Hello
We have a house from the '50s that we are renovating. We have a balcony on the middle floor that is 8 x 2 meters. When it was built, there were tiles on top, but the previous owners poured a concrete layer over this (probably because the tiles were loose).
The added concrete layer has cracked in various places, so it was time to address this. We removed all the loose material over the weekend, and this is how it was constructed.
Concrete slab 15 cm, leveling layer about 2 cm, paper, sand, another cement layer of 3-4 cm, tiles, and then an additional 3 cm poured on top afterward. This resulted in a perfect place for water to get in but not out since they poured tightly around all edges. It was, to say the least, damp when we tore everything away.
Now to my question.
What remains is a concrete slab. We have discussed whether we should lay new tiles or if it should be decking instead. We're leaning towards the latter. If you seal properly against the house's brick wall, it leaves the question: Should the slab be open, or should you put some type of layer with a waterproofing membrane (paper, moisture barrier, etc.)? I have received several different answers when I asked around, so now I'm posing the question to you.
Appreciate the help
//Hemmasnidarn.
We have a house from the '50s that we are renovating. We have a balcony on the middle floor that is 8 x 2 meters. When it was built, there were tiles on top, but the previous owners poured a concrete layer over this (probably because the tiles were loose).
The added concrete layer has cracked in various places, so it was time to address this. We removed all the loose material over the weekend, and this is how it was constructed.
Concrete slab 15 cm, leveling layer about 2 cm, paper, sand, another cement layer of 3-4 cm, tiles, and then an additional 3 cm poured on top afterward. This resulted in a perfect place for water to get in but not out since they poured tightly around all edges. It was, to say the least, damp when we tore everything away.
Now to my question.
What remains is a concrete slab. We have discussed whether we should lay new tiles or if it should be decking instead. We're leaning towards the latter. If you seal properly against the house's brick wall, it leaves the question: Should the slab be open, or should you put some type of layer with a waterproofing membrane (paper, moisture barrier, etc.)? I have received several different answers when I asked around, so now I'm posing the question to you.
Appreciate the help
//Hemmasnidarn.
Assume that the balcony is completely outside the house. If you don't apply a waterproofing layer on the balcony, you will likely get moisture into the facade. Does the concrete slab slope outward? Otherwise, water will collect on it and can seep into the wall.
My suggestion is that you lay a leveling layer sloping toward the drain/floor drain and a waterproofing layer on top. Personally, I would place tiles on top since it requires less maintenance than a deck. Under the decking, you should lay a wear layer similar to what is used on felt roofs.
My suggestion is that you lay a leveling layer sloping toward the drain/floor drain and a waterproofing layer on top. Personally, I would place tiles on top since it requires less maintenance than a deck. Under the decking, you should lay a wear layer similar to what is used on felt roofs.
Hi
Thank you for your response. I have now chipped away everything and reached the good concrete, i.e., the slab itself. The good part is that there is a proper slope away from the house, but it is very uneven.
Do you have any good recommendations on which self-leveling compound is best suited for this job?
Thank you for your response. I have now chipped away everything and reached the good concrete, i.e., the slab itself. The good part is that there is a proper slope away from the house, but it is very uneven.
Do you have any good recommendations on which self-leveling compound is best suited for this job?
No, I don't have any to recommend. Hired a company to do the work.
Actually, I don't know if/how self-leveling compound works outdoors in that way. However, I have quite poor knowledge of these products. How much do you have to work with in terms of height? Is it not possible to pour a section, say 10 cm or so with the correct slope, etc.? Where you can then lay decking or tiles if desired.
There is self-leveling compound for outdoor use. Check out for example finja.se