A balcony or terrace acts as an additional feature to an interior living space, but since it’s constantly exposed to the elements, it requires proper protection and repairs if needed. Most damage is caused by damp, frost, or corrosion, but sometimes it results from poor or outdated materials and workmanship. Balconies and terraces on old buildings are especially prone to damage, as they were built at the time when no insulation was added, which leads to major heat losses. In this case, repairs should cover all identified defects and installation of insulation. Waterproofing is identical to that on a flat roof―the waterproofing layer is laid over the thermal insulation at a slope to allow drainage. The floor can be covered with tiles, concrete, stone, wood, or another similar material, coated with a waterproofing product. A balcony or terrace should also include a drip edge and railing. The front drip edge may include a drainage channel or sloped tiles. The railing should match the house in style. Let’s not forget to discuss the balcony door. As a rule, the floor in the adjacent room should be a bit higher or at the same level as that of the terrace for drainage purposes. Generally speaking, we recommend you do your research on applicable regulations in your local council or another authority to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Check out other advice we’ve prepared, and use our calculator to see the cost of such renovation works. You can also always contact our experts, who’ll be more than happy to reply.