Glass and frames
Wash the glass from the inside and, where it is safe, from the outside, without leaning over the railing. The outer side of fixed panes is cleaned by professionals or with long-handled window-cleaning tools.
Care
Care and upkeep
A balcony lasts longer when it gets a little attention regularly. Most of the care comes down to simple habits: washing the glass, sweeping the drain, looking at the railing, clearing whatever has crept back onto the hatch. Structural repairs are left to professionals. Below is what to do with each part of the balcony and what to check when the seasons change.
A rust spot on a railing fixing rarely goes away on its own. The sooner you notice it, the simpler and cheaper the conversation with a professional.
How this section works: we give general care tips for each part of the balcony and note what residents do themselves and what is left to a professional.
Care, part by part
Six tasks that add up to a trouble-free balcony or loggia.
Drainage
The sill flashing under the frames and the floor drain must be kept clear, or water will pool and leak inside or down to the neighbours. Sweep out leaves and debris, and call a tradesperson if there are leaks.
Seals
The rubber seals around the sashes keep wind and water out. Wipe the dust off them, and if they have cracked or a sash no longer closes tightly, show it to the person who services the glazing.
Boxes and plants
Check the box fixings, empty overflowing trays and clear away dry leaves: they clog the drain and catch fire easily. Before winter, annuals are removed and the soil is emptied out of the boxes.
Railing checks
From time to time, look at the railing, its fixings and the welds for rust, play or cracks where it is attached. Never repair or reinforce the railing yourself; if in any doubt, call a professional.
Keeping the hatch clear
The emergency hatch and the passage to the next balcony quietly fill up with things. The Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation prohibit blocking them, so every time you clean, check that the hatch opens and the ladder is clear.
Seasonal check
- Check that the emergency hatch and the ladder between balconies are clear and accessible
- Inspect the slab, railing and fixings for cracks, rust and flaking
- Wash the glass and check that the sashes close tightly
- Clear leaves and debris from the flashing and the drain
- Check the fixings of boxes and trays and remove dead plants
- Review what is stored and take anything flammable off the balcony
See also
- How-to
How to clear out a balcony in a weekend and hang flower boxes securely. Plus the jobs you should never do yourself.
- Tools
Useful things for cleaning and small jobs on the balcony, no brands: a stepladder, a spirit level, gloves, a brush, a watering can with trays, window restrictors.
- Planning
How to plan a balcony makeover: inspection, goals, what needs approval, which professionals to call and in what order to do the work.
Sources
- Housing Code of the Russian Federation, Art. 26
- Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation (Government Decree No. 1479 of 16 September 2020)
Specific requirements are summarised in general terms from Russian rules: the Housing Code of the Russian Federation and the Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation. Other countries have their own building and fire rules. The condition of the slab, railing and glazing is assessed by professionals, and the approval procedure for your building is confirmed with the local authority and the building management.