How to raise the floor level on the balcony?

There are a few doable actions you can take to create a smoother, more level surface if you want to improve the area of your balcony by raising the floor level. Uneven flooring on balconies is frequently the result of settling, wear, or defects in the original construction. Fortunately, fixing this problem can enhance the balcony’s appearance and usability, increasing its comfort level.

The first step in elevating your balcony’s floor level is to evaluate the surface’s present state. To gain a comprehensive view of the entire space, remove any furniture and debris. Search for any areas that may collect water, such as dips or uneven spots. To make sure the new flooring material lays evenly and drains properly if needed, these areas will need to be attended to.

Next, decide on the materials you’ll use and the desired height difference. Adding a fresh coat of concrete, putting in interlocking deck tiles, or using self-leveling compound are common techniques. Depending on the size, surface, and final appearance of your balcony, each option has unique advantages.

Make sure your balcony can handle the extra weight of the new flooring material before moving forward. Balcony structures have weight restrictions, so the best course of action can be determined by speaking with a structural engineer or other construction expert. To prevent any structural problems or safety hazards, safety comes first.

To raise the floor level on a balcony:	1. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
2. Measure and mark the desired new floor level.	3. Choose suitable materials like concrete or lightweight aggregates.
4. Prepare the balcony surface by applying a bonding agent.	5. Pour and spread the chosen material evenly.
6. Use a level to ensure the new surface is flat and even.	7. Allow sufficient time for curing as per material instructions.
8. Finish with a sealant or protective coating if necessary.	9. Test the surface for stability before adding any additional flooring.

Why raise the floor

When does it become necessary to raise the floor of the loggia or balcony?

• thermal insulation of this part of the apartment is carried out;
• the concrete slab of the balcony has significant defects, the elimination of which by standard methods does not give the desired result;
• it is necessary to level the base of the balcony slab (often has a slope for the flow of rainwater) under the final floor covering;
• there is a need for the same floor level on the balcony and in the apartment.

The final point is essential. Small children and those with disabilities find it challenging to exit onto the balcony and enter the apartment again. A healthy adult finds different floor heights to be inconvenient as well because it requires constant focus to avoid falling.

Ways to raise the floor on the balcony or loggia

Apartment owners should be aware that there are numerous ways to raise the floor on the balcony:

• cement-sand screed;
• expanded clay – dry screed;
• wet screed according to expanded clay;
• polystyrene slabs;
• metal frame;
• With the help of a lag.

However, work shouldn’t begin until after weighing the pros and cons of each approach and considering the following factors:

• The weights of the materials used – the balcony plate has less strength than the inter -story floor: overload can lead to human tragedies;
• Type of balcony (loggia): closed (glazed) or open to all winds, rain and snow;
• method of insulation;
• Type of flooring.

Cement-sand screed

If the balcony floor needs to be raised, the owners’ go-to solution—the tried-and-true cement-sand screed—is mostly taken into consideration. Along with raising the floor level, it also serves a variety of other purposes at the same time.

• provides dynamic and static strength of the final floor covering;
• creates a smooth surface for tiles, parquet, parquet boards, laminate, linoleum;
• evenly distributes the load on the balcony slab.

Using the "wet" method to raise the floor has several advantages:

• budget cost of materials (you can do the work yourself);
• simple pouring technology accessible to novice builders;
• Pouring on balconies (loggias) of closed and open type is allowed;
• high strength indicators – achieved with a minimum layer thickness of 3 cm;
• the possibility of installing a “warm floor”;
• compatibility with all types of floor coverings;
• long service life.

There are also shortcomings:

• significant weight, and therefore the balcony slab may not withstand the load of a layer of cement-sand mortar more than 8 cm thick in open balconies and 5 cm in glazed ones. This imposes restrictions on the height of the floor. Together with the floor covering, it cannot exceed 7-10 cm. If there is a greater difference in floor levels, the screed should be abandoned and other options should be considered;
• takes a long time to gain strength;
• the work is physically difficult and labor-intensive (takes a lot of time).

Dry screed

It was only recently that the balcony’s floor level was raised through the use of bulk building materials, specifically expanded clay. Installing a sturdy foundation beneath the floor covering is necessary when using this technology. In the event that it is OSB, plywood, gypsum fiber board, or flat slate, we have a dry screed. Her benefits include:

• high strength – withstands about 500 kg/m2;
• light weight, which allows you to raise the floor to a height of up to 25 cm;
• good heat and sound insulation properties – no need for additional insulation;

• simple technology;
• quick completion of the work, allowing you to begin laying the flooring on the same day;
• no dirt during work.

