Everyday tip: Taking care of balcony glazing

A glazed balcony adds extra space to your home well into the autumn. But how should the glazing be maintained, and what should you do if it starts to creak or gets stuck? We asked a balcony maintenance expert.

Mika Heinikainen from Parveke-ja terassilasihuolto MH, how can a resident best take care of the balcony glazing in a rental apartment?

A resident can keep the glazing in good condition by cleaning it regularly, two to four times a year. In addition to the glass surfaces, it's very beneficial to clean the sliding tracks on the inside if possible. Additionally, residents can lubricate the tracks after cleaning. Silicone spray or oil is best suited for lubrication.

When is it necessary to contact maintenance?

Contact maintenance if operating the glazing requires more force than usual. Never use any tools or aids. If you can't open the glazing manually, there's an issue.

As a SATO tenant, the best way to report a fault is, of course, through OmaSATO.

What are the most common problem situations?

Difficulty opening or closing the glazing. This indicates that the glazing needs adjustment to function properly again. Poor sliding of the glazing is also a very common problem.

What is your most memorable job?

The most memorable job was three years ago on Christmas Day. In the afternoon, I got a call about a sliding glass panel that was about to fall. The representative of the maintenance company insisted that I come immediately because there was a severe storm, and the site was by the sea. There was no choice but to drive about a hundred kilometers through the snowstorm. The trip took almost two hours, and the actual repair took ten minutes. In reality, the window wouldn't have fallen if it had been secured properly to prevent the wind from catching and shaking it.