Balcony restoration and replacement

Balcony restoration and replacement - « back to F.A.Q.s

Summary

Balcony failures are becoming all too common place. Although the structural design of pre-cast balcony is sound, there are no measures in place protecting the bearing wall once the per-cast is set. The crown in the pre cast directs the water to the bearing wall, (here after called the wing wall) this allows the water to sit and collect against the wing. The water is then wicked in to the wing, this unfortunately saturates the base of the wing and the deteriorating process begins.

	But what can I do to reverse this process, and prevent this deterioration from happening again?

	Renew Masonry has long had in place procedures to protect a wing wall from deterioration due to water penetration. First the masonry must be repaired to receive a permanent protective coating that extends up the wing wall and back onto the pre-cast.

	Are there any other factors that could lead to balcony duress?

	Yes, of course there are many factors that could lead to balcony duress. Listed below are the most common. Crowned pre-cast. Carpeting installed over the pre-cast. Carpets act much like a sponge that holds water, this keeps the per-cast perpetually wet; this speed’s up the deteriorating process. Metal rails that are anchored to the masonry wing. Steel and concrete expand and contract at different rates; as a result the railing pushes and pulls on the wing wall. Inadequate bearing. Often pre-cast is laid/placed to close to the edge. Few pre-cast balconies have drip edges. Lastly, it is important to remember that each building has its own unique challenges. An on site inspection is simply the only way to determine what stresses you're balconies are undergoing.