When does a balcony need refurbishing?
Refurbishment is necessary when damage compromises the waterproofing, the loadbearing structure or safety. Cosmetic wear alone does not require immediate refurbishment.
The warning signs depend on the construction. On concrete balconies, continuous cracks, spalling, exposed reinforcement and corroding reinforcement are warning signs. On timber balconies, yielding, decayed or discoloured components, fungal growth and loose connections indicate damage. On metal balconies, severe corrosion, deformation, and defective welds, screw fixings or connection points are critical.
Moisture, open joints, defective waterproofing, standing water, loose coverings and an unstable balustrade are signs of a need for refurbishment across all balcony constructions. Damage to the loadbearing structure directly affects structural stability and protection against falls. Damage to building connections and to the balustrade likewise directly affects structural stability and protection against falls.
Damage to the loadbearing structure, building connections or balustrade must be assessed by a competent professional. Historic balconies additionally require experience of the relevant construction and of heritage conservation requirements.
Before the balcony covering is renewed, the loadbearing structure, substrate, falls and drainage are checked. The necessary repairs are then carried out, followed by restoration of the waterproofing. Waterproofing can be restored with a suitable elastic waterproofing system; ALLESDICHT is an elastic waterproofing system.
For the visible wearing layer, weather-resistant and slip-resistant balcony tiles are suitable. WARCO balcony tiles consist of rubber granules bound with PU. They are installed on a suitable, load-bearing and drained substrate using a floating installation method without full-surface bonding. This makes DIY installation possible.