Reported Post by gskeeters

[gskeeters (George Skeeters, HI-3186)]

gskeeters has reported a post.

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Bull just trying to drive traffic to a web site

Post: Balcony Structure Falling Down
Forum: Structural Inspections
Assigned Moderators: gbeaumont, fmagdefrau, fcarrio, lkage, mkyriacou, jmckenna1, rromoser, sgilligan1, iniquette, bjones5, jramos, wwilson3

Posted by: Dan Koehler
Original Content:

Hello all,
I live in a condominium neighborhood with 52 buildings. Out of those 52 buildings, probably half of them have severe structural defects in their balconies. The balconies were constructed with very minimal and in some cases no weatherproofing. The ceilings on the balconies are OSB board. The problem is that water is pooling up on the top floor balcony and settling then causing a fault and in turn, the pavers from the top balcony fall onto the second floor balcony (note that there are 3 levels of balcony). The second floor balcony then starts to pool up with water with each rain then the same happens and it falls to the bottom floor. The majority if not all of the homeowners had inspections at the time of purchase on these homes. I know hindsight is 20/20 but looking back, is there anything that you all would’ve looked for to identify potential faults in the structure of these balconies? To see them first hand, there are plenty of pictures at http://TheKBHome.com
I’m just curious because I’m very hesitant to buy another new home since I’ve had such a bad experience with this new home and as inspectors, is there any proactive areas to look at for waterproofing techniques?
Thanks!

[ssedlock (Stephen s. Sedlock)]

Had the same problem with a condo in N Wildwood NJ. Balconies not properly waterproofed and as a result had to be replaced. Funny how the builder was nowhere to be found. Luckily. NJ dept of consumer affairs provides 10 yr structural warranty. Problem is endemic to the entire area of new construction. City inspectors were all fired apparently.