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How can I prevent water leaking into an external wood celling?

KAV2025

Hello team,

I am looking for some suggestions please, we have a balcony that has an outdoor space below it, the ground floor has a wooden ceiling. There are a couple of issues with water getting into the wooden panels and the internal top plate:

1. The wind blows the rain sideways into the patio doors (this side is sea facing, which is 800m away and storms bring in heavy rain and very strong winds. The rain blows into the right side underneath the balcony (as you are facing the patio doors) and is going into the white trim underneath the ceiling. This is spreading to the internal top plate and we have recently had to redo the whole ceiling and also replace part of the top plate (30 cm) I have marked with an X. You will also see the old water stains.

2. You will see that there is a gutter junction and a downpipe. When there is flash flooding the gutter overflows and the water cascades down and spreads across the brickwork into the wooden ceiling.

We have had the down pipes cleaned, the balcony regrouted, the gutters cleaned, all the areas resealed (by a professional company) and it has been retested for leaks in the pipework and the balcony. However, we believe that the design is not good enough and really need to prevent water from coming in by putting up a structure such as an awning/hood/eave across the bottom beam of the balcony marked with a Y. It would also make sense to seal up the right side where the water is spreading across the brick work.

Does anyone have experience and any solution(s) to this type of problem, any suggestions welcomed. Thanks!

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Comments

JacobZ

Hi @KAV2025,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

It's quite a complex issue, so I think we need to start by clarifying a few things.

When you previously had issues, were they isolated to a single spot, such as where you have marked with an x? Or were they along the whole front edge of the balcony?

Where does the water from the roof on this side of the balcony drain to? Is there a gutter that runs along the outside edge of the balcony?

Do you think that the seam at the top edge of the beam (where you've drawn the Y) is a likely entry point for the water, based on the previous damage?

Looking at the design, I think waterproofing this front edge, particularly the seam, would be the way to go, but I'm not sure what the best way to do that would be. Maybe a custom aluminium flashing that tied into the balconies' waterproofing membrane, assuming there is one, then extended down over the beam so that any water that hits the front of the beam can not find its way to the seam above the beam.

Allow me to tag our knowledgeable members @Dave-1, @AlanM52 and @JoeAzza to see what they think.

Jacob

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/56789#Comment_56789

Good Afternoon @KAV2025

Having a think and a re-read through your questions, It looks like you have an angled small eave/metal edging along the front of the floor/ceiling? That would take care of water running down the front and curling up and onto your timber ceiling I would think. (located at the top of the downward blue arrow)

I think adding a structure across the front may change the dynamics of the area (engineering wise) so would be hesitant in adding a permanant structure. You could go with either a clear plastic alfresco/bistro styled blinds or even a screen based system to prevent bugs (but lesson the driving water) So the spray level is reduced.

When the repairs were being done did the trades have any suggestions on how to better protect the ceiling from water?

Dave

AlanM52

Hello @KAV2025,

Spent a while digesting your post, even went and made another cuppa.

I am thinking to initially use tarps, ropes and bungee cords to tame the ferocity of the incoming weather and then wait and see what happens.

You can then fiddle... move them around to hopefully expose one or more ingress points.

That is a low cost approach to @Dave-1's thoughts about plastic alfresco/bistro styled blinds without the $$$ outlay and not knowing the outcome.

Cheers

JoeAzza

Hi @KAV2025 , I noticed that there is a downpipe above the guttering freezing into it, next time it rain, check if the guttering can cope with the watering pouring into the guttering, if it’s not keeping up , then it may be possible for the rain water to overflow into the eaves, possibly causing water to travel internally. If this is the cause , then you will have change the bottom downpipe to a larger size to cope with the amount of rainwater.

KAV2025

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/56789#Comment_56789

Thank you for your response Jacob, in answer to your questions:

1. The main point of entry for the water is point X (this appears to be the general opinion of what professionals have said, we have had over 10 different people come to look at this problem). What happens is that the water comes through at this point and is collecting in this corner, then it runs along the horizontal beam behind the metal beam and then starts pooling in the front centre of the wooden ceiling. The other end of the wooden beam on the left does not have damage. We did have one person suggest that the floor membrane may need to be replaced and this may need to happen at some point, but we are trying to fix everything else first before spending $$$ on pulling the tiles up...

2. The water that falls external to the balcony (on the right) runs through an 'invisible gutter', we have had this area checked by a roof plumber and he has said that all is ok

3. I don't think the top beam is the main entry point for water, although some may get in that way

KAV2025

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/90682#Comment_90682

Thank you, Dave, for taking the time to respond.

With regards to the points you raise:

1. Yes, we asked a roofer to attach the small metal edging and then run sealant across the strip (which is white) to stop any drips coming back on to the wood, which has done the job.

