What could be more enjoyable than relaxing with a cocktail on your balcony at the end of a hard day? Perhaps eating a delicious brunch on that same balcony? With the beautiful weather of Southern California, it’s possible to enjoy your balcony all year long. But is your balcony ready to be used every day?
What if that balcony is showing signs of wear and tear? When is it time to repair or even possibly replace your balcony? Do you know what signs to look for?
What signs should I look for on my balcony in Los Angeles?
Few things around your house take more abuse than your balcony and your deck. It is exposed to the harshest sun and rain. And here in Los Angeles, your deck is likely more than 20 years old. So when do you know when to repair your deck in Los Angeles?
It’s always a good idea to inspect your balcony or deck every year and make repairs. That way small repairs don’t become big expensive -- or even dangerous -- problems.
- Creaking: If your balcony creaks every time you step foot on it, you know that’s a clear sign that something is wrong. Any sound that suddenly appears is a strong indicator that the integrity of the deck is compromised -- a dangerous situation to be in.
- Check the Railing: Once the railing begins to move or wobble, it is a clear sign that they need to be repaired or replaced.
- Check for Rot: Use an awl or a screwdriver to probe around for any soft spots. If you have a deck or a wooden balcony probe around railing posts and the surface. You can remove thumb-size areas of rot with a chisel, then treat the hole with a wood preservative. This will stop rot and keep it from spreading. If you have bigger areas of rot, you may need to replace the entire piece of wood or balcony.
- Check for cracks: Cracks are usually more of an annoyance than a structural problem. But, with balconies, one can never be too safe. If you notice any big cracks or cracks that have grown, you should consult a structural engineer.
- Splintering, loose nails or screws, displacement of the support posts: Any of these signs give fair warning that some part or the entire balcony will need to be replaced.
Decay caused by moisture: This is perhaps the most pernicious and treacherous. The wood in your balcony could be deteriorating or decaying before your very eyes and you may not be able to even see it. In some cases, a balcony may fail because moisture got into the structure during the construction process. To check for this, you will need to hire an expert inspector. The inspector will look to see if the ledger, support beams and other structures are viable and that moisture is not present. An inspector can also check to see if waterproofing is present to protect the wood.
If any of these factors compromise the supporting structures and allow moisture to build up, the balcony may need to be retrofitted or replaced.
When is it time to replace or repair a balcony in Los Angeles?
Nobody wants their balcony to collapse. On the flip side, you also don’t want to spend extra money replacing a balcony that can be repaired at a fraction of the cost. So when do you know when you have to repair your balcony or replace the whole thing?
Many balconies suffer from signs of wear and tear. The best way to determine whether these are benign or the sign of something more serious is to hire an engineer or architect to conduct a thorough investigation. He or she will locate the most badly damaged areas and determine if the balcony is structurally sound.
Once the problem areas are located, a contractor can work with the engineer to repair any damaged areas on your balcony. However, if your balcony is extremely damaged, you may need to demolish it and rebuild it.
What happens if I need to repair my balcony in Los Angeles?
First things first. In order for your contractor to make any repairs, defective areas must be entirely cut away. The cuts will then be scarified and a bonding agent applied so the new concrete will adhere to the old. A drip edge should be installed to keep dripping water away from the building.
Any loose, rusted railings will be repaired or replaced. Railing posts also will have to be removed from the concrete and the defective concrete around them be cut away.
Any other repairs will then be completed, as needed.
How much does it cost to repair or replace my balcony in Los Angeles?
Keeping an eye on your balcony is the best way to save money on repairs or possible replacements. Getting smaller problems repaired quickly will not only keep them from becoming bigger and more dangerous problems, but will also save you a lot of money.
In general, it will cost between $5,000 and $10,000 to repair a balcony, depending on the extent of water damage and size of the balcony. Replacing a balcony will run about $10,000 - $20,000.
In deciding whether to repair or replace your balcony, it is always recommended that you consult a professional to inspect the structure, pinpoint the problems and come up with a plan to address any repairs necessary. That’s why you should call the professionals at Balcony Creations. We can inspect your balcony and determine what kind of repairs should be made. Call us at the number above for a free estimate.