Wood rot can occur in the balustrade of a balcony or roof terrace. Wood rot must be properly repaired so that the whole structure can function properly again.
Take some time to consider repairing your existing fencing; a new fence can be more cost-effective in the long run! If there are any defects in such components, the costs can be quite high, so it's important to have a building inspection carried out by an independent expert.
If the fence's attachment to the house can be improved, use stainless steel to strengthen the attachment and remove any old rusting metal.
If the railing of the fence is open at the joints, this can allow moisture to enter and lead to wood rot. This "opening" must be sealed with a flexible and permanent seal. For best results, mill a deep opening in these joints and seal it with a rubber sealant (search on Google for: SIS 440 sealant), or consult a professional.
Does the balcony have a brick balustrade?
Damage to concrete should be repaired naturally. Remove loose chunks and knock off the material. If reinforcement is visible, remove rust and pre-treat it with a primer or red lead. Afterward, the concrete damage can be repaired with a frost-resistant material.
If the fences and/or railings are damaged: Remove the old, often rusting, materials and use stainless steel to (re)install them. The mounting may be so poor that the fences and/or railings are perceived as unstable and rickety.
If the fencing is fitted with glass panels: in case of defects, breakage or damage, the glazing must be replaced.
Such a cover protects the underlying masonry from water ingress. If there is concrete damage to the concrete cover on the brick balustrade, the damage and loose material must be thoroughly removed. If reinforcement is visible, remove any rust and pre-treat it with a primer or red lead. The concrete damage can then be repaired with a frost-resistant material.
Often, a flexible sealant joint is present between the various elements of a wall capping. This sealant joint should be checked for defects and replaced regularly (every 10 years). If it is damaged, it is no longer functional. We recommend removing the existing sealant joints and replacing them all. Take your time removing the old sealant and thoroughly cleaning and degreasing the entire area. If not cleaned properly, the flexible sealant joint will quickly detach from the concrete.
The woodwork of the privacy screen may be rotten. Any rot should be properly repaired.
If the glass in the privacy screen is broken, we recommend replacing it. This isn't necessarily necessary maintenance; even without glazing, the home can still function properly, but you'll simply lack privacy. If the privacy screen(s) are poorly maintained, maintenance is required. Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of the material.
The most common defects in a balcony shed are the hinges and locks. These hinges and locks should be maintained, or if that's no longer possible, parts can be replaced. Wood rot can also be present; read the previous suggestions regarding wood rot. These sheds are often equipped with solid-core panels. Poor maintenance will cause the panels to become dirty; we recommend regular maintenance and periodic cleaning of the materials.
Read our blog here with points to consider when purchasing a house with a balcony and
The cost of a building inspection (up to 250 m²) is only €489 including VAT. We'll conduct a comprehensive building inspection and you'll receive a building report. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and can schedule an appointment with an expert inspector right away if you wish!
