is widely regarded as both the most expensive and most effective waterproofing method, what it typically costs to waterproof a balcony, why removing existing tiles is almost always necessary, and how long you can expect a top-tier waterproofing system to last. We’ll also address whether you can realistically tackle a DIY balcony waterproofing project and what measures best protect your space from relentless rain. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how to ensure your balcony remains both beautiful and dry for decades.
Why Balcony Waterproofing Matters
Defending Your Investment
A balcony is more than an outdoor perch—it’s an extension of your living space, often allowing you to enjoy fresh air, socialize, or appreciate a view without leaving your home. But balconies are also among the most vulnerable areas when it comes to water damage. Rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations can weaken structures if water seeps under tiles or through tiny cracks. Wood rot, mold growth, peeling paint, and compromised load-bearing capacity are just some of the expensive headaches that can arise if moisture is allowed to accumulate. By investing in quality waterproofing from the outset, you’re not only preserving the balcony’s aesthetic value but also protecting the rest of your home from concealed water damage.
Health and Safety Benefits
Aside from structural concerns, a wet balcony surface can become slippery and hazardous. Over time, standing water can encourage algae or mildew growth. A properly sealed balcony stays drier and reduces the risk of slip-and-fall injuries. Moreover, minimizing moisture infiltration can help prevent mold and mildew from spreading into interior spaces, safeguarding your family’s health.
Which Type of Waterproofing Is the Most Expensive?
If you’ve been researching balcony waterproofing options, you may have come across a wide range of products and services. Perhaps you’re comparing costs and trying to figure out what fits your budget. According to Ken VahnDijk, “The most expensive waterproofing is the Westcoat system, but it also is the highest quality.” While other materials or DIY options might initially be cheaper, the Westcoat system offers:
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Multiple Layers of Protection
Rather than relying on a single coat or membrane, Westcoat incorporates several layers of acrylic cement and specialized sealers, each contributing to its overall durability. -
Flexibility and Longevity
Buildings move over time—due to settling, temperature swings, or even minor seismic activity. The acrylic cements in the Westcoat system are flexible, reducing the risk of cracks that could allow water in. -
Aesthetic Customizability
You can opt for different textures, finishes, or colors, ensuring your balcony not only remains watertight but also complements your home’s architecture. -
Extended Service Life
When professionally installed, Westcoat can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Cheaper waterproofing methods might need replacement or repairs far more frequently.
Though Westcoat is costly in comparison to other waterproofing solutions, its enduring performance often offsets that initial price over time. By spending more now, you may avoid repeated repair or replacement bills down the road.
Can You Waterproof Your Own Balcony?
The DIY Question
Balcony waterproofing can seem straightforward when you watch a how-to video or read an instructional guide. In reality, it’s a multi-step process that involves removing old sealants or flooring, repairing any structural damage, preparing the substrate, layering various cements and membranes, and then applying final seal coats. Ken is candid about the complexity: “If you have a good construction background and you’re very good with tools, then maybe [you can do it yourself]. But it takes an average technician two summers to learn. So DIY really is not generally workable.”
When DIY Is Doable
If you have significant hands-on construction experience, are familiar with the materials, and have the right equipment, you might consider a smaller balcony waterproofing project. Be prepared for the following:
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Detailed Research
You’ll need a thorough understanding of slope correction, substrate repair, layering, and product compatibility. -
Specialized Tools
From cement mixers to membrane application tools, you’ll need more than just a paintbrush and a roller. -
Time Commitment
A professional crew often takes up to a week or more, working in stages and allowing layers to cure. Doing it alone could mean extending the timeline further. -
Risk of Error
Even minor mistakes—such as not repairing underlying damage or applying one coat too soon—can compromise the entire system, leading to leaks or premature failure.
Why Hiring a Pro Makes Sense
For the average homeowner, hiring a professional is the best route. You benefit from the installer’s expertise, plus you have greater assurance of a warranty on labor and materials. Professionals like Rock Solid Waterproofing bring both experience and specialized knowledge, ensuring you don’t face surprises like hidden wood rot or improper slope. It’s often cheaper in the long run to pay for quality installation than to risk a costly do-over if DIY mistakes lead to water intrusion.
How Much Does It Cost Per Square Foot to Waterproof a Balcony?
Range and Factors
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “How much will this cost per square foot?” Ken provides a ballpark range: “Depending on the extent of damage and repairs, it runs between twenty-five and fifty dollars per square foot.” This sizable span reflects a variety of factors:
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Current Condition of the Balcony
If your balcony already has significant damage, rot, or mold, these issues must be corrected before any new waterproofing layers can be applied. Repair work drives up the cost. -
Complexity and Size
Intricate balcony designs, multiple transitions, or very large areas generally require more labor and materials. Even small balconies can be pricey if they involve tricky geometry or thorough structural fixes. -
Choice of Materials
The Westcoat system and other high-performance approaches cost more than simpler (and often less effective) sealants or membranes. -
Location and Labor Rates
Regional labor costs and the availability of qualified contractors can affect pricing. In areas where high-grade waterproofing is in demand, you may pay a premium to secure a skilled team.
Why It’s Worth the Investment
Water intrusion can damage not only the balcony itself but also the supporting beams, the interior ceiling below, adjacent walls, and even electrical systems if the water travels far enough. Fixing widespread water damage easily exceeds the cost of a proper waterproofing job. Paying for a robust system upfront is often the smartest financial choice in the long term.
Can You Waterproof a Balcony Without Removing the Tiles?