There are also shortcomings:

• hydrophobicity of expanded clay – actively absorbing water, expanded clay dries for months, as a result of which the laminate is deformed, and on an unheated balcony it crumbles in the cold, destroying the screed and the floor;
• high final cost of materials used;
• there is no possibility of installing a “warm floor”;
• cannot be used on open balconies.

Wet screed on expanded clay (expanded clay concrete)

Not only can plywood and OSB be used to build a sturdy base for the finishing floor covering over expanded clay backfill, but cement-sand mortar can also be of assistance. We have an expanded clay concrete screed in this instance. TO advantages Among the floor-lifting technologies are:

• affordable cost of cake materials made of expanded clay and CPR;

• durability;
• possibility of installing cable and infrared “warm floor”;
• a durable and smooth surface on which any type of flooring can be laid without additional effort;
• ability to withstand large dynamic (from falling objects or jumping of an adult) and static loads (2-3 times higher than that of a dry screed).

Drawbacks:

• there are restrictions on the height of the floor (up to 20 cm) and the thickness of the screed (no more than 3 cm) – it may be too heavy;
• active absorption of moisture by expanded clay (hydrophobicity), which is why waterproofing of the expanded clay cushion is necessary;
• this technology is unacceptable for open balconies.

Extruded polystyrene

Polystyrene boards—polystyrene foam, which is used less frequently—and extruded polystyrene—were used by apartment owners to raise the floor. The new approach has a great chance of taking over since it offers many benefits.

• budget cost;
• minimal load on the balcony slab;
• the ability to obtain the required height by combining slabs of different thicknesses (20, 30, 40, 50 mm);
• simple technology;
• fast execution of work;
• high strength – used in the construction of roads and runways;
• excellent thermal insulation properties;
• can be used in all types of balconies;
• the material is compatible with any floor covering.

We are still unable to identify faults due to a lack of usage experience.

Metal carcass

With a metal frame, you can raise the floor to any desired height. Regarding the layout:

• long service life;
• light weight;
• low cost;
• high strength.

Furthermore, the possibility of merits should be taken into consideration.

• carrying out insulation work;
• "warm floor" devices;
• use in closed and open types of balconies and loggias.

One major flaw is that you sometimes need the expertise of a welder to complete the work; it is not always possible to do it alone. Cons among the others:

• complex installation technology – it is almost impossible to obtain a flat surface without anchoring the posts (legs);
• metal is susceptible to corrosion;
• need a welding machine.

Lags

Just like in the last instance, you can raise the floor to any height by using joists. Simultaneously, there exist multiple additional methods within the method for raising the floor:

• fastening the logs to metal U-shaped elements;
• on stilettos;
• wooden racks (similar to a metal frame);
• using two or three-layer lathing.

The approach has benefits and drawbacks.

Advantages:

• the design is lightweight;
• edged wood itself is expensive, but the small amount of timber required makes it possible for people with average incomes to use the logs;
• environmentally friendly material;
• simple technology of work – any apartment owner can do it;
• the alignment process takes little time;
• can be installed under “warm floor”.

Minuses:

• cannot be used on unglazed balconies – the wood rots;
• good protection from water (rain, fog, snow) is needed – when humidity and temperature change, the linear dimensions of the joists change, which can lead to the destruction of laminate and tile flooring.

In the piece "How to Raise the Floor Level on the Balcony," we delve into workable strategies for raising the balcony floor’s height in order to solve drainage problems or enhance appearance. We’ll talk about easy methods like resurfacing the concrete or using lightweight materials like composite tiles or wooden decking. These techniques improve the balcony’s usability and appearance in addition to helping to level the floor. This guide offers doable solutions to effectively elevate your balcony, whether your goal is to smooth out uneven surfaces or create a more seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.

Materials and tools

Taking into account the multitude of approaches to raising the floor on a balcony, we list the supplies and equipment required for each technique individually. This strategy won’t make website visitors confused.

Sand-cement screed. What you’ll need to fill a wet screed is:

• river sand or quarry sand, sifted;
• cement grade M300 (more durable grades can be used);
• fiberglass;
• plasticizers;
• damper tape;
• metal profile for beacons;

• self-tapping screws for fixing beacons, but it is better to install them on cement-sand piles;
• a container for stirring the solution (due to the small volume of work, a concrete mixer may not be used);
• hammer drill or electric drill with mixer;
• rule;
• level;
• hydraulic level;
• roulette;
• fishing line or construction cord;
• trowel;
• construction pencil;
• sander or self-leveling compound.

