Why the Rainy Season Is When Balcony Problems Show Up
Los Angeles gets nearly all of its rain between November and March, which means a balcony that went through the dry months without any sign of trouble is about to be tested. Water finds the weak points in a balcony quickly: a cracked or lifting waterproofing membrane, a gap at the railing, a seam that has pulled away. Because most balcony damage starts out of sight, the first heavy storms are often when an owner finally notices something is wrong. Looking at the balcony during and just after wet weather is one of the simplest ways to catch a problem while it is still small.
If you have not had the balcony looked at yet this season, our earlier post on balcony maintenance before the rainy season explains why an inspection ahead of the rain helps. This post is for the weeks when the rain has already started.
What to Look at After a Storm
You do not need tools to do a first check. A few minutes after a rainstorm, once it is safe to step outside, look at the balcony from above and from below.
On the Deck Surface
Notice whether the deck feels soft, spongy or bouncy when you walk across it. A deck that gives underfoot can mean the framing underneath is no longer carrying load the way it should. Also notice where water collects. Standing water that stays long after the rain stops is worth paying attention to, because it gives moisture more time to find a way through the surface.
Underneath the Balcony
Look at the underside of the balcony and at the ceiling or walls below it. Staining or peeling paint there can point to moisture getting through from above. Water that reaches those surfaces has usually passed through the deck or its waterproofing first, so the stain you can see is often the smallest part of the problem.
At the Railing
Check the spot where the railing meets the deck. Railings and decking should sit tight together. A visible gap means something has loosened or worn, and wet weather can make that worse. Our post on how to know if your balcony needs repair walks through these warning signs in more detail.
What Happens When Water Gets Past the Waterproofing
Most balcony problems start with the waterproofing membrane. Once water gets past it, it goes to work on the framing underneath. If the wood stays wet for a while, the repair moves from resealing the surface to removing rotted framing and rebuilding the structure before new decking and railing go back on. That is why a small sign during the rainy season deserves attention: the sooner a problem is found, the closer the job tends to stay to the smaller end of the range, which can be as modest as resealing an existing membrane.
Why We Look at the Structure in Person
We cannot tell you what is happening inside a balcony from a photo or a phone call. The real condition of the framing is usually hidden under the surface you walk on, so we visit the property, look at the structure in person and open up sections where needed. That is also why we do not quote structural balcony work over the phone. Every estimate starts with a look at the actual structure, and the estimate is free. Our balcony repair and restoration page covers the full range of work, including framing, waterproofing, decking and railings.
Repairs That Match Your Building
Fixing storm damage does not have to change how your building looks. We have restored ornate stucco and cast balustrade balconies as well as plain framed decks, and we match the existing look wherever the structure allows it. If that is a concern, read how we approach matching your balcony to its existing style.
What to Do If You Spot a Problem
- Note what you saw and where, such as a soft area of deck, a stain on the ceiling below or a gap at the railing
- Take a few photos while the evidence is visible
- Call us to arrange a free estimate and a visit to the property
Call (424) 371-3119 or email contech.ca@gmail.com. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 7:00pm, and Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Serving Los Angeles Property Owners
We are based in Los Angeles and take on balcony repair and construction projects in and around the city, backed by California Contractor License Class A (General Engineering) and Class B (General Building) and more than 20 years of experience in construction. Confirm your address on our Los Angeles service area page, or learn more about us on the about page.