The Short Answer
The direct answer from Ken is: “Unfortunately, no.” While it might seem simpler to just seal over existing tile, this approach can trap water beneath the surface if there are already leaks. Here’s why removal is nearly always necessary:
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Hidden Damage
Tiles and grout can conceal compromised plywood or substrate. If you leave the tile in place, you can’t fully inspect or repair the underlying material. -
Incompatible Layers
New waterproofing products might not bond effectively to old tile glazes or outdated sealers. Poor adhesion results in an unreliable barrier. -
Cracked Grout
Even high-quality grout can develop hairline cracks over time, allowing water to seep in. Without removing the tile, it’s nearly impossible to ensure all potential gaps are sealed. -
Complete Coverage
Achieving a uniform, multi-layer waterproofing system requires direct application to a clean, prepared substrate—either plywood or concrete. Tiles interrupt that uniform bond.
The Process of Removing Tiles
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Assessment
A professional evaluates the condition of the tile, grout, and any subflooring to see what extent of demolition is required. -
Demolition
Tiles, grout, and old membranes are chipped away carefully. The goal is to minimize damage to any supporting structures. -
Repair Work
If rot, cracks, or mold are uncovered, they must be addressed before installing a new system. -
Surface Preparation
The exposed substrate is cleaned, leveled, and possibly primed to receive the first waterproofing layer.
While tile removal adds time, labor, and cost, it’s essential for ensuring that your new system has a fresh start. Skipping this step often leads to persistent leaks and the need for yet another costly overhaul later.
What Is the Best Sealant for a Balcony?
Why Westcoat Rises to the Top
When asked, “What is the best sealant for a balcony?” Ken points to Westcoat. He highlights its multi-layered acrylic cement process, followed by two seal coats on top, as a method that can last 30 to 50 years. In a market filled with membrane coatings, elastomeric paints, and other solutions, Westcoat stands out because:
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Layered Approach
A single coat of anything can degrade over time, especially under the stress of weather and foot traffic. Multiple layers ensure redundancy—if one layer takes damage, others remain intact. -
High Durability
Acrylic cements resist cracking and splitting, crucial for regions that experience freeze-thaw cycles or wide temperature fluctuations. -
Customizable Aesthetics
With options for texture, color, and finish, homeowners can align the balcony’s appearance with their preferred style, without compromising on performance. -
Proven Track Record
Professionals like Rock Solid Waterproofing have seen long-term success with Westcoat, leading to consistent recommendations based on real-world results.
Achieving a 30- to 50-Year Lifespan
Durability depends on meticulous installation and periodic maintenance. Each layer needs proper curing time, precise thickness, and full coverage. To maximize longevity, keep your balcony free of standing water, address any damage quickly, and consider occasional inspections—especially if you notice visible wear or new cracks.
How Do You Make a Balcony Rainproof?
Effective Waterproofing Over Plywood
For a fully rainproof balcony, Ken suggests starting with plywood as the base (if the balcony isn’t concrete). Then, apply an “effective waterproofing system,” ideally Westcoat, over the surface. The step-by-step process typically involves:
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Removal of Old Materials
Stripping any compromised sealant, tile, or decayed plywood. -
Repair and Replacement
Replacing damaged wood or reinforcing substructures to ensure stability and correct slope. -
Multi-Layer Application
Laying down primer, reinforcing membranes, multiple coats of acrylic cement, and finishing seal coats. -
Edge and Transition Management
Paying special attention to corners, door thresholds, and rail attachments—common weak points where water can seep in. -
Quality Assurance
Checking the slope (often about one quarter inch per foot) and ensuring no pinholes or bubbles in the coating.
Once complete, the balcony can fend off rain, snow, and other forms of moisture for decades, provided you maintain it properly. Occasional cleaning, prompt repairs of minor damage, and preventing blocked drainage are generally enough to keep everything in top shape.
How Long Does Balcony Waterproofing Last?
The 30- to 50-Year Window
The question of longevity is crucial. Why invest in an expensive system if it won’t last? Ken is confident that a high-grade system such as Westcoat can endure “30 to 50 years” under normal usage. Several factors influence this impressive timespan:
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Climate
In very wet or extreme climates, the system works harder but is still designed to hold up for decades. -
Installation Quality
The best materials can fail prematurely if they’re not installed correctly. Proper surface prep, layering, and curing are essential. -
Maintenance
Even the toughest membranes benefit from regular inspections. Quickly addressing any small tears, cracks, or drainage issues ensures water doesn’t slip through.
Beyond the Warranty
While some manufacturers may back their products for a certain number of years, real-world longevity often extends well past formal warranties if the system is well-maintained. This underscores the importance of selecting a proven product and an installer with a track record of thorough workmanship.
Final Thoughts
Balcony waterproofing is a major investment, but one that offers indispensable peace of mind. The reality is that cutting corners—be it cheaper materials, skipping tile removal, or attempting a complicated DIY approach without the necessary expertise—can lead to a compromised system, ongoing leaks, and repeated repair costs. Conversely, investing in a high-quality, multi-layer system like Westcoat can provide you with decades of worry-free enjoyment of your outdoor space.
If you live in an area with harsh weather, or simply want the assurance that your balcony will remain a solid, dry extension of your home, the Westcoat method stands as a top-tier choice. Yes, it’s more expensive up front, but it pays dividends through superior performance, minimal repair needs, and decades-long durability. When in doubt, consult an experienced professional like Ken VahnDijk of Rock Solid Waterproofing. You’ll benefit from expert insights, an accurate cost estimate, and the confidence that your balcony is in qualified hands.
