Why There Is No Single Answer
Property owners in Los Angeles often ask what a balcony repair actually involves, and the honest answer is that it depends on what the inspection finds. Most balcony damage starts out of sight, in the framing, the waterproofing membrane or the connection between the deck and the building, so two balconies that look alike from above can need very different work. Our balcony repair and restoration page covers the full range, and this post walks through how that range plays out in practice.
The Smaller End: Resealing the Membrane
At the smaller end, a repair can be as modest as resealing an existing waterproofing membrane. If water has not yet reached the structure, restoring the membrane is the job. This is the best case, and it is the main reason we suggest acting on early warning signs rather than waiting. Our post on how to know if your balcony needs repair lists the signs worth watching for, such as a soft deck, staining underneath or a gap at the railing.
The Larger End: Rebuilding the Structure
At the larger end, a repair means removing rotted framing and rebuilding the structure before new decking and railing go back on. When water has been getting past the waterproofing for a while, the framing that carries the load is often the part that suffers. Fixing the surface alone would not solve that, so the work starts from the structure and builds back up.
The Parts of a Balcony We Work On
- Structural framing
- Waterproofing
- Decking
- Railings
Depending on the balcony, a job may touch one of these or all of them.
Why We Visit the Property First
We cannot tell what is happening inside a balcony from a photo or a phone call, so we look at the structure in person before we quote the repair. That is also why we do not give structural quotes over the phone. The estimate is free, and it is based on the actual condition of your balcony rather than a guess.
Keeping the Look of Your Building
A larger repair does not have to change how the 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. You can read more in our post on matching your balcony to its existing style. If the rain is already falling, see what to check on your balcony after a rainstorm.
How to Get Started
Call us at (424) 371-3119 and describe your balcony, and we will schedule a free estimate and a visit. 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 and construction projects in and around the city, under California Contractor License Class A (General Engineering) and Class B (General Building). Confirm your address on our Los Angeles service area page, or learn more on the about page.