Many buildings have balconies, which offer people a place outside to breathe in the fresh air and take in the scenery. But now that California Senate Bills 271 and 326 have been passed, building owners are expected to make sure that their balconies are secure for tenants to use. We'll describe the steps involved in a balcony inspection in this blog post and offer advice on how owners can get ready.
Scheduling an inspection with a certified professional engineer or architect is the first step in the balcony inspection procedure. The balcony's structural soundness, the quality of its building materials, and whether it complies with SB271 and SB326 will all be determined by this person.
The engineer or architect will be looking for a number of important things throughout the examination. These consist of:
The integrity of structure: The inspector will examine the balcony's foundation, framing, and connections to the building to determine the balcony's overall integrity.
Water damage: Particularly with balconies that are exposed to the outdoors, water damage is a frequent problem. The inspector will be on the lookout for indications of water damage, such as rot or warping in the materials of the balcony.
Corrosion: If the balcony is made of metal, the inspector will look for corrosion, which could compromise the structural integrity of the balcony.
Proper slope: The balcony should have the right slope to allow for proper drainage. The inspector will make sure that the balcony slope is appropriate and that water is not collecting on its surface.
Height of the guardrail: In order to avoid falls, the balcony guardrail should be at least 42 inches tall. The inspector will make sure the guardrail complies with these criteria.
Owners should take a few actions in order to get ready for the inspection. To make sure their balcony complies with these criteria, they need first to go over SB271 and SB326's requirements. Second, they ought to remove everything from the balcony that might hinder the inspector's view. This includes home decor goods like furniture, plants, and plants.
Owners must be ready to give the inspector any necessary records, such as building permits and construction plans. The inspector will be better able to comprehend the balcony's construction and see any potential problems as a result.
In summary, balcony inspections are crucial to safeguarding the safety of occupants in buildings with balconies. Owners can make sure that their balconies are secure and in compliance with SB271 and SB326 by learning what inspectors will be looking for and taking the necessary precautions in advance of the inspection. EEEadvisor provides a free assessment that would then allow you to find out if there is any part of your building that would fall under the SB271 and SB326 ordinances. If there are any concerns we would have our certified professional engineers come and get everything squared away for you.