2. We have been thinking blinds might be the way to go to help manage the driving rain, plus we need the shade.

3. We have had the ceiling replaced via a claim with our insurers and have had numerous builders/roof plumbers/roofers/leak specialist to inspect. No-one has specifically said a way to fix the problem, unfortunately. Most have said the structure is poorly designed and given that we are so close to the sea, shouldn't have been built. The issue is that the insurers will only cover the damage, we are liable for maintenance and its been very tricky to decipher the exact problem.

KAV2025

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/56803#Comment_56803

Thanks so much Dave for responding. That's a good idea, given the nature of water getting everywhere I'm keen not to spend lots of money when we can't be 100% if it will resolve the issue.

KAV2025

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/56809#Comment_56809

Thank you Joe for responding. You raise a very good point, the gutter overflows with water and definitely can't cope with the volume on storm days. Is this something that can be done via DIY or would you recommend a plumber etc to do this type of work?

KAV2025

@JoeAzza @AlanM52 @Dave-1 @JacobZ

Not sure if this is helpful but here is an old photo of the damage, the rain drives water behind the white wooden block (circled).This is definitely a pain point aswell as the gutter overflowing

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/56852#Comment_56852

Hi @KAV2025,

Considering the main location of the damage, and the proximity to gutters that you have mentioned are prone to overflow, I would be looking at those gutters pretty closely.

Could I trouble you for some photos looking down at these gutters from the deck?

How does the hidden gutter feed into the visible one?

If these gutters are overflowing, you may need to have a roofing plumber assess their suitability and recommend potential upgrades to the system.

I think the hardest part about your situation is isolating what exactly the problem is, but it seems like the gutters could play a significant part.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/90709#Comment_90709

Good Evening @KAV2025

Thank your for that last photo, it really does show up where the water damage is coming from. You can add my name to @JacobZ's ask for a few extra photos 🙂 I would be investigating that corner area a lot more so, even to removing the metal cowl, the facia and that white block even. Water is getting in at that point or just beyond it so finding exactly where may solve future issues.

Dave

JoeAzza

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/90708#Comment_90708

Hi @KAV2025 , I think you would need a plumber to install a larger diameter downpipe.

KAV2025

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/90709#Comment_90709

Hi Jacob and @Dave-1

I managed to get a ladder and get some photos as requested. I'm embarrassed to say that I hadn't previously taken a close look down the side of the balcony wall, as a roof plumber came to inspect and said that all was ok up there, but it looks like the area circled red needs some TLC and could be contributing to the water issue.

Looking at the photos and also the advice that has been given here and by other specialists, I think I will need to get the following done (as a starting point):

1. Treat the space between the balcony wall and roof (circled red). Not sure what is suitable for this job

2. Install a larger downpipe

3. Repaint the balcony walls with a water proofer paint

4. Sand the wooden beam on top of the balcony wall (where the blue line is in the new photos), seal underneath and repaint

5. Take out the piece of wood by the temporary flashing and investigate further underneath the gutter junction Roof 5_overhead.jpg Roof 6_balcony side wall.jpg Roof 7.jpg Roof 8.jpg

Thanks again for your help and time, it is much appreciated.

Cheers,

Katie

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111289#Comment_111289

Good Evening @KAV2025

Cheering that it looks like you have found the root of the problem, tho annoyed at the gutter cleaner, the waterproofing/sealing company as it really seems they didnt bother. Id have a chat with them and show the pictures at the very least. Fair enough you maybe should have looked but you are paying for a service so "wiggles hands" Id still say more annoyed at the companies then you 🙂

The timber under the window looks ok, the painting with waterproof paint is another that looks ok.

The flashing with no gutter? No edge or fall has me concerned. It really looks like its missing/never installed. I would engage a seperate roofing company to inspect and suggest a course of action. (I am thinking its above the level of a handy person /yourself repairing and fixing the issue.)

Still cheering that a solution seems to be on the horizon 🙂

Dave

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111289#Comment_111289

Hello @KAV2025

It's good to hear that you've had a first-hand look at the situation up top. I totally agree with your proposed list of actions, and I can only add doing a garden hose testing when everything has been repaired to make sure that there are no leaks. In regards to the area circled in red, I can only suggest engaging the services of a roofing professional and have them repair that section.

Eric

KAV2025

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123064#Comment_123064

Thanks Dave.

The roof plumber was up there for an hour doing tests and looking at the structure and didn't mention this at all! Oh well, as you say I'll be engaging with another company to come out to take a look so we can get this fixed asap.

Thanks for your help 😊

KAV2025

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123065#Comment_123065

Thanks Eric!

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130773#Comment_130773

Morning @KAV2025

We all have leaks 🙂 Part of life I think and now you have a fair idea its even better. I have a cracked waterpipe in my front yard.... Somewhere! lol I have a wet patch coming out from under a retaining wall and my little dial on my water meter is so slowly moving even tho there are no drips... Its just a fancy puzzle with some work is all 🙂 Would be interested in seeing what the solution the new company suggests so we can file it away for the next person 🙂

Dave

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