Terrace renovation Vienna so that sitting outside does not mean dripping inside.
Terrace renovation Vienna: from the building contractor that does the work — not from an agent.
Terrace renovation Vienna: a terrace renovation in Vienna costs 150 to 320 euros per square metre net. Included are removal, waterproofing according to ÖNORM B 3691, falls, drainage and a new covering. Construction time 1 to 3 weeks. Anyone who only replaces the slabs postpones the damage – a terrace becomes watertight in the layer underneath.
Terrace renovation Vienna from a single source
Terrace renovation Vienna refers to the professional repair of a damaged or leaking terrace — from removing the old covering and renewing the waterproofing to the new covering. Terrace renovation restores the watertightness and full usability of a terrace and protects the building fabric from moisture damage.
The reason why terraces sooner or later have to be renovated lies in their location. A terrace is permanently exposed to the weather — sun, rain, frost, temperature fluctuations. Even resistant materials such as concrete, steel and impregnated wood age under this load. Over time, cracks form in the covering and in the waterproofing. Through these cracks the actual problem begins — water penetrating the build-up.
Skyline Bau renovates the terrace as the building contractor in cooperation with licensed master builder partner companies. A terrace renovation involves several trades — demolition, waterproofing, covering work, sheet metal work at the connections. Skyline Bau coordinates all of this as one contact person and takes on the technical responsibility for a permanently watertight terrace. The client does not have to bring together a roofer, tinsmith and tiler themselves — Skyline Bau does that as the building contractor.
The real problem with a damaged terrace is not the unsightly covering, but the penetrating moisture. When cracks appear in the covering and waterproofing, the water finds its way — into the terrace slab and into adjacent components. There it can cause considerable damage: saturated components, frost damage, corrosion. The longer a leak remains untreated, the larger and more expensive the damage becomes.
A special case with particular risk is the roof terrace. It is at the same time the roof of the room below. A leaking roof terrace means not only damage to the terrace itself, but water damage in the apartment below. Here professional waterproofing is particularly critical — and experience is required.
The heart of every terrace renovation is the waterproofing. It is the invisible layer under the covering that keeps water away from the building fabric. If corners are cut here or the work is sloppy, the whole renovation is in vain — the terrace will soon leak again. Skyline Bau carries out the waterproofing professionally with modern waterproofing technology. It is the single most important service of the entire terrace renovation.
In a terrace renovation it is important to remedy the cause, not just the symptom. A new tile over damaged waterproofing looks good but does not solve the problem. Skyline Bau checks the build-up, identifies the cause of the leak and renovates where the problem really lies. This care at the start decides whether the terrace is really watertight afterwards. Careful identification of the cause is therefore not an optional extra but the beginning of every reputable terrace renovation.
We know Viennese terraces — the roof terraces of old buildings, garden terraces, loggias and balconies. Skyline Bau plans every terrace renovation individually, remedies the cause of the damage and carries out the renovation with professional waterproofing and a clean build-up at a binding fixed price.
In summer a terrace is one of the most beautiful places in an apartment — and in the event of damage one of the most expensive construction sites. Skyline Bau ensures that the beautiful place does not become an expensive construction site by carrying out the renovation professionally and durably.
Terrace renovation Vienna — all services
Renewing waterproofing
Renewal of damaged waterproofing with modern waterproofing technology — the heart of the job.
Covering work
New covering of tiles, slabs, natural stone or wood, professionally laid.
Substructure
Repair of damaged substructures and the floor build-up.
Falls & drainage
Creating the correct falls and connecting the drainage and gullies.
Connections & details
Clean waterproofing at doors, walls, railings and edge trims.
Identifying the cause
Identifying the cause of leaks and moisture damage before the renovation.
Professional renovation of leaking terraces and roof terraces — identifying the cause, new waterproofing, falls, drainage and covering — a building contractor working with licensed master builder partner companies, fixed price according to ÖNORM B 2110, own construction team, modern waterproofing technology, warranty of 3 years under § 933 ABGB.
What does a terrace renovation in Vienna cost?
The costs of a terrace renovation in Vienna depend on the size of the terrace, the extent of the damage, the build-up and the chosen covering. After a site visit with identification of the cause, Skyline Bau prepares a binding fixed-price quote according to ÖNORM B 2110.
As of 2026 · net · guide prices · extent of damage, build-up and covering determine the final price · binding price after site visit.
The biggest influence on the price is the scope of the renovation. Renewing only the waterproofing is cheaper than a complete renovation in which substructure, falls, waterproofing and covering are renewed. The chosen covering also plays a role — from solid slabs to high-quality natural stone there is a wide range.
