This article discusses balcony retiling strata rules, explaining whether tiles can be laid over existing balcony tiles and the legal, acoustic, and waterproofing considerations involved in strata schemes.
Question: Can we retile over existing tiles on a balcony? Our downstairs neighbour is concerned about the possible noise implications.
I have a tiled balcony that is on top of the living area of the unit downstairs.
I am wanting to get the balcony retiled. The tiler has suggested we tile on top of the existing tiles and re-waterproofing.
My neighbour below wants me to get acoustic underlay. This will effectively double the price. Do I have to do this as the area is already tiled and I am not changing the material? My tiler has informed me that adding waterproofing and new tile will improve the acoustics from what they are anyway.
Answer: For a number of reasons, the recommended pathway of applying tiles and waterproofing over existing tiles is not recommended.
Navigating the pitfalls of Strata living, for all the benefits it brings, is not an easy task. The question raised branches across several areas with regard to construction and performance of works under the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards as well as Strata Law and specific by-laws for the property.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to provide a black and white yes or no answer without consideration for a number of factors. The recommended pathway of applying waterproofing over existing tiles before laying new tiles is not recommended. There are several compliance considerations in terms of waterproofing, weatherproofing and safety that should be reviewed. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on new tiles to later find out later you have to remove it all!
If there are no existing waterproofing issues with the balcony, it may be feasible to lay new tiles over the existing after review of the existing site conditions/constraints and especially with respect to any balustrading. New tiling may only add 10-15mm in overall height, but this may result in what is now a compliant balustrade height (minimum 1m) becoming non-compliant. Can the new tiling be installed without impacting balcony drainage (including any overflow), weep holes in walls and drainage of the balcony door itself?
Application of waterproofing and tiling over existing will have negligible impact/improvement on the acoustics. A proper acoustic, under tile layer, installed strictly to the manufactures requirements is necessary to achieve a notable reduction in sound transmission. Measurements by an acoustic consultant would allow you to determine what products are suitable to reduce the sound transmission by a certain level.
Your Strata Manager will be able to advise if there are any specific by-laws that apply to your property in this situation and can also advise on matters regarding the Strata Schemes Management Act/Regulation, especially in terms of “peaceful enjoyment” and how this can be interpreted.
Any external waterproofing works where these relate to a Class 2 Building are also now subject to the requirements under the Design and Building Practitioners Act and Regulations. This requires the waterproofing to be designed and declared (certified) by a registered design practitioner and the works performed by a registered building practitioner.
A remedial engineer/consultant can help guide you through the works, ensuring the correct documentation is collected and the correct process is followed, as well as manage the works from start to finish.
This post appears in the November 2021 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.
Ian Martyn
CORE Project Consulting Pty Ltd
E: admin@core.engineering
P: 02 8961 3250
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