Do you hate looking outside and seeing a cracked, peeling or missing part of your balcony?
Or maybe you’ve noticed that your deck has started to rot away, and you just want to make sure that your home is safe from hurricanes.
If so, then it is time to call in the professionals for help.
The good news is that you can get your balcony repaired as quickly as in one day if you hire an expert team to work on minor jobs like replacing missing tiles, fixing damaged railings, repairing broken balustrades, etc. But there are also many things that need to be done when a balcony undergoes major renovations that last for months.
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Repairing a balcony is cheaper than replacing it. In fact, most balcony repair projects only cost $100-$900. But if you wait until the problem gets worse, then you may end up spending thousands of dollars to replace your balcony.
Here we will discuss some of the most common balcony problems that require professional attention.
You’ll also learn how to find the right contractor for your project.
What causes balcony repairs?
Most balconies need structural repair work at some point.
When people talk about balcony repairs, they’re usually talking about repairing damage to the railing or decking. But there are many things that can cause balcony repairs, including:
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- Fire
- Water leaks
- Cracks in the structure
- Other structural problems
The most common reason for balcony repairs is weather damage. In fact, according to the Chubb Homeowners’ Water Risk Survey, over 2.5 million homeowners report at least one instance of water damage to their homes every year.
This happens because balconies are built over the top of windows, doors, and vents. And if the balcony is not covered, it will allow water to enter the areas below or connected to it.
Water damage can be caused by a number of different factors, including:
- Roof leaks
- Rainwater pooling in gutters
- Flooding due to heavy rains
- Broken pipes
Other reasons include structural problems, such as cracked concrete, broken or missing balustrades, loose railings, or damaged decking and wood framing.
How long does it take to repair balconies?
How long does it take to fix a balcony? Well, it depends on the type of damage and the materials used.
Repairing balconies takes patience, skill, and experience.
For example, if the damage is cosmetic, such as peeling paint, broken glass panes or mold, then it may only take an hour or few hours to complete.
But if the damage is more serious, like cracks in the concrete, then you’ll likely need to replace the entire piece of your balcony. This process could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
According to Elaproof, balcony renovations like these usually involve multiple work phases that can last several months and up to 12 months if it requires coating the ceiling of the balcony underneath.
On the other hand, if the damage is caused by a leak, it can take several days to weeks to dry out the area.
Remedial Membranes report that re-grouting, which involves replacing old mortar with new cement, typically takes 1-2 days.
In addition, if you have timber frame or stone tiles that require additional work, this might also add time to the project. It may take at least 2 days depending on how much material needs to be replaced and the time required for drying.
Leakages can be repaired immediately after detection. However, if the problem has been going on for a while, it’s best to call a professional who can assess the situation and provide a solution.
If you have to waterproof the balcony, then you should expect a repair time of around 3-7 days.
How can you tell if your balcony needs repairs?
Houses and apartments are liable for their own structural safety, as well as the safety of their occupants, so it’s important to understand how to correct problems present in balconies.
It’s also essential that your balcony is inspected regularly, especially if you live in an older house or apartment building where maintenance is less frequent.
If you notice any issues with your balcony, contact your local building inspector right away.
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They can help you determine whether or not you should call a contractor to make repairs.
If you decide to hire a professional, here are some signs that indicate you need repairs:
- Water stains on walls or ceilings
- Mold growth
- Stained floorboards
- Loose or damaged railing
- Holes or cracked concrete
- Missing or damaged balustrade
- Broken glass panes
- Damaged railings
- Missing tiles
- Deteriorated paint
- Loose or missing nails and screws
- Splintering
- Rusting metal
Why balcony repair will take longer than you expected
Gauging how long it takes to complete a project depends on several factors, including:
- The type of balcony repair being done
- The size of the balcony in terms of square feet
- Whether the repair involves replacing materials or fixing existing materials
- Any cracks, holes, or missing pieces
- Any special equipment needed
- Skill level of the contractor
- The type of material used
- The location of the balcony
- How much time you have available
- Your budget
- How often you use your balcony
You should ask your contractor for a written proposal to get an estimate on a particular job.
This includes information like what materials will be used, how long the job will take, and any other details you may need to know before making a decision.
Tips for homeowners who want to repair their balconies
Scheduling regular inspections of your home’s exterior will ensure that you catch problems early.
If you see water leaks, mold, rust, or other issues, you can fix them yourself.
However, if you suspect that there is something wrong with your balcony, such as a broken tile, loose grout, or crumbling concrete, you should contact a contractor immediately.
Saving money and reducing bills is an excellent incentive for homeowners to repair their balconies.
If you’ve been meaning to make a few quick repairs in your home or balcony, these tips will provide helpful hints for doing so.
- Check reviews on your potential home improvement contractor
- Contact your city or county government to find out more about licensing requirements
- Call your insurance company to check if they cover home improvements
- Don’t forget to ask your contractor for references
- Get estimates from multiple contractors to compare costs
- Consider hiring a licensed contractor
- Hire someone who has experience working on similar jobs
- Make sure to keep track of all receipts, materials and tools
- Be aware of local regulations regarding home renovations
- Have a plan for emergency situations such as flooding or power loss
- Only use materials that are approved by building codes
Conclusion
Repairing your balcony is a great way to improve its appearance and protect it from damage.
It’s also a good idea to schedule regular inspections because you never know when something might go wrong.
Keep in mind that while repairing your balcony is a good investment, it won’t always save you money.
So, don’t rush into repairs without considering your options first.
Also, remember that not all balcony repairs require professional help.
Many common problems can be fixed without having to hire a contractor, such as repainting, cleaning, filling in gaps between tiles, patching up leaky faucets or caulking around windows.
If you’re unsure whether you can handle a project yourself, consider hiring a handyman or a general contractor.
They’ll be able to give you advice on which projects are best suited for DIYers and which ones would benefit most from professional assistance.
