Balcony Construction Case Study: Innovative Waterproofing Design with Duradek

The Crescent Bay Club, 3 Story  – Huntsville Ontario, Canada Balcony Construction Case Study: Innovative Waterproofing

Our Haliburton Ontario dealer recently completed the first phase of Duradek installation on the this project in Huntsville Ontario, Canada

Project Overview

This case study looks at specialized balcony construction used in a multi-residential building project. The approach showcases innovative balcony design that prioritizes safety, waterproofing, and fire resistance.

Challenge

The project needed balconies that would:

  • Create a durable outdoor surface
  • Ensure proper water drainage to prevent damage
  • Provide secure attachment points for safety railings
  • Meet fire safety code requirements
  • Support weight while keeping the structure lightweight

Solution

The team developed a comprehensive balcony system with these key features:

Waterproofing System

  • Single Ply Duradek Membrane as the main waterproofing layer
  • Deliberately engineered slope exceeding minimum requirements

Structure and Support

  • Lightweight yet strong support beams
  • Solid wood reinforcement where railings attach for safety
  • Sloped design (1.8% slope) to ensure water drains properly
  • Protective edging for durability

Layers and Materials

  • Weather-resistant plywood decking
  • Special concrete topping for fire resistance and sound reduction
  • Additional materials to improve insulation and reduce noise between units

Construction Process

The balconies were built following a careful sequence to ensure quality and consistency across all units.

Results

This balcony system provided several benefits:

  • Longer lifespan thanks to effective water drainage and waterproofing with Duradek
  • Better safety with secure railing attachments
  • Full compliance with building safety codes
  • Improved comfort with reduced noise between units
  • Efficient construction with consistent quality

The Duradek Advantage

The Duradek single ply membrane system was key to this balcony design’s success. As a PVC waterproofing solution made specifically for outdoor spaces, Duradek provided several advantages:

  1. Complete Protection: The single-piece application eliminated weak points found in other systems, creating one continuous waterproof barrier.
  2. Weather Resistance: Duradek performs well in freezing and thawing, UV exposure, and heavy use, making it perfect for the project’s climate and needs.
  3. Works Well With Other Components: The Duradek system complemented the sloped design to channel water away effectively and created watertight transitions at edges and connections.
  4. Easy Maintenance: Unlike traditional deck coatings that need regular reapplication, Duradek offers a long service life with minimal upkeep, saving property owners money over time.
  5. Professional Installation: Following Duradek’s detailed installation guidelines ensured the membrane would perform as promised under warranty.

This project shows how Duradek, when combined with thoughtful design and safety features, creates a balcony solution that delivers excellent performance, longevity, and value for multi-residential buildings. The success suggests that Duradek systems works well in other projects with waterproofing challenges.

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