Our North York condo unit had a 120 sq ft balcony that was visibly failing — tiles lifting, grout cracking, and a persistent water stain on the unit below us (our responsibility under the condo declaration). Sharing the full experience.
Assessment:
Retained a balcony waterproofing specialist. He removed two tiles and confirmed the waterproofing membrane underneath had failed — completely debonded from the concrete in multiple areas. Original installation was from 2001 — the membrane had served its life.
What the condo required:
- Formal notice to condo board before starting (7 days notice + description of work)
- Contractor had to provide proof of insurance naming the condo corporation
- Work had to occur weekdays only, 8 AM to 5 PM (no weekend noise)
- All debris bagged before transport through common areas
Scope:
- Full tile removal
- Membrane removal and substrate inspection (found minor concrete spalling — repaired with polymer-modified mortar)
- New traffic-rated membrane (SOPREMA Sopralene Stick, 60-mil)
- 20x20 porcelain tile with frost-rated rating (absorption under 0.5%)
- New Schluter BARA edge profile at balcony edge
- Reinstall railing (original aluminum, in good condition)
Cost:
- Contractor labour and membrane supply: $8,400
- Tile supply (36 sq ft coverage including cuts): $780
- Tile installation: $1,200
- Total: $10,380
Post-work:
Zero water intrusion after our first full winter including an ice storm event. The unit below confirmed no further staining.
The lesson: the tile is cosmetic. The membrane is the building envelope. Get the membrane right.