Cracks on a balcony can be caused by several factors related to its design, construction, and use. Understanding these causes helps anticipate risks and ensure the safety and durability of structures. Here are the five main reasons why cracks appear on balconies.
What is a Balcony?
A balcony is an outdoor platform extending from a building's façade. It can be made of concrete, stone, wood, or steel and is usually equipped with railings. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing additional space and an open viewpoint.
What Causes Cracks on a Balcony?
1. Incorrect Placement of Reinforcements
Improper positioning of reinforcements can compromise the strength and durability of the balcony. These reinforcements play a crucial role in structural integrity. When misaligned, they fail to distribute loads evenly, leading to cracks and potential structural weaknesses.
To prevent this issue, it is essential to:
- Follow design plans and construction standards.
- Position reinforcements at the correct depth for even load distribution.
- Ensure rigorous supervision of construction work by qualified professionals.
Poorly installed reinforcements can weaken the structure, cause deformations, or, in extreme cases, lead to collapse. Proper construction is essential to avoid costly repairs and ensure long-term safety.
2. Overloading During Construction
Excessive loads on a balcony during construction can cause deformations and cracks. This often results from poor load planning or placing heavy materials before the concrete has fully cured.
To reduce this risk, it is recommended to:
- Adhere to the maximum allowable loads during construction.
- Avoid accumulating heavy materials before the structure has fully stabilized.
- Follow technical guidelines on concrete curing times before applying loads.
Failure to follow these precautions can weaken the structure and accelerate crack formation.
3. Incorrect Sizing
A poorly sized balcony—one designed without considering the loads it will bear—is prone to cracking. If a balcony is too thin or undersized, it becomes vulnerable to deformations from daily use.
Proper sizing relies on:
- A preliminary load study (furniture, number of users, weather conditions).
- Selecting appropriate materials based on mechanical constraints.
- Professional design that complies with regulations and standards.
An undersized balcony will inevitably develop cracks, potentially affecting the stability of the entire building.
4. Improper Use and Excessive Overloading
Misusing a balcony is another common cause of cracks. Exceeding its load limits, adding heavy equipment, or modifying its structure without proper assessment can create excessive stress.
Key precautions include:
- Respecting the maximum load capacity specified in design plans.
- Avoiding excessive weight accumulation (massive furniture, heavy planters, unplanned modifications).
- Not altering the structure without technical validation, such as adding extensions or supports.
Poor load management can weaken the concrete and accelerate crack formation.
5. Reinforcement Corrosion, Carbonation, and Chemical Attacks
Reinforcement corrosion, concrete carbonation, and chemical attacks are major factors in balcony deterioration.
- Reinforcement corrosion occurs when moisture penetrates the concrete, causing metal oxidation.
- Carbonation is a chemical process that lowers the concrete's pH, reducing its ability to protect reinforcements from corrosion.
- Chemical exposure (salts, pollutants, harsh cleaning products) can also weaken the material.
Regular monitoring of these phenomena helps anticipate crack formation and implement preventive measures, such as applying protective treatments or repairing damaged areas.
Monitoring Cracks with Feelbat
Given these risks, rigorous monitoring is essential to detect cracks early and mitigate damage before they become critical.
Feelbat offers a range of crack monitoring gauges and connected sensors that provide real-time tracking of crack movements. These tools offer a simple and effective solution, accessible via smartphone, to ensure proactive maintenance of balconies and other structures prone to cracking.
Feelbat sensors are designed for engineering firms, experts, and property managers, featuring a Plug & Play system that requires no specialized training. With these solutions, it is possible to anticipate deterioration, optimize interventions, and enhance the longevity of structures.
Press contact
Agence Impulse Communication Paris
Marie Legrand – marie@impulse-communication.fr – 06 09 88 62 27
Julie Dalsace – julie@impulse-communication.fr – 06 78 70 96 05