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I have a house inspection report indicating a mild leaking issue with the balcony. However, I have living here for 1+ year. After checking the ceiling of the room directly beneath the balcony, I did not notice any visible watermarks. That said, after every rainfall, I observe water dripping from beneath the gutter for at least half a day. This time, I captured a photo of the dripping water after the rain.
In addition, I’ve noticed white marks appearing on the wall, which have been progressively increasing over the past year. Could these white marks be a result of the balcony leak? I have applied Shower Plug (https://www.bunnings.com.au/cpc-220ml-shower-plug-sealant_p1585225?store=7384&gStoreCode=7384) to seal the balcony surface twice, but the water continues to drip after rainfall.
I would greatly appreciate your advice on this issue. What are these white marks, and how can I effectively resolve the problem?
Thank you.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @honornike. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about efflorescence.
I suspect the balcony is not graded correctly, so the water can run off the tiles effectively. It is pooling and finding its way through the grout. It then hits the membrane beneath, runs along it towards the edge, and drips down the wall behind the guttering.
If you pour a bucket over the tiles or hose down the area, where does the water run? If it just sits there then it might be finding a crack in your grout. Water is great at that. I would carefully inspect your grout to see if any of it has deteriorated and needs replacing. Showerplug is great at sealing grout that is in good condition or sealing very fine hairline cracks. Any larger cracks and the water will still penetrate them.
As you've described, the white marks are efflorescence and are the remains of crystalised salts carried out from the cement after the leaking water has evaporated.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
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