A key factor is hidden damage. What lies under the old covering can often only be fully assessed during removal — is the substructure saturated, are the falls wrong, is the building fabric affected? A careful site visit with identification of the cause in advance makes the calculation as reliable as possible. Austrian prices are higher than the frequently quoted German comparison values.
Conspicuously cheap quotes should be checked critically — usually corners are cut on the waterproofing or the correct falls, and the terrace leaks again after a short time. A professional terrace renovation is an investment that lasts. Skyline Bau calculates completely from the outset and states a binding fixed price that shows all items transparently. A professional terrace renovation costs more than a bait offer — but it lasts, and that ultimately makes it the cheaper solution.
Terrace renovation Vienna — why terraces need renovating
A terrace renovation is rarely a voluntary cosmetic job — it becomes necessary because a terrace inevitably ages over the years. It is worth understanding why.
The reason is weathering. A terrace is exposed all year round to sun, rain, frost, storms and hail. The alternation between frost and thaw is particularly hard on the materials: water penetrates fine cracks, freezes, expands and breaks the material open further. This process continues winter after winter.
Over time the typical damage patterns appear: cracks in the covering and joints, tiles coming loose, a covering that has become slippery, visible leaks, moisture damage on the underside of the terrace or on adjacent walls. At the latest when the waterproofing no longer works, renovation is unavoidable.
Experts recommend checking a terrace's waterproofing every 10 to 15 years and renewing it if necessary. Anyone who heeds this prevents the expensive consequential damage that saturated building fabric brings with it. During a site visit, Skyline Bau assesses the condition of the terrace and says honestly whether and when renovation is necessary. Not every small sign of ageing requires an immediate complete renovation — sometimes a targeted measure is enough. This honest assessment is part of the advice.
Terrace renovation Vienna — waterproofing as the heart of the job
If there is one component that decides the success or failure of a terrace renovation, it is the waterproofing. It is invisible — and that is exactly why corners are so often cut on it.
The waterproofing is the watertight layer in the terrace build-up that keeps water away from the terrace slab and the building fabric below. It lies under the visible covering and can therefore no longer be seen once the work is complete. Its quality only shows over the years — good waterproofing stays watertight, poor waterproofing fails.
Various systems are used for waterproofing — bitumen membranes, liquid plastic and other modern waterproofing technologies. The connections are particularly demanding: at doors, at rising walls, at drains, at railing fixings. It is exactly at these details that most leaks occur when the work is sloppy.
Skyline Bau carries out the waterproofing with due care — the right system for the respective terrace build-up, a continuous surface and above all clean connections. Because the waterproofing is the hidden heart of the job, it is the area in which a building contractor working with licensed master builder partner companies differs from a cheap provider.
Professional waterproofing is the basis for the terrace remaining watertight in the long term. Cutting corners on it means jeopardising the entire renovation — because every other layer is only as good as the waterproofing beneath it.
Terrace renovation Vienna — the roof terrace as a special case
Among terraces, the roof terrace has a special position — and its renovation requires particular care. The reason is its dual function.
A roof terrace is not only a terrace, but at the same time the roof of the room below. What on a ground-level garden terrace at worst saturates the terrace slab means, on a roof terrace, water damage directly in the apartment below — on the ceiling, on the walls, on the building fabric.
The requirements for waterproofing a roof terrace are correspondingly high. It must not only withstand normal weathering but fulfil the full function of roof waterproofing. Build-up, falls, drainage and all connections must be executed so that not a drop of water finds its way into the room below.
Renovating a leaking roof terrace is therefore no case for improvisation. Skyline Bau renovates roof terraces as the building contractor. Where a structural assessment is required, we involve licensed master builder partner companies — from identifying the cause and a professional build-up to a watertight, permanently functioning roof terrace. This is exactly where the care of a specialist company pays off immediately.
A professionally renovated roof terrace remains watertight and usable for decades. An improperly renovated one, on the other hand, becomes a constant worry — with water stains on the ceiling of the apartment below and a dispute over who caused the damage. Skyline Bau takes on full technical responsibility so that this situation never arises.
Terrace renovation Vienna — covering and build-up
Above the waterproofing lies the visible part of the terrace: the covering. It determines the appearance and use — and there is quite a lot to consider when choosing it.
The common types of covering each have their own properties. Tiles and porcelain stoneware are robust, easy to care for and available in a wide variety of designs; they must be frost-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. Natural stone looks high-quality and is very durable. Slab coverings on pedestals allow quick access to the waterproofing. Wood and WPC create a warm, natural atmosphere.
