Balcony Tile
Property Supervisors, board members, and members of architectural committees should be aware that tile is unsuitable for use on balcony decks. Tile is not a waterproofing system because tile and tile grout is porous. As a result, water will commonly find its way beneath the tile resulting in wood rot which attacks termites. In addition, the use of tile often affects the flow of surface water on decks, sometimes causing water to flow into a unit. This is due to the fact that the use of tile reduces the space between the surface of the deck and the threshold of doors allowing water easier access into units. It is recommended that boards amend their association's CC&Rs, and any architectural standards, to prohibit the use of tile on balconies.