Balconies, tiles and hidden water in established homes
Why balcony tiles and stained brickwork deserve attention when buying in Melbourne's west.
In short: A tiled balcony over a room or a wall is one of the easiest places for water to get into a house.
Cracked and loose tiles
Broken or drummy balcony tiles let water reach the membrane and the structure below. On one pre-purchase inspection in Melbourne's west we found several around the balustrade posts.
Stains below
Water staining on brickwork under a balcony or flashing shows where water has been running. A thermal camera can help show whether it is still wet.
Flashing direction
Parapet and balcony flashings should fall away from the building. One sloping inward sends water toward the wall.
What to do
Ask the vendor whether the balcony has been repaired and when. If not, budget for re-sealing or re-tiling.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Werribee. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
