Balconies are Great but Need Special Care.

Balconies are Great but Need Special Care

There's nothing like stepping out on your balcony and taking in the early morning view with a cup of coffee. However, like everything else with a house or apartment, you must respect the building to enjoy it fully. And to respect your home means to take care of it. But how should you properly maintain your balcony?

Homeowner balconies

Cleaning your balcony

One of the simplest parts of maintaining your balcony is to clean it off. First, clean the walls and railings of the balcony using a buck of warm water and an all-purpose solution. Then, sweep the floor with a stiff-haired broom. Once that's done, you need to mop. Why do you do this? Because your balcony is exposed to the elements 24/7, and debris accumulates.

Maintaining Your Balcony?

How you maintain your balcony depends on the material. If it's natural wood, great, this can last for years. Make sure you apply decking oil every six to twelve months. Also, it's an excellent time to varnish the wood once it starts looking faded.

If your balcony is made out of wood/plastic composite or concrete, you may need to clean it more regularly and use a power washer to clean it adequately.

Repairing Your Balcony

This is where you will need a professional. However, here are some things you should look out for:

• Rotting wood
• Rusting metal?
• Cracked or broken tiles
• Damaged balcony fittings
• Steel or concrete balusters in need of painting

Some of these problems can lead to the whole balcony needing to be replaced if the issue is not addressed in time. You should also be aware that screws and nails must be replaced over time.

If you notice signs of wear and tear, you should call a professional engineer or restoration specialist to assess the deterioration and make recommendations on how to repair it.?Catching this early can prevent further damage that may be costly and pose a safety threat.?

High-rise balconies?

If your balcony is on a high-rise building, there are several issues you should be aware of.

• Premature aging
• Material build-up from the surrounding environment
• Fa?ade Collapse
• Overall deterioration
• Railing failure

While you probably won't be responsible for maintaining your high-rise balcony, knowing what could go wrong is wise.

Inspections?

You may not be equipped to repair a balcony and may lack the knowledge needed to identify issues. This is where inspections come in. Pick a trusted professional or professional engineer who can identify any rotting, repairs, or waterproofing that may need to be performed.?

Inspections should be carried out at least every two years on the balcony regardless of whether it's a new or preexisting balcony. A professional should inspect the balcony's surface twice a year. Routine inspections help forestall any problems before they become bigger ones.

Care for your Balcony?

You can do simple tasks to maintain your balcony, such as regularly cleaning it. Professionals are essential for more complex issues, such as thorough inspections and repairs.

It may seem like a lot to take in, especially if you're a new homeowner. Thompson Exterior Services provides more than repairs and inspections; we provide peace of mind.