Balconies play essential roles for most homeowners. They provide a space to sit and enjoy the sunset or sunrise as you read your favorite book. It also gives you the freedom to enjoy nature’s view and breathe in the fresh air. However, even as they play such delicate roles in your life, they can be a source of catastrophic issues in your home.
Balconies are exposed to external weather elements, such as rain and the sun. When you don’t take care, rainwater can easily find itself in your home through the balcony. Therefore, it’s essential to install a drainage system on your balcony. Since it’s not too technical, you can take this as a DIY project. However, there are things you need to implement to make the project a success. Here are some tips to help you install a drainage system for your balcony:
1. Check For Slope
Slope plays an important role when it comes to drainage. It’ll ease water flow from your balcony and into your drainage system. It’d help to check if your balcony has a slope, although a perfectly made balcony should be flat. Consider pouring water on your balcony and see the direction it flows. The direction it flows toward is the direction your balcony slopes. This slope’s end is the best place to install your drainage system. In this case, should there be water on your balcony, it’ll freely flow toward your floor trap without added systems. Suppose your balcony is level. You can also achieve an efficient drainage system by finding a suitable location for your floor trap. Preferably, choose somewhere near the area where water falls on the balcony. An ideal location would be in the center but on the edge of your balcony.
As you check the best position for your drainage, consider your existing drainage system. If your balcony slopes in a given direction, there’s a high possibility that your existing drainage is at the end of the slope. This setup makes it easy to connect your balcony drainage to the existing one. For a level balcony, place your system where it can join the rest of the system. You want to reduce costs and complex drainage systems. Check the original article to learn more about an efficiently working balcony drainage system. This resource can give you ideas on positioning your drainage system.
2. Use The Right Tools And Materials
One mistake most DIYers make is using the wrong materials for their projects. They might get the installation right, but the project won’t last due to poor execution. They’ll go back to square one due to inefficient systems, which can be frustrating. It’d help to use the appropriate tools for the job to avoid possible mishaps with your balcony drainage project. Consider researching the materials and tools required for the balcony drainage system, not general plumbing. Remember to use the right drainage pipe type regarding length and diameter. The water you expect on your balcony should guide your pipe’s diameter. If you expect moderate to no water, adopt a medium-sized pipe. However, if your balcony constantly floods, adopt a large-sized drainage pipe. Again, your vendor should guide you appropriately.
Should you need jointing, use the suitable adhesion material. It should adhere well to your pipe’s material. Due to disjointed pipes, you don’t want to experience leaks a few months after installation. Suppose you adopt a metallic pipe system. In this case, it’s best to use stainless steel to prevent rusting, which affects the longevity of your balcony drainage system. A stainless system also adds to the aesthetics of your balcony due to its shining nature.
3. Add Waterproofing Material
Waterproofing is essential for surfaces prone to water exposure, such as your balcony. You want to retain your building’s structural integrity as much as possible. Without waterproofing and prolonged water exposure, the water might seep into your flooring, weakening it. If your balcony is a stand-alone, you’re likely to see cracks on your floor, which is unsafe. With prolonged exposure, your balcony might start falling off or sloping toward one side. For example, let’s say your home design joins the balcony with the bottom floors. Floor water seepage will find its way to your interior, damaging your wall finishes and other elements in your home. Therefore, it helps to add waterproofing to your balcony before installing your drainage system. Some waterproofing solutions, such as a liquid waterproofing membrane, don’t require removing your existing flooring, making it an ideal DIY process. You can spray or hand apply it to your existing flooring. Keep a closer eye around the edges where water tends to rest for some time before draining through your drainage system.
Conclusion
Installing a drainage system on your balcony as a DIY project isn’t challenging. All you require is appropriate guidance, and your project will be successful. Consider implementing the DIY tips in this blog post, and you’ll install a perfectly working drainage system.
