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Balcony Repairs and Waterproofing

Featured Project

Waterproofing elevated decks is one of the most critical of the various waterproofing projects to be undertaken.  Failure of these quasi roofing systems can incur enormous damage to the structural elements of the building below if left unattended.  The cost of repairing an aged or failed waterproofing systems can pale in comparison to the cost of repairing the concrete subsurface or wood framed deck systems which it is designed to protect.  At this particular beachfront Estate Home the elevated decks had a failed waterproofing system and the deterioration was severe and affected structural and interior elements.

Balcony Repairs and Waterproofing at Beachfront Estate Home in Naples, FL by The Aerial Companies

Balcony Repairs and Waterproofing

Beachfront Estate Home - Naples, Florida

This three story home exhibited multiple deck failures requiring immediate and extensive repairs.  Beachfront homebuilding in our hot-humid climate calls for certain materials and practices to be used that resist the heavy rains and the highly corrosive salty environment.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Balcony Repairs and Waterproofing - Initial Investigation shows many failures - stucco failure shown here.

Initial Investigation - Stucco Failure

During our initial inspection we observed many indicators of deck waterproofing failure.  In this photo we show cracks in the stucco ceiling indicating moisture exiting below the deck surface.  Stalactites were also visibile indicating long term moisture migration.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Excavation of stone topping reveals saturated substrate materials

Saturated Substrates

After the removal of the stone topping and mudset we discovered the substrate materials were saturated with water.  The saturation level is indicitave of the inability of the water to drain from the composite deck system.  We also discovered the primary waterproofing membrane at the structural deck level had failed allowing water to penetrate through the structural sheathing and on to the structural frame members causing substantial deterioration.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Structural deterioration from long term water intrusion

Corroded Joist Hangers

As a result of the high moisture environment in the deck cross section the structural joist hanger buckets exhibited substantial corrosion. 
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Structural steel corrosion found during failing balcony inspection

Structural Steel Column Corrosion

The structural steel column shown here was replaced.  This column is too far gone to repair.  The corrosive effects of the salt water environment are certainly at work here at this very important structural element of the home.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Damaged framing members from water intrustion

Damaged Deck Framing

The effloressence is caused by water migrating under the stone topping and exiting through the failed deck system carrying the free limes from the masonry mud-set above the deck sheeting.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Balcony Deck Structural Steel Replacement with Shoring and Framing Repairs

Structural Shoring

Extensive shoring was required while our crews replaced framing members and structural steel columns.  The Structural Engineer confirmed all loads and placement of shoring.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Door replacements needed due to water damaged door and door framing.

Door Replacements

Andersen Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors were selected to replace the windows and doors which had failed due to the ravages of time.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Interior Damage caused by failed deck systems.

Interior Water Damage

Not only is there a big mess outside, the damage inside was also extensive which required the removal and replacement of deteriorated construction elements such as framing, drywall, flooring, wallpaper and faux finishes. 
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Stucco repairs after completion of structural repairs

Stucco Repairs

After the completion of the structural repairs and replacement of windows and doors we installed a new stucco veneer matched to the existing surrounding textures.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - New structural steel needed during balcony deck rebuild.

New Structural Steel

Galvanized strucutral steel columns were selected to replace the original corroded columns.  The base plate of the columns were encapsulated in an epoxy topping to prevent future corrosion.  Ultimately the columns were coated with high-solids epoxy mastic coating to ensure long term integrity of this very important structural detail.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - 1st layer of sealants at deck substrate

1st Layer of Sealants at Deck Substrate

All penetrations and seams in the deck sheathing are caulked with high solids urethane sealants prior to the application of the Kemper Waterproofing System.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Pre-flashing new deck substrate with the Kemper System

Pre-Flashing with the Kemper System

Pre-flashing is the first step in the Kemper System process.  We install pre-flashing to provide additional reinforcement at differential material bondlines and at all critical transitions, and penetrations.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Installation of the Kemper Waterproofing System at the deck field.

Kemper's Polyester Fleece -

Fully Reinforced Monolithic Membrane

We’re then ready to cover the entire field with the polyester fleece.  We roll on the liquid resin and lay strips of Kemperol infused fleece which when cured forms the monolithic waterproofing membrane.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Final step to the Kemper System is a layer of EP resin and sand.

Final Step in the Kemper System

We then apply a thin layer of EP resin infused with sand.  This provides a "mechanical" profile to improve bond line integrity of subsequent layers of flooring finishes.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Next layer prior to installing the stone topping is a drainage mat by Schluter

Drainage Mat

Schluter TROBA-PLUS is a durable and reliable sub-surface drainage system that improves the flow of moisture off of the deck at a substrate level. The closely positioned, cone-shaped studs can withstand heavy loads and are covered by a water permeable fleece webbing which promotes evacuation.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Installation of new stone deck topping.

Installation of New Stone Pavers

Next we install the mud set and stone topping properly bonded to each other.
Feautured Project by The Aerial Companies - Installation of new balustrades

Ballustrade Installation

New ballustrades were made for these decks to comply with the new codes.  One common area of water intrusion is through the balustrade post pins which penetrate the deck's surface layers.  We've seen extreme cases of structural and interior damage from poorly sealed deck penetrations.  This is why we take such great precaution and pre-flash these penetrations before and after the installation of the main waterproofing layer.
Featured Project by The Aerial Companies - Success! This multi-deck system is SEALED!

Success!

Another successful project by The Aerial Companies. No more unsightly discoloration, stucco cracks, leeching stains and interior leaks to worry about.  After we completed the final steps of painting and cleaning up, the homeowner's were pleased and have peace of mind their valuable home is now protected for a long time to come.  
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