How to repair and renovate damaged balconies?

This solution explains the various options we offer for renovating balconies :

• Thick-layer system to address any irregularities on the balcony surface (cracks, fissures, etc.)
• Thin-layer system if the surface is flat and in good condition, or for color renewal
• Waterproofing system in case of leaks or standing water.

The products you need

RD-Cement Filler

Mineral powdery and dry mix based on cement, granulates and additives, for the repair of almost...

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RD-Elastodeck

Single-component liquid waterproofing coating for roofs, decks, and balconies.

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RD-Elastometal

High performance elastomeric coating combining superior anti-corrosion and waterproofing...

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RD-Hydrograff HP Satin

Extremely resistant satin gloss paint, specifically designed to provide long-lasting...

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RD-Monofloor PU

Fast drying floor paint for workshops, technical rooms and balconies.

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Plexipaint Soft

Waterborne one component acrylic paint with soft finish, for outdoor walls. Vapour permeable and...

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RD-Roof Fleece

Reinforcement mesh used in waterproofing systems for roofs, decks and screeds.

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RD-Unifix

Waterborne one component transparent impregnation primer for porous and powdering surfaces.

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The problem

Balconies are typically subjected to different degrees of wear. Some are heavily used and need to withstand the wear caused by foot traffic, chairs, tables, and other stored objects. Others are only used occasionally or may never be used.

Balconies are also exposed to rain or snow and UVs, which gradually wear down the materials year after year until the day when water begins to seep in, leading to increasingly significant cracks.

The solution

RD Coatings offers various options based on the condition of the balcony and the desired performance. These are relatively simple and quick solutions that are highly effective. Finishes are available in numerous RAL and NCS colors or can be customized.

1. Renovation with a Thick-Layer System RD-Edeck Slurry :

Applying RD-Edeck Slurry results in a wear layer ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 mm in thickness. Its slightly flexible film absorbs shocks and has anti-slip properties due to its rough texture. The RD-Roof Fleece reinforcement is used in conjunction for heavily degraded balconies or high-traffic areas.

Depending on its thickness, RD-Edeck Slurry can conceal minor surface irregularities.

The RD-Edeck Slurry system should then be covered by:

• RD-Monofloor PU for low to moderate traffic, or

• RD-Hydrograff HP for more intense traffic or in the presence of tables or chairs.

2. Renovation with a Thin-Layer System :

In the case of a balcony with a sound structure where only the finishing layer needs renovation, the following systems can be applied directly to the substrate:

• RD-Monofloor PU for low to moderate traffic, or

• RD-Hydrograff HP for more intense traffic or in the presence of tables or chairs.

These coatings are applied directly to the substrate.

RD-Monofloor PU is a single-component product with a satin finish that dries quickly.

RD-Hydrograff HP is available in matte, satin, or glossy finishes. Being a two-component system, it takes longer to dry but becomes highly resistant chemically and mechanically.

3. Renovation with Waterproofing :

In case of leaks, it is necessary to apply the waterproofing membrane RD-Elastodeck reinforced with RD-Roof Fleece, followed by one of the two options described above.

RD-Elastodeck is a single-component elastic water-based coating applied in thick layers to address waterproofing issues. When combined with the RD-Roof Fleece, it forms a flexible and tear-resistant membrane.

The use of a liquid coating facilitates application, reaching corners and crevices easily, ensuring complete coverage.

4. Treatment of Balcony Edges and Undersides :

It is recommended to repaint these areas with RD-Elastoflex, known for its elasticity, breathability, and excellent longevity. Repainting the undersides with RD-Elastoflex is especially important when the balcony was no longer waterproof, and there may still be moisture in the structure.

However, it is advisable to wait a few weeks or months after applying the waterproofing system before repainting the underside to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.

