A balcony in a Darling Point apartment is outdoor living space with a harbour view. It is also a small roof with a drain, and when that drain fails the water goes somewhere it should not: into the apartment, onto the balcony below, or into the building’s structure.
Balcony cleaning is searched around 90 times a month in Sydney. Most of the problems come from how it is done.
Who owns what
In NSW strata schemes that have adopted the model Common Property Memorandum, balcony columns and railings, balcony ceilings and awnings are typically the owners corporation’s responsibility. Structures within the balcony space that are not shown as common property, such as decks, pergolas and planters, are typically the lot owner’s. The strata plan and by-laws decide the details, and older schemes can differ. More: who owns the balcony.
Waterproofing membranes and drains are often common property. That matters when something goes wrong.
How balconies flood
Balcony drains are small. Leaves, dirt, cigarette butts, plant debris and grout from tile cleaning block them easily. In a heavy storm, a blocked drain lets water rise above the door sill and into the apartment.
The other failure is slow: water sitting on a balcony with cracked tiles or failed grout gets into the waterproofing and through to the slab. That shows up as staining, efflorescence and drips on the balcony ceiling below, and eventually as concrete cancer. More: concrete cancer.
Cleaning without flooding the neighbour
A pressure washer on a balcony sends water over the edge onto the balcony below and the street, and drives it into door sills and under tiles. It also strips grout.
The right approach is low water volume, a scrubbing machine or brush, and controlled rinsing toward the drain. Clear the drain first, and check it runs. Never wash debris into the drain. Strata by-laws often limit when and how balconies can be washed; check them. More: how to clean a balcony.
Glass balustrades and frames
Harbour-facing balcony glass collects salt and water spotting. Clean with purified water and rinse the fittings at the base where water and salt sit. Railings and balustrade fixings are often common property; report corrosion rather than fixing it yourself. More: glass balustrade cleaning.
Planters and outdoor furniture
Planters drain onto the balcony and carry soil into drains. Raise them on feet, clean their outlets, and do not let them sit against the waterproofing. Outdoor cushions grow mould in harbour humidity. More: mould on outdoor cushions.
When to check
Before summer storm season and after autumn, the wettest months. Pour a bucket of water near the drain and watch it run away. If it pools, the drain or the fall needs attention.
See the Darling Point maintenance calendar and our balcony cleaning service.
