Balcony repair and renovation

Balcony repair

Common problem on balconies is the wall and floor connection joint, through which water flows into the room below. Another problem is the penetrations of the railing support legs, from which the waterproofing has come off or has never been there. Additional information about the material used in the repair of the terrace, loggia and balcony can be found “Waterproofing junctions, joints & details” page.

If the substructure is still strong enough and has not broken down, a special wear-resistant and water-resistant liquid plastic for covering balconies can be installed on the floor without major preliminary work.

We can replace loose floor tiles with waterproof and decorative liquid plastic. The tiles will come off the substrate in a few years. Liquid plastic systems are a better choice, with which you can design a grid of tiles or draw other design elements on the floor according to your taste.

• Terrace, balcony and loggia repair
• Sealing the door, window and floor joints
• Sealing balcony railings
• Covering the floor with a special abrasion resistant and waterproof liquid plastic
• Replacement of floor tiles with liquid plastic design
• For the finish we have selection of sand, granite, gravel and different colours

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Renovation of balconies

If the balcony is still suitable for restoration and the construction of a new balcony is not a sensible undertaking, then the balconies can be renovated. An important task here is to assess the strength of the structure and to find the right renovation solutions and materials to be used. Work will begin on the installation of scaffolding and the removal of balcony railings. Care must be taken with concrete slabs what are used as the balcony outside border. because they are heavy and can be heavily depreciated and close to falling.

Repairing a concrete structure, we need to be sure that the loose concrete is removed and the reinforcement is cleaned of loose rust and covered with corrosion protection to prevent further rusting. After the preliminary work, the surface to be renovated must be covered with adhesive mortar and use systematic balcony repair mixtures.

On the top we install liquid plastic waterproofing and coatings layers. The slopes of the substrate must be made in advance.

• Renovation of loggias and balconies
• Renovation of terraces
• Removal of balcony railings
• Renovation of a concrete structure
• We repair rusted metal reinforcement and perform corrosion protection
• Installing the drop profile
• Covering the floor with a special abrasion and waterproof liquid plastic
• Repair and painting of balcony walls and ceilings

References

• Renovation of the balconies of Võlvi 8 apartment building
• Renovation of the balconies of Kadaka tee 173

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Balcony and terrace slopes

Before installing the waterproofing we make sure that the floor slopes are present and of good quality. The size of the slope on the balcony or terrace should be at least 1: 100. Although it is very difficult to achieve a puddle free surface in larger areas with such a slope, it is still a sufficient slope on ordinary balconies, because the slipperiness of the floor and the installation of terrace furniture must also be taken into account here. The steeper the slope, the greater the chance of slipping while walking.

• Construction and repair of balcony floor slopes

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Balcony liquid plastic waterproofing and coatings

When installing floor waterproofing, special attention must be paid to the cleanliness of the substrate and the water tightness of the wall and floor joint. Such a joint must be watertight using flexible waterproofing. 100% waterproof adhesion to the substrate can only be on surface which is cleaned of any contamination. The waterproofing does not remain on the uncleaned surface and peels off partially or completely immediately or over time. The balcony can be covered with elastic waterproofing or some other waterproof floor covering intended for outdoor conditions.

The liquid plastic balcony solution is suitable for repairing a balcony or covering a new substrate and has proven itself as a long-term and functional system, where in addition to waterproof layers, a top decorative layer can be installed. The selection includes a smooth painted, decorative and patterned surface. To reduce slipperiness, we use a sand in the top finish layer. Traditionally, such floors can also be covered with terrace boards or tiles.

Additional information about liquid plastic coatings can be found on the “Balcony, terrace and loggia waterproof” page

• We clean concrete surfaces from contamination before installing waterproofing. We use a sandblasting or grinding method
• Waterproofing of wall and balcony floor joints with elastic waterproofing solutions
• Waterproofing the balcony floor. The materials used comply with the fire safety requirements established for the balcony floor covering materials
• For the finish we have selection of sand, granite, gravel and different colours

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Balcony construction

The situation of the balconies in an apartment building may vary. In some cases, minor repairs will suffice, but it may also be necessary to cast a new concrete slab. If the structure is significantly damaged, it is necessary and economically reasonable to undertake the construction of a new balcony, not to repair it. Possible solutions here are new concrete and metal constructions that are cantilevered to the wall or supported in addition to the posts at the outer corners.

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Construction expertise and renovation planning

If it has been decided that the renovation of balconies or the construction of a new balcony is necessary, the apartment association must order an expert examination of the building envelope from the competent company before starting the work or getting quotations. ANMERI LTD has long-term experience in conducting expertise and compiling renovation projects of the building envelope. The expertise determines the current condition of the building and the work required to improve it, on the basis of which a quotation can be prepared.

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Problems on balconies

The problem with the balconies of apartment buildings is usually the decay of the concrete panel, railings and fastening elements, as well as the lack of water resistance of the floor and wall joints, the end of life of the used materials or structures.

There are various reasons why some constructions are in good condition or some in terrible condition: varying quality of work and materials used, weather effects on different balconies may vary, exceeding the renovation interval, unprofessionally self-created and closed balconies, lack of ventilation. The balcony is an open structure to where access of outside air must be ensured.

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Balcony railings

The balcony railings or outside borders of older apartment buildings are usually concrete slabs that are attached to a  concrete structure or installed on a steel structure. However, it would be advisable to replace the old, heavy and questionable strength railings with new, lighter constructions. Modern solution would be an aluminum structure where the frame extends from the first floor to the last floor.

The Estonian climate is windy and quite chilly, so that the balcony can’t be used sensibly all year round. It is possible to install glass windows on the aluminum structure which makes sitting on the balcony more comfortable and lengthens the period of usage. It also contributes to the thermal insulation of the building during the heating period.

• Removal of balcony railings and concrete barriers
• Corrosion protection and painting of balcony railings
• When installing new barriers we cooperate with the company RÕDUKLAASID LTD

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Balcony maintenance

Liquid plastic systems are designed to be as maintenance-free as possible. However, in the interests of good housekeeping, it is advisable to inspect the surfaces at least twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn. Adequate maintenance of the balcony will help prevent major damage and delay the repair or renovation of the balcony. Visually inspect all details to identify any loose areas where water can enter. Make sure all funnels, drains, gutters and pipes are clean and not clogged.

• By agreement, we regularly inspect the work performed and maintain the balcony and terrace

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Warranty

We generally cannot provide a warranty for the repair works or warranty can be up to 2 years, depending on the project. Defect detection can be a complex process and usually includes a test error method and over a long period of time, requiring repairs in various areas and locations. With such a methodology, some of the repair work performed may not yield results, but it is necessary action to locate the leakage.

• The possibility and length of the warranty for the performed balcony repair works depends on the object
• If the repair works of the balconies include new waterproofing over the entire surface including the joints, then we can ensure a 5-year warranty.
• The warranty for the renovation works is 5 years
• The warranty of the works for the construction of a new balcony is 10 years

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