At Smart Maintenance, we specialize in historic restoration and structural renovations across Saint Louis, MO. This c

case study highlights our recent French balcony restoration project in Soulard, MO, a renowned historic district. Due to the area’s architectural significance, our work required precision, compliance with preservation standards, and skilled craftsmanship to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood.

Project Overview: Restoring a Historic French Balcony

The property’s original French balcony suffered from extensive wood rot, deteriorated metalwork, and weakened framing, posing safety hazards. Our goal was to restore and reinforce the balcony while preserving its historic charm. The project involved structural framing, tuckpointing, metal restoration, soldering, and expert finishing techniques.

Step-by-Step Restoration Process

1. Site Preparation & Structural Assessment

Conducted a thorough structural integrity inspection to evaluate the extent of deterioration.
Documented existing balcony elements to ensure accurate restoration while complying with historic preservation guidelines.
Installed protective barriers around the work area to prevent debris from impacting surrounding structures.

2. Demolition & Rotten Wood Removal

Carefully removed deteriorated wood from the balcony framing, railings, and support beams.
Identified sections requiring full replacement vs. reinforcement.
Ensured all work aligned with historic preservation ordinances in Saint Louis.

3. Framing & Structural Reinforcement

Rebuilt the wooden framing using high-quality, weather-resistant materials.
Re-secured the balcony attachment points to the building for enhanced structural stability.
Installed new wood supports, matching the original architectural details.

4. Tuckpointing & Masonry Repair

Restored the brick and mortar around the balcony attachment points to reinforce strength.
Performed professional tuckpointing to match the existing masonry, ensuring a seamless historic restoration.
Sealed and waterproofed the masonry to prevent future deterioration.

5. Metal Restoration & Soldering

Cleaned, repaired, and reinforced ornamental metal railings.
Used expert soldering techniques to restore intricate wrought iron elements.
Applied anti-corrosion treatment and rust protection for long-term durability.

6. Finishing & Painting

Primed and painted the wood and metal components to match the original historic design.
Applied weather-resistant coatings to protect against future exposure to elements.
Ensured all finishes met the Saint Louis Historic Preservation Commission standards.

Project Challenges & Solutions

Working in a Protected Historic District: We adhered to strict guidelines, using approved materials and restoration techniques to maintain authenticity.
Structural Integrity Concerns: Our team engineered secure reinforcements while preserving as much of the original framework as possible.
Weather-Resistant Restoration: We implemented waterproofing solutions to extend the longevity of the balcony.

Why Choose Smart Maintenance for Historic Restoration in Saint Louis?

With extensive experience in restoring historic structures, Smart Maintenance is a trusted partner for preserving architectural landmarks while improving structural safety. Our team specializes in:

Historic balcony restorations
Tuckpointing and masonry repair
Framing and structural reinforcement
Metal restoration and soldering
Painting and weatherproofing
General historic home and building maintenance

We proudly serve Soulard, Lafayette Square, Central West End, Downtown Saint Louis, and surrounding historic districts.

Contact Us Today!

Need expert craftsmanship for historic restorations, French balcony repairs, or structural upgrades in Saint Louis, MO? Contact Smart Maintenance today for a consultation and quote!

Serving: Saint Louis, Soulard, Lafayette Square, Central West End, Clayton, Tower Grove, and more.

Stay Informed, Stay Ahead – Join Our Mailing List!