Balcony Waterproofing – why use a Liquid?

Rising up from its Thames-side site at Pimlico at the meeting of Millbank and Vauxhall Bridge, River Walk is an elegant new development of 116 high specification apartments. The sinuous form of the buildings is picked out in limestone and bronze cladding, forming ‘strata’ which curve in and out to form balconies and terraces, tied into an organic whole by the careful use of materials and exquisite detailing.

Towards the top of the buildings the floors step back to create larger roof terraces, but overall the scheme has 170 crescent-shaped balconies, all of which need to be carefully waterproofed. Specialist roofing contractor Knight Asphalte Co Ltd is carrying out this task, using Hydrostop AH+, an alpha-hybrid liquid waterproofing product supplied by AccuRoof.

Why use a Liquid for Balcony Waterproofing?

The balconies at Riverwalk provided a unique challenge to the contractors. Each one is a different crescent shape, but all have tight tapers at the edges to ensure the continuity of flow of the sinuous limestone cladding externally. The balconies themselves are a combination of in situ concrete casting and prefabricated steel end sections; each individually made in Italy and shipped to the site via the port of Rye.

Adding to the physical constraints of each balcony shape was the fact that the building was to be built without external scaffolding, so the waterproofing contractor would have to work in a very tight space. The high quality cladding in bronze and stone and the glazed balcony doors would all need careful handling and Knight Asphalte would have to work closely with the cladding installers to meet their programme requirements.

Knight Asphalte discussed the options for the balcony waterproofing with architects Stanton Williams, main contractors Sir Robert McAlpine and roofing specialists AccuRoof, and cold applied liquid waterproofing was selected as the ideal approach for the following reasons:

• With many cleats and bolts to each balcony, a sheet membrane solution would have been excessively complicated to install, whereas a liquid becomes homogenous;
• The contractors would not be able to revisit the waterproofing after installation as it would be hidden behind the cladding and fixing process, so they had to be confident in its performance;
• Using a liquid, the prefabricated steel ends could be waterproofed prior to installation on the balconies, after which the remaining areas could be waterproofed;
• A cold applied liquid would avoid issues with fire risk and spillage associated with hot systems, particularly in such confined spaces.

Why use Hydrostop AH+ for Balcony Waterproofing?

David Knight, technical director at Knight Asphalte explains why the team chose to use Hydrostop AH+ liquid waterproofing for the balconies at Riverwalk.

“We looked at half a dozen liquid products,” he explained, “and we are very impressed with the technical performance of Hydrostop AH+. It was definitely the best fit to the project constraints. The product had just received its Agrement Certificate, which was essential for the contract. Many liquid products have a pungent smell but Hydrostop AH+ doesn’t smell at all. When we looked at the product we were really impressed with its performance. Its new generation technology and it actually works.”

Would using a relatively new product not cause him some concern? “Generally it would, but we’ve had a good relationship with AccuRoof for many years. They are part of SIG Plc, a big respectable outfit, a FTSE 250 company.”

Knight was also very complementary about his experience after the decision to specify Hydrostop AH+. “We had to think a little bit about how to detail some of the shapes, but the team provided design and technical advice, and technical inspections on site. They also trained our staff in the new product at their site in Shepshed and at our offices in Kent. All our orders turned up when required, but of course that’s to be expected with AccuRoof’s distribution background.”

Advice to Specifiers on Balcony Waterproofing

David Knight is very pleased with the installation of Hydrostop AH+ Liquid waterproofing. On a complicated, challenging project, the liquid seems to have been the best solution. “We have about a month to go with the installation, which is co-ordinated with the other trades,” he said. “The installation has gone very well.” After waterproofing, the balconies will be fitted with hardwood decking to provide a luxurious outside space for each of the apartments.

On a project with 170 curved balconies there wasn’t really a better product to use. “If you’re waterproofing a huge, flat roof you wouldn’t necessarily choose a liquid – there would be more cost effective alternatives,” says Knight, “But with several areas like small balconies, particularly with hidden sections and complicated detailing, this is the ideal job for the product.”