Avoid the Pain, Expense and Embarrassment of a Leaky Balcony - Do THIS Instead!

Early on in my career when I was working with Matt Risinger, I had the opportunity to help diagnose a leaky balcony on a very high end custom house on the lake. The original builder had chosen to lay a traditional tile floor over a sheet of poly for water protection. Unfortunately, the system failed and I got a good education on how not to waterproof a balcony. Matt also taught me about the beauty of installing a waterproof roof, and then simply setting the flooring material on top of a pedestal system like the Bison Level Up.
This is the strategy we used on the Smith House Monarch Woods build. Huber Advantech decking over sloped joists sets the initial drainage plane slope. A dry pack detail completes the slope, and the entire roof is covered in a fluid applied waterproofing material. A TPO underlayment is put down and followed by a TPO roof that is adhered up the wall. Flashing is installed over the wall sheathing and TPO seam, preventing water from getting behind the TPO at the wall. The TPO is adhesively connected to a center drain that takes water down a gutter and into the rainwater collection system.
The Bison Level Up pedestal system is then used to float the natural limestone pavers above the balcony roof. The beauty of this system is that there are no fasteners, sharp metal lathe, or aggressive tools coming anywhere near our roofing system - preventing any accidental punctures. It also allows us to inspect and repair the roof in the unlikely event that something does go awry.
Go check out the Bison Level Up Pedestal System here: amzn.to/3y1jJZP
Crafting a Leak-Proof Balcony: The Bison Pedestal System Explained | Smith House
Bison Level Up Pedestals - amzn.to/3y1jJZP
Instagram: jordansmithbuilds
Thank you for watching, and we look forward to sharing more valuable insights with you in the next episode of Smith House!
Join Jordan Smith as he unveils the secrets behind the impeccably designed balcony at Monarch Woods, ensuring longevity, functionality, and zero leaks. Jordan, a design builder with Smith House Company, shares his expertise in creating balconies that stand the test of time.
⚠️ Key Insights:
Butterfly Roof Design: Discover the innovative approach to balcony construction, featuring a butterfly roof with Advantech decking and a linear drain for efficient water management.
Waterproofing Techniques: Learn about the meticulous waterproofing process, including metal flashing, zip fluid application, red guarding, and TPO underlayment.
Bison Pedestal System: Explore the advantages of using the Bison pedestal system, which provides adjustability, weight distribution, and ventilation for the balcony tiles.
🔍 Video Overview:
Introduction: Jordan introduces the balcony project at Monarch Woods and addresses common challenges associated with balcony construction.
Balcony Design: Dive into the details of the butterfly roof design, showcasing the thoughtful planning and waterproofing measures implemented.
Bison Pedestal Installation: Witness the installation process of the Bison pedestal system and its role in elevating the balcony tiles above the roofing membrane.
🔧 Building Excellence: Jordan emphasizes the importance of choosing durable, repairable, and aesthetically pleasing solutions for balcony construction.
💬 Engage with Us: Share your thoughts and questions in the comments section. Your feedback fuels our content!
👍 Don't Miss Out: Be sure to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more insightful updates from Smith House!
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[@ColeSpolaric]

You did this pretty much how i thought the right way is. The only thing i wouldn't have thought of is the red guard

[@scorpio6587]

I love your videos.

[@hellonoko]

Cool. What do you think of using a few sheets of stainless to build a sort of giant, welded in place pan for the balcony decking?

[@ColeSpolaric]

I mean, if you have the money for that, why not?

[@executiveflooring]

Check out Mapei Planiseal CR1 and their new pedestal system.

[@skiptheroad]

Is there any chance the wind could blow the tiles off the balcony?

[@Ms2Chill]

what about t-clear heavyguard?

[@urchin11]

I prefer balconies to be free standing not attached to house, that way no matter bcan get inside ever no matter what. I does require posts to the ground beneath the surface

[@tjrooger1092]

Yay comments. Do you get time to shoot ice ball cannons at shingles anymore?