Dry screed. The following supplies and equipment must be purchased in order to install a dry screed (the latter can be rented or borrowed from friends, acquaintances, or neighbors):

• expanded clay;
• sheets of flat slate (plywood, gypsum fiber board, OSB or chipboard);
• polyethylene film;
• metal, U-shaped profile for beacons;
• self-tapping screws;
• damper tape;
• aluminum rule 1 m long;
• hammer drill;
• level;
• hydraulic level;
• roulette;
• fishing line;
• screwdriver or Phillips screwdriver;
• knife;
• roulette;
• jigsaw;
• pencil;
• buckets.

Moist screed over swollen clay. The same supplies and equipment needed for cement-sand screed are also needed for raising the floor using expanded clay and wet screed. Furthermore, all you’ll need to purchase is plastic film and expanded clay.

Polystyrene extruded. Using sheets of extruded polystyrene makes raising the floor simple. All you should have available is:

• extruded polystyrene sheets;
• plywood, chipboard, OSB or GVL;
• construction knife;
• roulette;
• marker (construction pencil).

Metal skeleton. It is feasible to install a metal frame if you possess:

• metal corner or profile pipe 50×50 mm;
• plates under the heel of the rack;
• anchor bolts;
• Chipboard, plywood or OSB for flooring;
• self-tapping dowel for attaching anchors to the balcony slab;
• welding machine;
• electric drill or hammer drill;
• roulette;
• marker or pencil.

Pauses. What you’ll need to install the joists is:

• block – dimensions depend on the installation method and the height of the floor;
• Chipboard, plywood or OSB for flooring;
• studs or U-shaped supports;
• self-tapping dowels for attaching racks to the balcony slab;
• wood screws;
• antiseptic;
• electric drill or hammer drill;
• screwdriver;
• jigsaw or wood saw;
• roulette;
• marker or pencil.

Preparatory work

Prior to raising the floor, you must:

• revision of the base of the balcony slab;
• its repair;
• waterproofing.

Evaluation of the slab’s condition. Examining the balcony slab allows one to determine:

• permissible weight load on the balcony;
• floor defects, on the basis of which a list of repair work is compiled;
• difference between the floor of a balcony and an apartment.

Repair of the balcony slab. It will not be possible to fix the floor’s base after it has been raised. Consequently, the issues with the balcony slab and the walls’ bottoms—which will have a screed or frame covering them—must be resolved.

The first thing you should do is seal the spaces between the wall panels. This will stop drafts and the flow of moist air into the floor pie. Long foam rollers can be used to seal large spaces between panels utilizing two different technologies:

• apply polyurethane foam into the gap and press the roller into it. After polymerization of the foam, cut off the sagging that protrudes beyond the wall with a knife;
• drive the roller into the gap, and then seal it with the CPR.

Sealants based on acrylic can be used to close small gaps.

The next step involves filling in potholes, chips, and cracks in the concrete. First, any damaged areas are cleared of any remaining paint residue, dust, and oil stains. Large cracks are reinforced with self-tapping screws, which have grooves cut across them for reinforcement. Small cracks are opened with a grinder and a concrete disc, allowing the gap to be filled with repair mortar all the way down. Every flaw is primed twice before repair mortar is applied to seal it.

This article goes into great detail about concrete floor repair technology.

Sealing with water. Waterproofing the lower portion of the wall and the base of the slab completes the preparatory work. Every technique for raising the floor is executed flawlessly. can be done using mastics or roll materials. The type of insulation and finishing coat chosen will determine the exact waterproofing solution.

Check out the article "Waterproofing the floor before screeding" for more information on the technology involved in waterproofing.

You can make your balcony much more aesthetically pleasing and useful by raising the floor level. A worn-out or uneven surface can be turned into a smooth and sturdy foundation for a variety of activities by following a few simple steps.

First, evaluate the state of your balcony as it stands. Before moving further, look for any structural problems or water damage that need to be fixed. Making sure the balcony can sustain the extra weight of the new flooring materials is vital.

Next, select the appropriate tools for the task. Options like composite decking, tiles, or even concrete can offer weather resistance and durability, depending on your preferences and budget. Think about choosing materials that are simple to maintain and appropriate for outdoor use.

After giving the balcony surface a thorough cleaning and completing any required repairs, prepare it. Eliminate outdated flooring, seal any holes or fissures, and make sure the surface is level. A longer lifespan for your new flooring and the avoidance of future issues are guaranteed by proper preparation.

Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the new flooring. The materials should be fastened in place using the proper adhesives or fasteners. Pay attention to drainage details to avoid water accumulation, which over time can cause damage.

Finally, after installation is finished, keep your balcony floor clean and in good condition. Clear spills as soon as possible, sweep up any debris, and, if advised for the materials you’ve selected, think about applying a protective sealant. Your raised balcony floor can offer a long-lasting and lovely area for lounging and outdoor activities with the right maintenance.

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