Innovation. Protection. Sustainability.

BALCONIES & PLANTERS

Balconies and planters face constant exposure to extreme conditions—scorching heat, heavy rainfall, freezing temperatures, coastal salt, and even urban pollution. These elements weaken the concrete over time, leading to deterioration and costly repairs. Alchemco®’s Subsurface Membrane Waterproofing™ strengthens and protects from within, using a reactive formula that enhances durability and protects the structure for its designed the life.

Proven Protection: Project Profiles & Case Studies

  • ENVY APARTMENT COMPLEX

    ENVY APARTMENT COMPLEX

    22,000 sq. ft. high-end luxury apartment complex faced challenges from heat, humidity, and salt air exposure, with a focus on protecting its balconies from long-term deterioration.

    Project Profile
  • COSTA VERDE VILLAGE

    COSTA VERDE VILLAGE

    300,000 sq. ft. multi-family housing project in San Diego, faced the challenge of protecting its balconies, walkways, and decks from long-term deterioration.

    Project Profile
  • MIDTOWN DORAL CONDOMINIUMS

    MIDTOWN DORAL CONDOMINIUMS

    22,000 sq. ft. Midtown Doral Condominiums project focused on waterproofing balconies from weathering, cracking, and leaks in an existing residential complex.

    Project profile
  • PRMI BUILDING

    PRMI BUILDING

    10,000 sq. ft. PRMI Building project focused on waterproofing below-grade walls, concrete planters, and an exposed balcony deck while maintaining the construction schedule.

    Project Profile
  • THE VISTAS

    THE VISTAS

    18,000 sq. ft. addressed weathering, cracking, and leaks in existing balconies and a pool deck, ensuring long-term protection and structural stability for the luxury apartment complex.

    Project Profile
  • ONE EQUINE - SERVICED APARTMENT COMPLEX

    ONE EQUINE - SERVICED APARTMENT COMPLEX

    Multi-phase project required waterproofing for pools, roofs, water containment areas, and planters needed to maintain the construction schedule.

    Project Profile
  • WALDORF ASTORIA

    WALDORF ASTORIA

    Luxury hotel project required phased waterproofing for pools, roofs, planters, and bathrooms over several years to meet its 2024 opening, with efficient application essential to keeping construction on schedule.

    Project Profile
  • TRIUNI RESIDENCE AT THE SANCTUARY

    TRIUNI RESIDENCE AT THE SANCTUARY

    The third phase of The Sanctuary Development involved constructing three towers, requiring phased waterproofing for rooftops, pools, podium decks, and parking structures while maintaining the construction schedule.

    Project Profile

From Challenge to Solution: View Our Cases

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Concrete Overlays for Balconies & Planters - Polymer Based

    • Epoxy overlays are the most common overlay system in the U.S.

    • They are two-component systems, consisting of epoxy resin and a curing/hardening agent.

    • Known for their high bond strength and low shrinkage.

    • Often, no primer is needed if the concrete deck is properly cleaned and prepped.

    • Applied using a multiple-layer method, also called the broom-and-seed method.

    • Typically, 2-3 layers of epoxy are applied.

    • Aggregate (small particles) is spread on each layer as per the manufacturer's guidelines.

    • After each layer cures, unbound aggregate is removed before applying the next layer.

    • Two-component systems with polyester-styrene resin and organic peroxide as the initiator for curing.

    • Polyester overlays are usually applied using the premix method.

    • The material is screeded to grade for even application.

    • Fine aggregate is spread on the surface for initial skid resistance.

    • These systems generally require a primer on the bridge deck before applying the overlay.

    • Two-component systems with methyl methacrylate resin and a small amount of organic peroxide as the curing initiator.

    • Methacrylate overlays are usually applied using the slurry method, mixed with aggregates.

    • Both the bridge deck and aggregate must be completely dry due to the system’s sensitivity to moisture.

    • Methacrylate top-coats are available to help bond/encapsulate the aggregate.

    • Common chemistries used include Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) and Polyurethane Methacrylate (PUMA).

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Concrete Sealers for Balconies & Planters - Penetrants

  • - Concrete deck sealers are spray-applied liquids designed to cover the entire bridge deck, not just cracks.

    - The most commonly used chemistries are Silanes and Siloxanes.

    - These sealers penetrate the concrete surface and act as a water repellent (hydrophobic).

    - They do not qualify as waterproofing products.

    - They cannot seal existing or future cracks.

  • - Silane sealers penetrate concrete but may not be ideal for enhancing and fully protecting surfaces.

    - They create a hydrophobic barrier, but their effectiveness is limited in harsh weather conditions.

    - Issues like water penetration, freeze-thaw damage, and stains can still occur.

    - While they offer some protection, they may not meet expectations for comprehensive or visually pleasing solutions.

  • - Siloxane sealers are known for their water-repellent properties, but their effectiveness is limited.

    - They provide only partial protection against water intrusion, which can lead to cracks, pitting, and weakened structural integrity.

    - These sealers often perform poorly in areas with heavy rain or constant moisture exposure.

    - Durability is a concern, as siloxane sealers typically need frequent reapplication.

    - Over time, the protective barrier fades, leaving concrete decks vulnerable to deterioration.

Enzyme Modified Subsurface Membrane Icon

  • - Enzyme Modified Subsurface Membrane Waterproofing™ (EMSMW) provides long-lasting waterproofing for balconies and planters, preventing water infiltration that can lead to deterioration, efflorescence, and structural damage.

    - It penetrates the concrete in balconies and planter walls, chemically bond with its minerals, creating an impermeable barrier that blocks water from seeping into the structure.

    - This deep chemical bond is highly resistant to moisture and environmental exposure, preventing water-related failures such as cracking, spalling, and freeze-thaw damage—common issues in outdoor structures like balconies and planters.

    - EMSMW has an auto-regenerative property that activates when minor cracks or voids form, reacting with water to seal them and prevent further damage.

    - This auto-regenerative ability ensures long-term structural integrity and protection, lasting for decades.

    - EMSMW stands out from traditional methods due to its chemical bonding and auto-regenerative capabilities, making it an ideal choice for balconies and planters that experience continuous exposure to water, soil moisture, and environmental stressors.

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