It is important that the covering suits the build-up and the use. One point deserves particular attention: slip resistance. A terrace covering gets wet — rain, dew, snow. A slippery covering is not only unpleasant but a safety risk. When choosing a covering, slip resistance is therefore just as important a criterion as appearance. Modern outdoor coverings combine both — an attractive appearance and a sufficient slip resistance class for outdoor areas.
Under the covering, the right build-up ensures functionality: sufficient falls to lead water safely to the drainage, working drainage with outlets and gullies, a drainage layer. Skyline Bau plans the entire terrace build-up — from waterproofing and falls to the covering — and advises on the choice of covering so that the renovated terrace is attractive, safe and permanently functional. This way every layer fits into a well-thought-out overall concept, instead of individual decisions being made without coordination.
Terrace renovation Vienna — cause, not symptom
One principle runs through every professional terrace renovation: the cause must be remedied, not just the visible symptom. Anyone who ignores this renovates twice.
The symptom of a damaged terrace is usually clearly visible — cracked joints, loose tiles, a damp patch on the ceiling below. The temptation is great to simply replace the cracked tile or repaint the ceiling. But that only remedies the visible damage, while the actual cause — usually failing waterproofing or incorrect falls — remains.
A reputable terrace renovation therefore starts with identifying the cause. Skyline Bau checks the build-up of the terrace, investigates where the water is penetrating and determines what is causing the leak. Only when it is clear where the problem really lies can renovation be targeted and permanent.
This sequence — first understand the cause, then renovate — is the difference between a terrace renovation that lasts and one that fails again after a short time. A new tile over defective waterproofing is money wasted. Skyline Bau renovates where the problem lies and thus restores the full, lasting usability of the terrace. This thorough approach takes a little more effort during the site visit — and saves the client the cost of a second renovation.
Terrace renovation Vienna — substructure and build-up
A terrace is more than covering and waterproofing — underneath lies a multi-layered build-up that supports its function. In a renovation, this build-up must also be assessed and repaired if necessary.
The bottom layer is the load-bearing structure — for a garden terrace a foundation or floor slab, for a roof terrace the load-bearing floor slab. On top follow the sloped layer, waterproofing, if applicable a drainage layer and finally the covering. Each layer has its function, and only together do they result in a permanently functioning terrace.
With a damaged terrace, it is often not only the waterproofing that is affected. Over the years, penetrating moisture may have saturated the substructure or attacked components — loose masonry, saturated screed, sunken concrete slabs with incorrect falls. Such damage often only becomes apparent once the old covering has been removed.
During the renovation, Skyline Bau assesses the entire build-up and professionally repairs damaged layers. New waterproofing only makes sense on a load-bearing, dry and correctly sloped substructure. Waterproofing on a rotten substrate is doomed to fail from the start. This thorough approach — checking the whole build-up rather than just the surface — is the difference between a renovation that lasts and papering over the symptoms.
Terrace renovation Vienna — Viennese specifics
- Weathering — Viennese terraces are heavily exposed to frost, heat and temperature changes.
- Roof terraces in old buildings — many Viennese roof terraces are at the same time the roof of the apartment below.
- Waterproofing as the heart of the job — the invisible layer decides the success of the renovation.
- Identifying the cause — before renovation, the cause of the leak is identified.
- Connections — most leaks occur at doors, walls and drains.
- Falls & drainage — the right fall leads the water safely to the outlet.
- Frost-resistant covering — outdoor coverings must be frost-resistant and slip-resistant.
- 10–15 years — the waterproofing should be checked and renewed at this interval.
- Realistic Austrian prices — Austrian prices are higher than German reference values.
- Fixed price according to ÖNORM B 2110 — fully calculated instead of advertised with bait prices.
Terrace renovation Vienna — active in all Viennese districts
Terrace renovation Vienna — preserving value and protecting the building fabric
A terrace renovation is not only a visual upgrade — above all it is an investment in protecting the building fabric and the value of the property.
The most important effect is protection against consequential damage. A leaking terrace that is not renovated lets moisture penetrate ever further into the building fabric. Over time, an initially small waterproofing defect becomes a large one: saturated components, frost damage, and with roof terraces water damage in the apartment below. Timely renovation prevents a manageable defect from becoming an expensive one.
The second effect is the increase in value. A watertight, well-kept and attractive terrace is a real added value for a property — it extends usable living space outdoors and is a sought-after feature, especially in Vienna. A terrace in need of renovation, on the other hand, reduces the value and deters buyers and tenants.
