Should I tile my balcony?

Tiling a balcony is appropriate only if the entire balcony construction is suitable for outdoor use, frost-resistant and reliably drained.

Tiles do not provide waterproofing. Water enters the construction through joints, junctions and damaged areas; if it cannot drain away, it freezes during periods of frost and expands. In a construction that is not frost-resistant, repeated freezing and thawing leads to cracked joints, cracked tiles, spalling and adhesive bonds coming loose.

Frost-resistant tiles, suitable installation materials, intact waterproofing and adequate falls are essential. Balcony slabs made from PU-bound rubber granules are an alternative to tiled finishes and are easier to lay. Rainwater drains across the full surface through the porous tiles.

These rubber granule coverings are elastic and water-permeable. Frost damage caused by bursting, breaking or spalling does not occur. The tiles are loose-laid and, depending on the system, connected using puzzle joints or connectors. The balcony waterproofing and the required falls remain part of the balcony construction.