Systems

1/ Thick-film system

		Product	Number of layers	Consumption per layer (+/-)	Dry thickness per layer (+/-)	Recommended total dry thickness (+/-)
Primer	Porous support	RD-Unifix	1	0,10 l/m² 400 s/f-g		Impregnation
Primer	Non-porous support	RD-Elastodeck dilué avec 25% d'eau	1	0,22 kg/m² 220 s/f-g	100 µ 4 mils	Impregnation
Option - Reinforcement sail		RD-Roof Fleece	The reinforcing fleece is unrolled onto the dry substrate before RD-Edeck Slurry is applied.
Wear coat - apply in several layers, depending on the final thickness required.		RD-Edeck Slurry	2	1 kg/m² 60 s/f-g	400 µ 16 mils	800 µ 32 mils
Finish	Light to moderate traffic	RD-Monofloor PU	2	0,20 l/m² 200 s/f-g	85 µ 3,4 mils	170 µ 7 mils
Finish	Heavy traffic, tables and chairs	RD-Hydrograff HP	2	0,10 l/m² 330 s/f-g	60 µ 2,5 mils	120 µ 5 mils

2/ Thin-film system

	Product	Number of layers	Consumption per layer (+/-)	Dry thickness per layer (+/-)	Recommended total dry thickness (+/-)
Light to moderate traffic	RD-Monofloor PU	2	0,20 l/m² 200 s/f-g	85 µ 3,4 mils	170 µ 7 mils
Heavy traffic, tables and chairs	RD-Hydrograff HP	2	0,10 l/m² 390 s/f-g	50 µ 2 mils	120 µ 5 mils

3/ RD-Elastodeck waterproofing system

		Product	Number of layers	Consumption per layer (+/-)	Dry thickness per layer (+/-)	Recommended total dry thickness (+/-)
Primer	Porous support	RD-Unifix	1	0,10 l/m² 400 s/f-g		Impregnation
Primer	Non porous support	RD-Elastodeck dilué avec 25% d'eau	1	0,22 kg/m² 220 s/f-g	100 µ 4 mils	Impregnation
Option - Voile de renforcement		RD-Roof Fleece	The reinforcing fleece is unrolled onto the dry substrate before RD-Edeck Slurry is applied.
Waterprofing		RD-Elastodeck	2	0,9 kg/m² 55 s/f-g	400 µ 16 mils	800 µ 32 mils
Finish		Choice between system 1 or 2 as described above. Start again from step "Wear coat" for system 1.

4/ Balcony undersurfaces and edges

	Product	Number of layers	Consumption per layer (+/-)	Dry thickness per layer (+/-)	Recommend total dry thickness (+/-)
Primer - porous or floury substrates	RD-Unifix	1	0,10 l/m² 400 s/f-g		Impregnation
System	RD-Elastoflex	2	0,2 kg/m² 300 s/f-g	75 µ 3 mils	150 µ 6 mils

Application conditions and work preparation

Weather Conditions

Outdoors, avoid starting work if rain is expected after the application. A minimum of 12°C / 54°F is recommended for comfortable working conditions with higher productivity. Avoid working directly under the sun, especially in very hot regions, where early morning or late evening work is preferable. Ensure there is no condensation on the surface before and during application and during drying.

Pre-Work Observations and Actions

• Drains and Manhole covers :

Inspect drainage pipes and manholes; these should be unclogged or replaced if they show chips or cracks or have hardened.

• Tiled Balcony :

It is possible to apply the waterproofing system directly on a tiled surface provided a thorough examination of the surface is conducted: Check the stability of the balcony substrate; the proper anchoring of the tiles, slabs, or pavers is verified by tapping on the substrate. When necessary, secure them with a non-shrinking mortar such as RD-Cement Filler.

• Edges :

Check the edges. These are vulnerable areas and quickly prone to infiltrations, especially at the railing attachment points. Repair significant cracks with RD-Cement Filler and fill micro-cracks with RD-Acryl W.

• Existing Coating (paint or waterproofing) :

Check its adhesion and eliminate it completely or partially if needed. It is generally possible to cover existing coatings with RD Coatings products provided they still adhere correctly and are cleaned.

• Cracks :

Significant cracks (from 3 mm) will be repaired in advance with RD-Cement Filler. Micro-cracks will be grouted with RD-Acryl W.

• Exposed Rebar :

If rebar is exposed, it is susceptible to corrosion. Remove non-adherent rust with a wire brush and apply a layer of RD-Elastometal with a brush. Then cover it with RD-Cement Filler.

Surface Preparation

• Moss and lichens must be eliminated down to the roots with an appropriate product.

• Perform effective cleaning without using too much water to avoid re-saturation of moisture. We recommend using RD-Eco PowerClean, a powerful biodegradable detergent.