The third effect is living comfort. A renovated terrace once again becomes what it should be: a favourite place outdoors, safe to walk on, beautiful and without the constant worry of penetrating water. Skyline Bau renovates the terrace so that it does all this again — and so that the renovation lasts a long time. A terrace that can be used again without concern after renovation is the real purpose of the whole measure.
Terrace renovation Vienna for owners, property management & developers
Apartment owners
Renovation of your own leaking terrace or roof terrace — watertight and usable again.
Homeowners
Terrace renovation at your own home with professional waterproofing and a new covering.
Property management
Renovation of terraces and roof terraces of managed properties at a fixed price.
Developers
Repair of damaged terraces before handover or sale of a property.
Typical terrace renovation service packages in Vienna
- Site visit and identification of the cause of the leak
- Assessment of build-up, waterproofing and falls
- Removal of the old covering and the damaged layers
- Repair of the substructure and the floor build-up
- Creating the correct falls
- Renewal of the waterproofing with modern waterproofing technology
- Professional waterproofing of the connections to doors and walls
- Connection of drainage and gullies
- Laying the new covering — tiles, slabs, natural stone or wood
- Fitting edge trims and detail elements
- Renovation of roof terraces with a roof function
- Handover of the watertight, finished terrace at a fixed price
Terrace renovation Vienna — from site visit to finished terrace
Why Skyline Bau for your terrace renovation in Vienna
- Building contractor doing the work — terrace renovation with full technical responsibility.
- Identifying the cause — we remedy the cause of the leak, not just the symptom.
- Professional waterproofing — modern waterproofing technology, continuous surface, clean connections.
- Roof terrace experience — renovation of roof terraces with a full roof function.
- All trades from a single source — demolition, build-up, waterproofing, drainage and covering coordinated.
- Fixed price according to ÖNORM B 2110 — binding and fully calculated, no bait prices.
- Our own construction team — no chain of subcontractors, reliable deadlines and consistent quality.
- Protection against consequential damage — a watertight terrace permanently protects the building fabric.
- €3 million construction liability insurance.
- Subcontractor on the Parliament renovation 2022 — renovation work at the Austrian Parliament, 1010 Vienna, in 2022.
Terrace renovation Vienna — the right time
A common question is: when is the right time for a terrace renovation? The answer is — before a small defect becomes a large one.
The tricky thing about terrace damage is its creeping progression. A leak starts small and inconspicuous; at first water only penetrates slowly, and the consequences are not visible for a while. Anyone who waits until a clear water stain appears on the ceiling is already dealing with advanced damage.
It is therefore worth looking out for the early signs: fine cracks in the joints, individual loose tiles, spalling, efflorescence, a discolouring underside. Anyone who acts on these signs gets by with a manageable renovation. The recommended check of the waterproofing every 10 to 15 years also helps not to miss the right time.
During a site visit, Skyline Bau honestly assesses the condition of a terrace and classifies how urgent a renovation is. Sometimes the recommendation is to act promptly, sometimes it is enough to observe over the next season. This honest classification helps the client to renovate neither unnecessarily early nor dangerously late. Both save money — renovating too early wastes funds, renovating too late multiplies the costs through consequential damage.
Terrace renovation Vienna — How to recognise a reputable provider
Check these six points with every provider of terrace renovation in Vienna — including us. They take ten minutes and in the worst case save you a legal dispute.
1. Ask for the GISA number
Every trade business in Austria has a GISA number. In the public trade register you can see which trades the business has actually registered. Anyone who does not want to give you the number has a reason for it.
2. Who carries out the regulated trades?
Interventions in the building fabric require master-builder services under § 94 no. 5 GewO — planning, structural engineering, submission to MA 37 (Vienna building authority). An executing building contractor may not do this itself. Ask which licensed master builder takes this on.
3. Site visit before the quote
A quote for terrace renovation in Vienna without a site visit is guesswork. What lies behind the wall or under the floor can only be seen once it is opened — and that is exactly where extras arise.
4. A bill of quantities instead of a lump sum
A reputable quote lists items with quantities and unit prices. “Complete lump sum” without a breakdown is not a quote, but an invitation to extras.
5. Ask for proof of construction liability insurance
Ask about the insurer and the sum insured. In an occupied Viennese tenement building, damage can quickly reach six figures — and then also affect other people’s apartments.
6. Do not confuse warranty and guarantee
The statutory warranty for immovable property is 3 years under § 933 ABGB (Austrian Civil Code). Anyone who promises you more must put it in the contract — verbally it is worth nothing.
