Cheap easy way to stop water buildup and leakage from a balcony the builder messed up

[codyg]

We have a garage with an unfinished apartment above it which has a balcony. Whoever built it did not put a slope to drain the water. Its down to plywood as the flooring. In the past we have had a tarp over the balcony nailed to the railing and side of the garage but snow, heavy rains and wind keep detatching it. Anyone know a cheap way that we could keep the water from pooling/leaking through the floor to the padio below. There is also a ceiling fan under it so electrical problems are a concern. The cheaper the better but idealy it would be maintenence free for a few years. We dont use the balcony so it does not need to be pretty.

Thanks you all, Cody

 

[JohnD]

photos will help

I'm thinking about a sheet material laid on or over the balcony with a slope on it, perhaps a corrugated plastic, or multiwall polycarbonate as used on shed roofing. Easy to cut with a fine wood saw, cam be drilled and screwed.

Will need to be well fixed down or the wind will catch it.

 

[^woody^]

A balcony is just a flat roof that is walked on.

Form a flat roof, cover it with flat roof material of your choice, put down a walking surface such as promenade tiles, slabs or decking.

 

[^woody^]

corrugated plastic, or multiwall polycarbonate

You tend to find that the ladies can't walk on these on balconies - especially if wearing heels. And are generally a bit slippy anyway.

 

[JohnD]

We dont use the balcony

 

[bobasd]

on google. in june 2015 in berkeley ca.a balconey collapsed and 14 people were killed or injured. water leaks hadcaused dry rot to the projecting/cantileverd floor joists.
doubt that youl get that many peeople on your balconey but even if you dont use it the next owners might.
i'd get the work done by a professional not diy itt.

 

[Tigercubrider]

How large is the balcony floor area?
This is a uk site, and USA roofing is different to ours, but water is the same!
How about a pond liner type membrane? I would strip back the balcony and add wood to make a rake. Then more ply and the liner, so it drains

 

[noseall]

A balcony is just a flat roof that is walked on.

...with the added headache of a 1100mm high handrail that needs connecting to the flattie in a clever way that won't leak and look good.
I have yet to meet a designer that has done this 100% successfully.

Steer clear of balconies.