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Design: Collective Designs
Having a balcony is a luxury in Singapore, so if you have one, you’d want to get the most out of it, no matter the size. However, remember that balconies are open to the elements, so regular maintenance is a must. Here are some pointers to ensure your outdoor space receives enough TLC.
Keep it green
Artificial turf or synthetic grass is gaining ground in balconies because it adds the green factor with less care and maintenance than natural grass. Grooming it regularly – according to the amount of foot traffic it gets – will help extend its life and keep it looking as natural as possible. Using a brush with synthetic bristles at least 5 inches long, brush the grass against the natural grain. This will keep the fibers upright and fluffed up.
Most spills can simply be rinsed away with water. If residue remains after hosing off the area, use a mild, natural soap with warm water or a half-and-half mix of vinegar and water, which is also a great option for removing bacteria.
Maintain the deck
Another popular balcony flooring is timber decking, typically in chengal or balau. Timber decking is easily cleaned by vacuuming and mopping, but it can get easily scratched so take care when moving furniture around. Protective stains for decks also deteriorate over time, due to natural wear and tear, so it is best to have it re-stained yearly. To avoid darkening of wood colour through repeated staining, thorough sanding may be required to remove previous stains before applying a new stain.
Unclog drains
Check your balcony drains every so often for debris that might cause clogging, such as fallen leaves or accumulated dirt. Sweep them up right away to prevent water ponding – you don’t want water to eventually flow into your indoor space.
Keep weight in check
Your balcony floor slab can only bear so much weight, so don’t get overly ambitious in pushing its weight boundaries. Don’t put too-heavy pots or huge installations in your al fresco area.
Mind the moisture
Water can be an erosive element, especially if your balcony is facing the coast. Moisture from sea breeze can cause fast rusting of steel or rotting of wood. Look out for these signs and get professional help if these kinds of damage keep growing in size.
Tip!
Give your pots and planters a good cleaning once in a while. Dirty ones can contain minerals, mould, and fungus that can harm your plants. Standing water in pot plates can also become breeding ground for mosquitoes.