While the majority of balconies are made out of concrete, a material that’s strong, durable and long-lasting, they will inevitably face some wear and tear as their lifespan increases, and a lack of maintenance, exposure to the elements or even improper installation, can leave them looking cracked, dull and rough.
If your balcony has cracks appearing in the concrete, this will not only make it look less attractive, but it can present a serious structural hazard if left unrepaired. While some smaller, hairline cracks can be fixed easily yourself, larger cracks should ideally be assessed by a structural engineer or construction company to determine the extent of the damage and its root cause, or at the very least, monitored to make sure it doesn’t increase in size.
If you rent your property, you should file a report with the buildings managing agent as soon as you spot any cracks in your balcony, and they should arrange to have it inspected by a professional or a general contractor.
What Is the Main Cause of Damage to Balconies?
Water getting trapped on a balcony that freezes then thaws, is one of the top causes of damage, and it’s recommended to check your balcony thoroughly for any signs of damage after a hard winter. Some signs of a water damaged balcony include the following:
Cracks That Have Gotten Wider or Longer
Springtime checks can help identify cracks, and if they’re large, or have gotten larger since you last checked, you should schedule an assessment from a structural engineer at the earliest opportunity.
Rust and Efflorescence
We all know what rust looks like, but you may be less familiar with the term efflorescence. This is a powdery substance that’s white in colour and which often forms on stone and concrete. If you spot this on your balcony, it could mean that water is gradually seeping through the concrete.
Icicles
If you spot these hanging from your balcony during the winter months, this could mean that water is seeping through and could soon begin to cause cracks to form or expand.
Flaking, Pitted Concrete and Spalling
While flaking and pitting are common terms and can be easily observed, spalling refers to the oxidation (or rust) of the reinforcing bar buried in the concrete.
Insecure Railings
If your balcony has railings that have begun to wobble and move around, this could mean that the posts are beginning to corrode; this is often because they weren’t given a protective layer of coating before they were set into the concrete.
What Can You Do to Minimize Cracks On Your Concrete Balcony?
Annual cleaning and power washing of your balcony can help reduce a lot of common problems, and cathodic protection could help minimize damage if you patch it frequently. This involves placing a low-voltage current on the concrete to help prevent rust and corrosion.
Balconies are a fantastic investment that can last for as long as 50 years without needing any repairs (provided they’re well maintained and cared for), and can add significant value and space to a property. But, ignoring cracks or any other signs of disrepair on a balcony can lead to serious structural problems further down the line, and will almost always end up costing you more than the original repairs would have. To get your cracked or rusted balcony repaired in time for winter, reach out to a local balcony paving contractor.