Terrace renovation Vienna — Concrete Viennese terrace costs 2026
- Covering renewal only (old substrate OK): from €80/m².
- Standard complete renovation (waterproofing + covering): €200–400/m².
- Premium roof terrace build-up (waterproofing + insulation + covering): up to €500/m².
- Terrace 25 m² standard: €5,000–10,000 total cost.
- Terrace 50 m² with wood/WPC covering on pedestals: €12,000–20,000.
- Viennese Gründerzeit roof terrace with complete waterproofing + thermal insulation + aluminium railing: €18,000–35,000.
Terrace renovation Vienna — The typical renovation steps and choice of materials
- Step 1 — Survey: tapping the concrete, measuring cracks, locating moisture damage, checking the substrate. For roof terraces additionally: assessment of the waterproofing membrane.
- Step 2 — Dismantling: old covering out (knock off tiles, dismantle wood/WPC), remove old waterproofing if necessary.
- Step 3 — Substrate: concrete repair with PCC mortar according to ÖNORM B 3303, adjusting falls to 1–2 % towards the drain.
- Step 4 — Waterproofing: bonded waterproofing according to ÖNORM B 3692, OR liquid plastic PMMA (Triflex BTS-P) according to ETAG 005, OR torch-on bitumen membrane (DIN 18531), OR EPDM membrane.
- Step 5 — Thermal insulation (for roof terraces): XPS rigid foam on the inverted roof principle, impact sound felt, then covering.
- Step 6 — New covering: porcelain stoneware tiles R10–R12 on pedestals or with bonded waterproofing, solid wood Bangkirai/Ipe on an aluminium substructure, WPC decking on pedestals (low maintenance), natural stone granite or limestone.
- Step 7 — Railings and connections: aluminium or stainless steel railings according to ÖNORM B 5371, sheet metal edging according to ÖNORM B 7220.
Terrace renovation Vienna — water damage insurance often covers the renovation costs
An important point that many Viennese terrace owners overlook: for many water damage cases — especially with flat roofs or roof terraces — specialist companies such as Skyline Bau handle direct billing with the insurer. If the damage becomes visible in the apartment below, the building insurance of the property manager is usually responsible. We prepare the damage report including photo evidence, findings and cost estimate — the insurer pays Skyline Bau directly, and you do not have to pay in advance. This is a service that pure tinsmith firms or small roofers usually do not offer.
Terrace renovation Vienna — The ÖNORM family for terrace work
- ÖNORM B 3692 — waterproofing of structures with moisture exposure classes W1–W4.
- ÖNORM B 3691 — waterproofing of structures under special exposure.
- ÖNORM B 3407 — tile, slab and mosaic work.
- ÖNORM EN 14891 — bonded waterproofing materials under tiles.
- ÖNORM B 3303 — concrete repair with PCC mortar.
- ÖNORM B 7220 — sheet metal work (metal edging, drip edge).
- ÖNORM B 2207 — waterproofing of trafficked areas with falls.
- ÖNORM B 5371 — stairs, railings and parapets.
- ETAG 005 / EAD — European approval for liquid plastic systems.
- DIN 18531 — roof waterproofing (relevant for roof terraces).
Terrace renovation Vienna — Why Skyline Bau for your Viennese terrace?
First — experience with Viennese terraces. Roof terraces above living space, Gründerzeit loggias and balconies with cantilever slabs each have their own build-up – and each have different weak points.
Second — cause before covering. We open up, measure and remedy the leak instead of laying a new covering over an existing problem.
Third — insurance handling as standard. For renovations due to water damage, we bill the insurer directly — you do not have to pay in advance.
Fourth — all trades from a single source. Waterproofing (tinsmith), covering (tiles/wood/WPC), railings (metalworker), concrete (master builder) — all in one contract, one fixed price according to ÖNORM B 2110:2023.
Skyline Bau acts as an executing building contractor. Regulated trades — in particular master-builder services (§ 94 no. 5 GewO), planning and structural engineering, electrical engineering (§ 94 no. 16 GewO), gas and sanitary engineering (§ 94 no. 25 GewO) and tiling (§ 94 no. 38 GewO) — are carried out exclusively by suitably authorised subcontractors and partner companies. Construction work is performed by trade businesses within the group of companies that hold a valid trade licence.
Three things you should ask for from every contractor.
What you receive from us before signing the contract
1. The GISA number
Ours: 37945732 (Bling Bling GmbH, § 99 GewO). Publicly searchable — checked in thirty seconds. A business that does not want to give you its number has a reason for it.
