How To Choose the Right Balcony Waterproofing Contractor
Waterproofing your outdoor space is important to protect them from mold, mildew, and leaks. People love to spend some relaxing time outside on the balcony after a long day at work. Balconies are exposed to environmental elements. While you may have taken every step to maintain the structural integrity of this entertaining space, an important part of balcony maintenance is waterproofing.
The balcony water issue is the most frustrating thing. But since balconies are often overlooked, these issues can escalate when left unaddressed. That’s especially likely when you have wooden balconies. Dry rot can damage the wood from the inside out. It can also cause structural damage. Balconies built with concrete aren’t immune to these damages either. Waterproofing concrete balconies can help add an additional layer of protection, keeping the area safe from mold or mildew growth and damage due to UV rays.
Another reason you should consider concrete waterproofing is that it’s considerably cheaper than the repairs needed for the damage caused by water leaks.
So, are you planning to get your balcony waterproofed? You are in the right place. We have compiled a list of the things you should consider when choosing balcony waterproofing contractors in Orange County, CA. Let’s take a look.
Start with Research
Do online research to find the best balcony waterproofing contractors in your area. The internet has tons of licensed, insured, and certified contractors that can execute all types of waterproofing jobs efficiently. Research shows you the contractors’ credentials, helping you narrow your choices to the top 3-5 contractors.
Type the “best balcony waterproofing contractors near me” in the Google search bar, and you will get a list of professionals specializing in this line of work. You can check their websites to collect more information about their experience, qualifications, license, and other credentials.
Read Reviews
Customer reviews tell a lot about the contractor’s experience, work quality, punctuality, professionalism, and other metrics. If the contractor has been in the business for the past few years, they will have customer reviews on Yelp and social media. You can also find reviews on Google. Read them carefully to know what their previous customers have to say about the quality of work, and whether were they satisfied. This also shows if the contractor charges a fair price and offers any warranty.
Ask About the Waterproofing Solutions
Depending on the condition of the balcony, you can choose a waterproofing solution that fits your needs and is suitable for your outdoors. For instance, if your balcony is in good shape with no visible signs of leaks or other damages, you can waterproof the floor covering.
The contractor will use a liquid solution that can be applied evenly across the entire floor without lifting the existing covering. The procedure must be carried out carefully following the instructions of the waterproofing membrane manufacturer. When done correctly, this thick layer of coating will offer protection from poor weather, environmental elements, stagnant water, and moisture damage.
If the tiles or the floor is damaged, you may have to remove the floor covering and waterproof the layer beneath it, i.e., the substrate. You need an experienced waterproofing contractor if there is visible damage on the balcony. They will remove the top layer of the floor and use either waterproof membrane rolls or a liquid solution.
Your contractor will check your balcony and recommend the most viable waterproofing solution.
Check Their Reputation
If you know a friend or a neighbor who recently got their balconies waterproofed, ask them for referrals. The tile manufacturers and suppliers can also help you find the most reliable waterproofing contractors in your area.
Make sure you check the company’s reputation before hiring. Since they will work in your place, it’s important that they have a good reputation (in terms of work quality and safety). A background check on waterproofing contractors will tell you about their professionalism. Check with the government agencies to see if there’s any case filed against them. While you are at it, review their license, certificates, and insurance credentials.
You must work with an insured waterproofing contractor. That way, you will have peace of mind knowing that you will get compensated for the damages that occur during waterproofing.
A Professional Can Tell Visible and Invisible Signs of Damage
You should have your home inspected every now and then, especially the outdoors and basement. A professional can tell you the visible and invisible signs of damage just by looking at the structure. Not every damage causes puddles of water on the balcony. Sometimes, peeling paint, damp areas, and rust can indicate a problem.
Some signs are invisible and difficult to detect. For example, cracks in the balcony walls and an unpleasant odor might indicate a serious problem, but they often go unnoticed until they cause a major inconvenience. You must work with a waterproofing contractor who specializes in other home repair projects too. They must be willing to check the entire balcony and the adjoining areas.
Check Warranty
Waterproofing a balcony or other outdoor entertaining areas is a long-term investment. Once the contractor has laid a thick layer of coating over the existing floor, it should last for years without showing any signs of damage. The contractor must offer a warranty on the products (if they also supply cement and waterproofing material) and services. Ask the contractor about the warranty period for the flooring. Usually, companies offer a 1-2 year warranty on the waterproofing material and service. Check their terms and conditions for more information about this.
Experience Matters
Don’t just hire the first contractor that shows up in the Google search result. Check their credentials and experience before finalizing the contract. You need to know the company can waterproof your balconies using premium materials and follow the most suitable approach. Check their website to learn about the experience the contractors’ offer. How many customers have they served? Have they worked on a project similar to your requirements? Since when are they in this line of work? These metrics will give you insights into their past work, experience, and professionalism. You can also call their previous clients to learn more about the contractors and their work.
Get an Estimate
The next step is to get quotes. Get multiple quotes from different contractors. However, when comparing the prices, take the quality of the service into consideration. Don’t make a decision based on the cost alone. You’ll find many experienced and qualified professionals who are willing to offer the best services at discounted rates. Now, there are a few things to consider when getting quotes.
The contractor you hire must ask about the areas you’d like to waterproof. They must visit your place to check the level of damage. Based on these factors, they will quote a rate that fits your budget. Many contractors will pressure you into signing a contract. You should get written estimates and compare them to find the most suitable and cost-effective deal. Also, ask if the contractor will charge extra for any service or does their quote include all the waterproofing services. Some contractors charge extra for bringing materials.
Sign a Contract
A contract will protect your and the contractor’s interest in case of a dispute. Having written proof of the agreement you’ve made with the waterproofing company is highly recommended. Ask the contractor to give everything in writing — from the warranty they offer on services to the quote. The last thing you want is to pay a hidden fee. The contract also assures you that the work will be carried out as agreed.
Conduct an Interview
After you have compared quotes, you can narrow your options to the top balcony waterproofing contractors in Orange County, CA. To make the best decision, conduct a walk-in or virtual interview and ask each contract the following questions.
- How long have you been in this business, and how many customers have you served till now?
- Have you worked on balcony waterproofing projects before?
- What else do you offer?
- What is the warranty period for the waterproofing products and services?
- How much will the waterproofing cost? Do you charge on an hourly basis, or do you have a fixed fee?
- What type of materials do you use?
- Are you insured and licensed?
- What will be the working hours?
- How long will it take for you to finish the job?
Ask all questions that you have in mind. This will help you select the most reliable and affordable waterproofing contractors.
Hire the Best Contractors at Prestige Decking
The quality of balcony waterproofing depends on the contractors’ experience. If you are looking for premium materials and the best quality work, get in touch with balcony waterproofing experts at Prestige Deck Coating, share your requirements, and get a quote. Our professionals will take a look at your balcony and recommend the most viable products for waterproofing the area. Contact us now for a quote.
