How to insulate a balcony to keep it warm and dry?

No more than a few decades ago, builders rarely worried about the insulation of external public spaces, such as balconies and terraces. Nowadays, with modern and energy efficient construction, no one would dare underestimate the importance of thermal insulation and waterproofing of these elements. Which waterproof balcony membrane is the best? How is the waterproofing of a terrace done and what does the thermal insulation of a balcony consist of step by step? Here are the answers! Published: 06-16-2023 Why is it worth installing thermal insulation on a balcony? What is the benefit of proper balcony insulation? It translates into lower energy losses generated by the building, as thermal bridges do not form within the façade, doors or windows. Precise thermal insulation on a balcony means reducing heating bills and achieving greater comfort in summer and winter. Both the thermal insulation of a balcony and the waterproofing of terraces and balconies have a positive impact on the air parameters inside the building. It is much easier to control the temperature and humidity level in a well-insulated room. What is the importance of exterior waterproofing? Balconies and terraces are structures that protrude from the exterior of the building and are especially exposed to humidity. If balcony waterproofing is not working properly or is missing, the walls and floor can quickly be damaged. The concrete corrodes and, as time goes by, the balcony slabs begin to fall.



There is an increased risk of pathogenic fungi forming inside. Therefore, a correctly selected insulating mortar for a terrace or balcony is of utmost importance: it protects structural and finishing materials from the destructive effects of water. How to insulate a balcony: the most popular materials. Due to the proliferation of new, highly efficient materials, the insulation market is enjoying vigorous expansion, with investors, developers and homebuilders able to choose from a variety of materials designed to insulate and waterproof external structures. These include: Polystyrene foam , insulating CZ Leads mortars for balconies, liquid membranes, sludge, sealing compounds, polymer-based sealing mortars for balconies, Polyurethane foam plates for insulation of terraces and balconies. Insulating a balcony with polystyrene (extruded polystyrene): pros and cons Styrofoam remains the undisputed number one choice among thermal insulating materials for insulating balconies. Which polystyrene is best for balconies? Insulation installers often use XPS, also known as extruded polystyrene foam. This is because it is cheap and well tested. It also stands out for being non-absorbent, being lightweight, resisting physical damage and withstanding climate changes. Furthermore, working with polystyrene to insulate a balcony is quite simple; This can be done successfully even by novice installers. In Poland, polystyrene is very common on balconies.







However, we must keep in mind that insulating a balcony with polystyrene, such as EPS, will not always provide the desired protection against cold and humidity. Poorly insulated, low-quality polystyrene foam does not withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures or humidity, causing thermal bridges to form. In old buildings, if we install extruded polystyrene on a balcony without a leveling screed, this will also reduce the thermal insulation qualities of the material and make it difficult to install other finishing materials. Insulate a balcony with PIR board or foam If we do not want to insulate our terrace with polystyrene , we can use other materials, such as PIR foams or boards. They are more expensive than Styrofoam, but are extremely durable, lightweight, and resistant to moisture, biological, and chemical factors. Several types of polyurethane insulating materials are offered on the market that allow you to insulate a balcony from below, above and on the side of the façade. Examples include: EUROPIR®SL , inclined boards for insulation of terraces and balconies , customized depending on the slope of the balcony, and a two-component spray polyurethane system called Crossin Wall Foam , designed for sealing balconies and facades. Waterproofing compound for balconies and terraces. How to stop water and protect tiles and insulation layer from damage? What balcony insulation will protect materials from moisture? To do this, it is advisable to use a special insulating compound intended for terraces and balconies.