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Balustrade of balcony or roof terrace

Wood rot lurking in balcony structures can silently undermine your home's integrity, leading to costly repairs if left unchecked. Discover why expert maintenance and timely inspections are crucial, along with the potential benefits of upgrading to low-maintenance materials, ensuring your balcony remains a safe and beautiful retreat.

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.

  • Annual inspection of the paintwork, particularly the connections between horizontal and vertical parts.
  • Even cracks in the paintwork in those critical areas can be disastrous and cause wood rot.
  • Wood rot repair is in principle possible, but it is best carried out by an expert with the right materials and tools.
  • Wood rot may be present and only become visible during shed maintenance or repair work. Wood rot may also be (intentionally) concealed or poorly repaired.
  • The disadvantage of wood rot repair is that the painting work must also be carried out immediately afterwards.

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.

  • A new fence is low-maintenance, made of, for example, plastic material or powder-coated aluminum.
  • For a new low-maintenance fence the price is approximately €255 per linear meter,
  • Consult a qualified professional regarding this replacement. There are many options available when it comes to choosing the right materials.

If the fence's attachment to the house can be improved, use stainless steel to strengthen the attachment and remove any old rusting metal.

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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.

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Concrete 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.

  • Please note that not every ready-made mortar or cement bag from a hardware store is suitable for this; inquire about the possibilities.
  • Frost-resistant repair mortar is available from various manufacturers. Search the internet for: frost-resistant repair mortar
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Privacy screen

The woodwork of the privacy screen may be rotten. Any rot should be properly repaired.

  • Wood rot repair is in principle possible, but it is best carried out by an expert with the right materials and tools.
  • Wood rot may be present and only become visible during shed maintenance or repair work. Wood rot may also be (intentionally) concealed or poorly repaired.
  • The disadvantage of wood rot repair is that the painting work must also be carried out immediately afterwards.
  • Tip: A new low-maintenance screen can be purchased for approximately €450.00 to €650.00
  • Take some time to choose a new screen; these are available in low-maintenance versions, for example, made of plastic or powder-coated aluminum.

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.

Balcony cupboard

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

Would you like to make an appointment for a building inspection?

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!

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