2. Proof of authorisation of the partner companies
For structural engineering (§ 94 no. 5), electrical work (§ 94 no. 16), gas/plumbing (§ 94 no. 25), tiling (§ 94 no. 38). Before signing the contract — not on request.
3. A fixed price according to ÖNORM B 2110
With a bill of quantities. It also states what is not included. Extra work only with your written consent.
What we do not promise.
Four things you hear elsewhere — but not from us
Trust does not come from someone promising everything. It comes from someone telling you where the limits are.
- “We are the cheapest.” — We are not. Anyone who ignores drying times, leaves out the waterproofing and does not price in disposal is cheaper. Until the final invoice.
- “It can be done in two weeks.” — Cement screed needs around 28 days to be ready for floor coverings. That is physics, not a matter for negotiation. Anyone who promises it anyway is working against the drying time — and in two years you will have hollow-sounding tiles.
- “I can tell you right away on the phone what it costs.” — No. What a renovation costs is decided by the condition behind the wall. You only see it after opening up. A price given over the phone is either too high — then we lose the job — or too low, and then the extra charges follow.
- “We do everything ourselves.” — We are not allowed to. Structural engineering (§ 94 no. 5), electrical work (§ 94 no. 16), gas/plumbing (§ 94 no. 25) and tiling (§ 94 no. 38) are regulated. Anyone who claims to do all of this themselves either holds four licences — or has a problem.
When you do not need us
Not every project needs a building contractor. During the site visit we will tell you honestly if we are the wrong choice for you — even if it costs us a job.
A single trade
If you only need a painter, you do not need a coordinator. Hire the painter directly — it is cheaper.
Mainly structural engineering and planning
If your project consists mainly of permit planning and structural calculations, go directly to a licensed master builder. A building contractor in between is one level too many.
Technically sound, just old
Copper pipes, waterproofing intact, no damp damage? Then a cosmetic refresh is enough. Save your money.
Why we say this: A customer we sold an unnecessary renovation to will not come back and will not recommend us. A customer we told honestly that their bathroom will last another ten years will call us in ten years — and in the meantime, when the riser pipes in the building are due for replacement.
Reference: Parliament building Vienna
- Parliament building Vienna 1010 — renovation 2022 — On the 2nd basement level, Skyline Bau carried out drywall, painting and filling work as well as floor upgrades. Regulated trades — electrical engineering (§ 94 no. 16) and tiling (§ 94 no. 38) — were carried out by licensed partner companies. Client: W+R Schirmungstechnik GmbH. Reference letter dated 17.10.2022. View PDF
- And what it does not prove — It did not make us a licensed master builder. The regulated trades there were also carried out by authorised partner companies.
The covering is what you see. The waterproofing is what counts.
What a terrace renovation in Vienna costs — market guide prices 2026
Prices vary widely because very different things are being sold. Anyone who only replaces the covering is cheap. Anyone who includes the waterproofing is more expensive — and you will not need a second construction site in ten years.
New covering only
€50–150/m²
Old slabs out, new ones on. Only sensible if the waterproofing underneath is demonstrably intact.
Waterproofing + covering
€150–350/m²
The usual case. Old build-up out, new waterproofing, falls checked, new covering.
Full renovation
€350–650/m²
Including concrete repair, drainage and railings.
Waterproofing only
from €100/m²
Liquid plastic, multi-layer. Bitumen systems cost €60–120/m².
25 m² terrace — typical
€5,000–10,000
The most common case in Vienna. Fixed price after site visit.
Small area under 10 m²
High price per m²
Scaffolding, site set-up and disposal are fixed costs — they are spread over a small area.
Why the cheap way is often the expensive one
The most common question: “Can't we just replace the slabs?” Sometimes yes. Mostly no — and here is why.
What happens under the covering
The terrace slab is reinforced concrete: concrete with reinforcing steel inside. As long as the concrete tightly encloses the steel, it is protected from rust. If water penetrates, the steel begins to corrode — and rusting steel expands. It bursts the concrete open from the inside. This is called concrete spalling, and from then on it is no longer a cosmetic question but a structural one.
A new covering on leaking waterproofing delays nothing. It only hides what continues underneath.
The warning signs — and what they mean
- Damp patches on the ceiling of the storey below → The waterproofing has failed. The water is already in the structure.
- Spalling concrete, visible reinforcement → Act immediately. The steel is rusting, the load-bearing capacity is falling.
- Cracks at the wall-floor edge → The most critical point of every terrace. That is where water gets in first.
