How to Waterproof a Balcony or Terrace in Ghana

How to Waterproof a Balcony or Terrace in Ghana

Balconies and terraces leak more often than any other part of a Ghanaian home. They sit exposed to the full force of Ghana's rains and sun, they have low slopes that pool water, and most are tiled — which doesn't actually make them waterproof. If the floor below your balcony has damp patches or water marks, the balcony is leaking. Here's how to fix it permanently.

Why Balconies Leak

• Cracked or missing waterproof membrane — most balconies were poorly waterproofed when built (or not at all)
• Failed tile grout — grout is porous and lets water through
• Poor drainage — water pools instead of running off
• Cracked screed — the concrete underneath the tiles develops hairline cracks over time

Two Approaches: Over-Tile or Under-Tile

You have two options:

1. Remove the tiles, waterproof, re-tile — best long-term solution, more work
2. Apply waterproof coating directly on top of existing tiles or screed — faster, simpler, suitable for terraces where appearance is less critical

Option 1: Full Waterproofing (Tile Removal)

1. Remove all tiles and existing grout
2. Repair any cracks in the screed with cement mortar
3. Apply Polyurethane Waterproof Coating in two coats, going up the walls 10–15 cm to form a "tray"
4. Allow 48 hours to fully cure
5. Re-tile over the waterproof membrane

This is what professional contractors do for new builds and serious leak fixes. The waterproof membrane is fully protected by the new tiles and lasts 20–25 years.

Option 2: Over-Tile Waterproofing (Quick Fix)

1. Clean the existing tiles thoroughly — remove all dirt, oil, and loose grout
2. Sand or lightly etch the tile surface for better adhesion
3. Repair grout lines with new grout or sealant
4. Apply two coats of polyurethane coating directly over the tiles, including walls 10–15 cm high
5. Choose a colour that matches your existing décor (transparent, grey, red, blue, green available)

This approach is fast and effective. It changes the appearance of the floor (it'll be the coating colour, not tile), so it's best for terraces, roof decks, and balconies where look matters less.

Materials Needed for a Typical 10 m² Balcony

• 1× 10kg Polyurethane Coating — covers ~10–15 m² with 2 coats (GHS 1,000)
• 1 roll Butyl Rubber Tape for joints and corners (GHS 250)
• 1 can Waterproof Spray for tight spots (GHS 200)
• Total: ~GHS 1,450

Critical: Don't Forget the Walls

The biggest mistake is waterproofing only the floor. Water doesn't just go down — it splashes against walls during rain. Always extend the waterproofing coating 10–15 cm up the walls on all sides to form a watertight tray. Use butyl tape on the floor-wall corner before coating.

Application Tips

• Apply on a dry day with no rain forecast for 24–48 hours
• Use a roller for the open areas, brush for corners and edges
• Apply the second coat at right angles to the first for full coverage
• Keep foot traffic off for 48 hours minimum

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Browse all the materials in our Waterproofing collection. Need help calculating exactly what you need for your specific balcony or terrace? Send dimensions and a photo to 0555548001 on WhatsApp.