Had an inspection today with a short (~2ft wide) balcony. There are only three cantilevered joists supporting the structure. My question is; is this enough support. The girders of the balcony are steel so there’s a little more weight than with a wood balcony. To me, three joists doesn’t seem to provide enough support, however, there may be someone on here with more knowledge about this than me (not that it would take much). The first photo shows the positions of the joists. Any advice is appreciated!
It looks like an engineered design. Therefore, unless you have engineering qualifications, I would just look for any signs of failure, deterioration, etc. If you have engineering qualifications, you would want to take some measurements and what-not to do the calculations.
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Other than the improper installation of the carriage bolts, I don’t see a problem.
Looks like an engineered design to me.
Hey guys, thanks for the info. It’s always good to have a second set of eyes at the time. Appreciate it!
Regarding the railing on the balcony. I don’t know anything about welding so I’m not sure. Are the welds supposed to go all the way around the post, or can they be welded on one side?
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That is definitely worth referring out for correction.
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The rail looks weak and cracked near the welds. I’d be giving it a fairly good shake back and forth to see what happens.
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Corrosion, hardware not properly installed, atypical joist spacing , I’d be calling for further evaluation and repair.
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I agree with others that it looks like it was designed like that.
I would call out the corrosion damage and improperly installed hardware.
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Got it. It felt solid when I shook it, however, I don’t know how long those connections will last. Thanks everyone for the feedback. Today’s inspection was a learning experience.
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Rust, corrosion, degradation, cuts, bent pieces, gaps, peeling paint, substandard joints, etc.
It is odd that the tubing was cut and spacers added in. Perhaps this is ready for a second repair cycle. The use of improper carriage bolts is another indicator of unprofessional installation.
I would write hard.
Also, is that daylight? Is the deck deteriorated? Or is it paint?
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Definitely call out the rust, etc. but be careful scrutinizing design… as others have said it’s engineered and without any performance problems (sagging, etc.) you’re just asking for egg on your face. Even if you were an engineer, without the plans you don’t really have a way to fully evaluate exactly what loads it’s carrying… all of this is WELL beyond your purpose.
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That railing is definitely in need of repairs.
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rust never sleeps…
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Evening, Antony. Hope to find you well. Thanks for sharing.
Lots of those steel baloney’s in my neck of the woods. Montreal Quebec.
Likely the buildings structural masonry. At lest 2 brick wythe walls but may be 3 wythe brick masonry wall supporting the cantilevered baloney joists. I measured by looking at the fenestration opening and using a tape measure. Either/or.
The cantilever length span at 24" inches is OK.
24" level time…Was the balcony leaning away from the wall evenly the width and length of the balcony deck?
Guardrails and infill sturdy and height enough? In Montreal height is grandfathered at 32" inches on many historic buildings like yours.
I see numerous Suspect repairs with wood. Open steel welding seams. Wood is a poor substitute for steel. Gaps between the sistered wood and steel retain water. Holes must be drill in the steel beams, lag bolts and washers introduced along with avoiding any galvanic reaction.
You thick those wood repairs are professional? Not me.
Balcony decking welds and steel posts and the decking are damaged. Really in need of immediate repairs.
Lots of corrosion and damage going on.
Red flag time!
Refer a licensed iron worker balcony repair contractor for further evaluate and repairs of any immediate concerns.
Act upon any recommendations therein.
Pass on the liability!
That’s My Wag.
Those welds and metal cuts were poorly done. It looks like a hack job!
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