- Standing water after rain → The falls are no longer right, or the drain is blocked. Standing water destroys any waterproofing.
- Wobbly railing → Safety risk. The anchorage sits in the concrete slab — if it is damaged, the railing will not hold either.
- Slabs that sound hollow → The adhesive has come loose. Usually a sign of moisture in the build-up.
Viennese old buildings: why terraces suffer particularly there
Terraces and balconies in Viennese apartment buildings were often built without effective waterproofing — at the time that was not a mistake, but the state of the art. Over decades, water was able to soak into the slab.
The result is corroded reinforcement and concrete damage that you only see once the covering is off. That is why we state the price after the site visit — and document with photos what we find before we continue building.
Who does what with us
Our own people
Removal of the old build-up, substrate preparation, waterproofing, sloped build-up, screed, disposal, site coordination and site management.
Licensed partner companies
Tiling (§ 94 no. 38 GewO). For a structural assessment of the concrete slab: a licensed master builder partner company (§ 94 no. 5 GewO).
What you gain
One contractual partner, one warranty — including for the work of the partner companies. Their proof of authorisation before the contract is signed.
Roofer, tinsmith or building contractor — who do you need?
Under “terrace renovation Vienna” you mainly find roofing and tinsmith companies. That is no coincidence: they are waterproofing specialists, and waterproofing is the core of every terrace renovation. Nevertheless, the question of who you need is not so easy to answer.
When a roofer or tinsmith is the right choice
When only the waterproofing needs renewing and the rest is intact. The terrace needs to be waterproofed, the covering goes back on, done. Roofers and tinsmiths do this every day, are specialised in it and are often faster.
When you need a building contractor
As soon as several trades are involved — and that is the rule with a real terrace renovation:
- The substrate is damaged — concrete repair before waterproofing can be applied
- The falls are wrong — sloped screed has to be rebuilt
- The drainage is defective — new outlet, new routing
- The facade connection is leaking — upstand heights, plinth waterproofing, sheet metal edges
- New tiles are to be laid — tiling is a regulated trade (§ 94 no. 38 GewO)
- The structure needs to be checked — licensed master builder partner company (§ 94 no. 5 GewO)
Then you either coordinate four to five companies yourself — or you have one contractual partner who bundles the trades and is liable for the whole.
What we honestly say about it
If your terrace only needs new waterproofing, you are often better off with a roofer or tinsmith. They do nothing else, and they do it well. We tell you so at the site visit.
But as soon as substrate, falls, drainage, facade connection and covering come together, coordination becomes the real problem — and that is exactly our business.
Terrace renovation Vienna — what you should know
So that you know exactly what to expect, we answer the most important questions about terrace renovation in Vienna here — honestly and from the experience of a building contractor that does the work.
How can you tell that the terrace needs renovating?
Typical signs are: loose or cracked slabs, water that does not drain away or penetrates the rooms below, peeling coatings and damp spots on the ceiling below. Usually the waterproofing is damaged — if this is ignored, water penetrates the structure and the damage becomes expensive.
What is important with terrace waterproofing?
Waterproofing is the heart of every terrace renovation. It must be watertight, frost-resistant and professionally executed with the correct falls so that water drains away and does not stand. Only on top of the watertight waterproofing comes the new covering — tiles, natural stone or wood. If corners are cut here, the water comes back.
What does a terrace renovation cost?
The costs depend on area, condition, type of waterproofing and covering. A simple recoating is cheaper; a complete renovation with new waterproofing and covering costs more, but stays watertight permanently. After a site visit you receive a fixed-price quote.
Waterproofing a terrace without tearing everything up — is that possible?
In some cases yes — with liquid waterproofing or thin-layer systems, a terrace can sometimes be renovated without complete removal. Whether that is possible in your case depends on the condition of the substrate. We assess this honestly during the site visit.
Terrace, roof terrace, balcony, loggia: which renovation you are actually looking for
Whatever word people use for it, what is meant is almost always the same: an outdoor area is leaking, the covering is loose or water stains appear underneath. For planning, however, it is important to know what type of area it is, because build-up, liability and price depend on it.
- Garden terrace: lies on soil or above an unheated basement; damage usually arises from settlement, frost and missing falls.
- Roof terrace: lies above living space and is, in building physics terms, a walkable flat roof; vapour barrier, insulation and waterproofing are decisive here.
- Balcony: a cantilevered slab whose reinforcement rusts due to penetrating water; there is a separate page on balcony renovation in Vienna.
- Loggia: set into the facade, with living space below and beside it; the connections to three walls are the most delicate point.