• Rinse with clear water and let it dry thoroughly, especially if the substrate has undergone high-pressure cleaning.

Undersides and Edges of Balconies

After checking the moisture level, salt deposits, and non-adherent paint must be carefully removed by stripping and dusting. Repair cracks with RD-Acryl W, also use RD-Cement Filler if they are significant. Thoroughly impregnate the surface with RD-Unifix and finish by applying two coats of RD-Elastoflex.

Application materials

RD-Eco Power Clean

Use a low-pressure sprayer.

RD-Unifix

Apply with a large brush or a long-haired roller.

RD-Elastodeck

Application with a brush or a long-haired roller.
Airless Equipment: Utilize equipment with a minimum output of 180 bars or 2600 psi and a nozzle size between 0.015 and 0.019 inches.

RD-Edeck Slurry

Apply using a brush, roller, serrated scraper, concrete smoother, and leveling rule.
For airless application, use equipment such as Graco TexSpray T-max 6912 (for significant projects), TexSpray RTX 5000PI (for medium-sized projects), or TexSpray FastFinish (for small projects).

RD-Monofloor PU

Use a brush or roller.
For airless equipment, nozzle opening should be 0.015 to 0.021 inches with a pressure of +/- 70 bars (+/- 1000 psi).

RD-Hydrograff HP

Apply with a brush or roller.
For pneumatic application, use a nozzle opening of 1.4 mm with a pressure of 4 to 6 bars (60 to 90 psi).
For airless application, use a nozzle opening of 007 to 009 with a pressure of +/- 70 bars (+/- 1000 psi).

RD-Elastometal

Apply with a brush, especially for small surfaces or detailed work.

RD-Elastoflex

Use a brush or roller.
For airless equipment, nozzle opening should be 0.015 – 023 with a minimum pressure of 180 bars / 2600 psi at the outlet.

RD-Cement Filler

Apply with a trowel.

RD-Acryl W

Apply the acrylic joint sealant delivered in a cartridge.

Cleaning of Tools

Clean tools only with clean water.

Products application

Stir the products before use. Only dilute as indicated and with clean water. Total thickness, ambient temperature, and ventilation can greatly influence drying time.

RD-Unifix

• One-component transparent impregnation primer for porous and powdery surfaces. This highly liquid product should penetrate the substrate until saturation.

Drying Time : (20°C – 68°F)
Touch dry: +/- 1 hour
Overcoatable: +/- 4 hours

RD-Elastodeck

Serves as a bonding layer when diluted or as an undiluted waterproofing membrane. This thick product is generally applied with a roller on small surfaces.

Drying Time : (20°C – 68°F)
Touch dry: 3 hours
Overcoatable: min. 6 hours depending on thickness.

RD-Roof Fleece

Unroll and cut the fleece to the desired size and place it on the properly prepared surface.
Roll or brush a first layer of RD-Elastodeck or RD-Edeck Slurry through the fleece, keeping it taut, and unroll the roller as you go, avoiding folds.
Ensure a 5 cm / 2 inches overlap when laid side by side.

RD-Edeck Slurry

Pour RD-Edeck Slurry on the surface and spread it with a roller, a Bull Float, or a trowel. Avoid applying too much thickness per layer to prevent trapping water during drying.

Touch dry : +/- 3 – 4 hours
To recoat :
+/- 18 hours at 15°C – 60°F
+/- 12 hours at 26°C – 80°F
+/- 4 hours at 35°C – 90°F

RD-Monofloor PU

Quick-drying floor paint for workshops, technical rooms, and balconies.

Drying Time : (20°C – 68°F)
Touch dry: +/- 2 hours
Overcoatable: +/- 4 hours

RD-Hydrograff HP

Two-component product, add component B to component A just before application, slowly, while mechanically mixing.

After mixing, let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes until air bubbles disappear.

Mixing ratio	Tinted version	Clear version
Weight	B : 270gr / A : 995gr	B : 170gr / A : 850gr
Volume	3,5:1	5,5:1

Pot life of the mixture: 2 hours at 20°C / 68°F. Beyond this period, the product is no longer applicable.

Drying Time : (20°C – 68°F)
Touch dry: 6 hours
Overcoatable: min. 8 hours, max. 72 hours, without sanding
Mechanical resistance: 3 days
Chemical resistance: 7 days