Remedial works at Kensington tackled persistent balcony leaks, blocked scuppers and early concrete decay that were staining interiors and increasing insurance risk. MJ Engineering Projects supplied a fully documented programme that waterproofed private terraces, stabilised thresholds and protected reinforcement, all without residents moving out or interrupting routine building maintenance. Every step followed Australian Standards and the National Construction Code, giving the owners corporation and insurer full confidence in the outcome.
Project Background
Visual evidence of moisture staining, rust marks bled through render and balcony ceilings showed widespread staining. An investigative survey by MJ Engineering Projects confirmed failed membranes, undersized scupper outlets and cracking in walls traced to persistent water ingress. Our certified remedial design practitioners produced an NCC-aligned specification that the insurer accepted without comment.
Scope of Remedial Works
The waterproofing of private terrace and balconies
The replacement of balcony doors
The removal and replacement of balustrade
The stabilisation of balcony threshold
The re-painting of metal lintels
The application of wall cavity flashing
The rectification of wall cavity vents
The rendering of slab edges
The repairing of concrete spalling
The repair of wall cracking
The repair of rusted bar chairs
The repairing of delaminated render
The application of joint sealant
The application of medium build acrylic
The application of low sheen acrylic
Key Challenges and Solutions
Undersized scupper drains
Original outlets sat several millimetres above slab level, so ponding water overwhelmed the ageing membrane. Lightweight screed re-established balcony falls and flush-mounted stainless scuppers now lap into pipe sockets; flood tests show rapid discharge even during heavy rain.
Threshold instability
Door tracks lacked a structural rebate, allowing differential movement and water migration.. The poor concrete hobs were rebuilt and the waterproofing membrane was properly terminated to avoid water penetration.
Balustrade penetrations
Post fixings penetrated the new waterproof layer which requried specialist waterproofing detailing.
Concrete edge spalling
Carbonation and standing water corroded reinforcement along balcony perimeters. After breakout and steel passivation, polymer-modified mortar reinstated cover and a coating sealed repairs, cutting chloride diffusion to negligible levels.
Occupied environment
To ensure use of building; dust curtains, negative-pressure vacuums and council-approved noise windows limited disruption ensured smooth delivery.
Conclusion
This remedial works programme stopped balcony leaks, rebuilt thresholds and restored concrete durability without displacing residents or interrupting everyday building maintenance. Balconies now drain correctly, slabs are protected and façade joints are sealed for long-term service.
MJ Engineering Projects brings more than fifteen years of remedial works and building maintenance experience to balconies, façades and structural upgrades across Sydney. Contact us now if you have leaking balconies, concrete spalling or façade issues that need expert remedial engineering solutions.