When you write to us, a few photos from above and of the underside, plus information on what lies underneath, are enough. This already allows us to assess before the site visit which of the four cases applies.
Terrace renovation 1150 Vienna: roof terraces in Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus
In the 15th district, ground-level garden terraces are rare. The building stock consists mainly of closed Gründerzeit blocks between the Gürtel, Westbahnhof and Schmelz, and the terraces are up top: in the loft conversions that have been added to many of these buildings in recent decades. Their waterproofing is now gradually reaching the age at which connections to door thresholds, parapets and drains give way.
This has consequences for the process. A crane is rarely possible in the narrow streets, so the material is transported in small containers via the stairwell or a lift; the rubble takes the same route back. Containers and deliveries require a loading zone or a permit to use the pavement. And because there is almost always someone else's apartment under the terrace, the waterproofing must be closed rain-tight every evening. Anyone having a roof terrace above occupied rooms renovated should therefore ask about weather protection for every single working day, not just about the final state. Background on the build-up of such conversions can be found under loft conversion.
Waterproofing work in Vienna around the terrace – and where it stops
A leaking terrace is rarely just a covering problem. Opening it up often shows that the water is coming in via the facade, a gutter or a saturated parapet. We carry out the waterproofing of the terrace surface including upstands, drains and railing fixings and coordinate the adjacent trades – tinsmiths for sheet metal and parapet cappings, roofers if the area merges into a roof. If the cause lies deeper, for example in a basement wall in contact with the ground under a garden terrace, that belongs to basement renovation and is assessed separately.
In addition to the districts of Vienna, we also take on such jobs in the nearby surrounding area, for example in Mödling or Baden, where many houses have garden terraces on slopes with their own drainage issues. What else we build there is listed under construction company in the area around Vienna.
Frequently asked questions about terrace renovation
Do I need a roofer or a building contractor?
What is the facade connection — and why is it critical?
What does the drainage cost?
What does the fixed price for the terrace cover?
What does terrace waterproofing alone cost?
What does removing the old covering cost?
What does a new railing cost?
Why are the falls so important?
Can I lay the covering myself?
What is uncoupling?
Can I see what was done before it is covered up?
Do you also work for property managers?
When is the best time for a terrace renovation?
What happens if I do nothing?
What if I only need emergency waterproofing?
Why should I check the trade licence?
Terrace renovation: is Skyline Bau a master builder?
What does a terrace renovation in Vienna cost?
Can't we just replace the slabs?
How can I tell that my terrace is leaking?
Why is the price per square metre so high for small terraces?
How long does a terrace renovation take?
Which waterproofing is the right one?
Who is liable for the terrace — tenant or landlord?
Does Skyline Bau carry out the terrace renovation itself?
What happens if concrete damage turns up during removal?
Terrace renovation: who is my contractual partner?
Why is the waterproofing so important?
What does identifying the cause mean?
Terrace renovation: is there a fixed price?
What happens to the drainage?
Terrace renovation: how do I get a quote?
What does a terrace renovation cost per square metre?
Which covering is suitable for a terrace?
What are pedestals and when are they worthwhile?
How much fall does the terrace need?
How high must the waterproofing be taken up at the door?
Can the terrace be made barrier-free?
Does the terrace need insulation?
Do I need a building permit for terrace renovation?
What about root protection for planters?
Does the apartment below the roof terrace have to be vacated during the renovation?
How does the material get onto a roof terrace without a crane?
How do I know that the waterproofing and not the joint is leaking?
Related services Skyline Bau
Related services
Terrace finished? Initial cleaning and care.
After renovation, the new covering needs an initial clean with a method suited to the material. Bling Premium Reinigung takes care of this and, on request, of seasonal care. More at bling-bling.at.
Send enquiry
Enquire directly here — fixed-price quote free of charge. Skyline Bau replies within 2 working days.
Terrace leaking?
Write to us directly on WhatsApp — send photos and key details of your terrace. Reply within two working days.
Note: Skyline Bau is the brand name of the construction and renovation division of Bling Bling GmbH and is not a separate legal entity. The sole contractual partner is Bling Bling GmbH. Bling Bling GmbH is a restricted construction trade business under § 99 GewO (Austrian Trade Regulation Act) and not a licensed master builder (Baumeister). Under § 99 (5) GewO, the title “Baumeister” is reserved for businesses licensed under § 94 no. 5 GewO. Regulated trades — master-builder services, structural engineering, gas and sanitary engineering, electrical engineering — are carried out exclusively by authorised, licensed partner companies.