As someone operating a hospitality or real-estate business, you already know the importance of balcony inspections. 

After all, balconies are more than just additional structures, they’re key to the overall experience of your guests or tenants. And inspecting balconies on a regular basis is the only way to ensure their safety and overall well-being.

But if there’s one common question that I am often asked by property owners and managers, it is: What are the problems that a balcony inspection service might throw up? 

This is one question that I believe everyone in the industry should have a rough idea about. 

You see, although the type and extent of problems will differ for different balconies, there are some problems that are common across properties. So, prior knowledge of what the inspection might uncover will help you be prepared well in advance.  

All in all, here are some of the common problems that I and other Florida property inspectors on my team usually detect. 

1. Water damage is common across balconies

If there’s one problem that almost every balcony has, it is water damage. In fact, I’ve encountered water-related woes in even the best-kept balconies. 

Now, water damages result from a host of factors including moisture from rain, ocean mist, or even overwatering your plants. And this is the root cause of a lot of balcony problems. 

For instance, water logging or moisture intrusion can lead to some serious issues like wood rot, cracking concrete, leaky sealant, metal corrosion, and more. 

Thankfully, once your balcony inspector has detected these water damages, you’ll have pinpointed knowledge of the problem. As such, you can hire a contractor or even undertake a DIY balcony repair. 

2. Weakened balcony structures 

Weakened balcony structures are a common sight while inspecting old buildings, especially those that aren’t very well maintained. And this can lead to major safety hazards if left unrepaired. 

For instance, I often encounter problems such as concrete cracks or sagging, inadequate support beams or joists, loose connections between components, etc., while inspecting old balconies. 

You see, not only does the balcony have its own weight, but it also carries the weight of people, furniture, and other items. Meaning weak balcony structures create an imminent risk of partial or complete balcony collapse. 

You can also read: Balcony Inspection Cost: Everything To Know About

3. Loose railings and rail fasteners 

You’ll agree when I say that railings are the single most important safety barrier on balconies, especially when it comes to preventing falls. 

Unfortunately, a lot of balconies that I inspect have loose railings, something that endangers the safety of all occupants notwithstanding their age. 

What’s worse? 

This is common across both old and new buildings, creating perfect conditions for railing collapse under pressure. 

Apart from loose railings, there are two more railing-related problems that I encounter, namely: 

A. Low railing height, well below the minimum requirement of 42 inches. 

B. Wide gaps in the railing make balconies extremely dangerous for children. 

As a matter of fact, over 140 children die from unsafe balconies every year across the country. And while railing woes endanger everyone, it is mostly the children who are at a higher risk. 

You might also want to read – The Benefits Of Balcony Inspections For Tenants

4. Lack of proper drainage 

Yet another balcony problem that I notice mostly in apartments is a lack of drainage. And this happens due to multiple reasons, including: 

• Inadequate slope for water to runoff
• Clogged or damaged drainage system 
• Missing or faulty flashing 

Now, here’s the thing about lack of drainage: The longer you wait to fix it, the more likely you’re to have standing water. And this will eventually lead to structural deterioration and leakages. 

5. Degradation due to wear and tear 

As your balcony gets old, it is likely to degrade as a result of exposure to the elements, weather conditions, additions or renovations, etc. 

Here are some of the common wear and tear that I notice during balcony inspections: 

• Rot, pest damage, or weathering in wooden structures 
• Spalling, cracks, or exposed rebar in concrete structures 
• Rust and fatigue in metal structures 

6. Design or construction flaws 

Although rare, design and construction flaws do exist in balconies, something regular balcony inspections can help unearth. 

Here are a few construction-related issues that I spot in balconies: 

• Improper load distribution
• Inadequate waterproofing layers
• Use of low-quality materials

Read also – Balcony Inspection Checklist: All That You Need To Know 

Frequently asked questions

How often should you get your balcony inspected?

As per DBPR HR-7020 regulations, all Florida buildings that are registered as public lodging establishments should get a balcony inspection every three years. And apart from hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, this also includes transient and non-transient apartments. 

So, if you own or manage any such property, you’ll have to schedule an inspection every three years. 

However, for enhanced safety and overall well-being, it makes sense to schedule balcony inspections every six months or one year. More so if your building is old or it is located near the coastline. 

Can you inspect the balcony yourself?

No, you can’t. 

Balcony inspections can only be conducted by licensed balcony inspectors who carry a state of FL license. These are trained and certified professionals who have in-depth knowledge of various balcony components and have an eye for potential hidden problems. 

What should you do if the inspection reveals problems?

It is commonplace for balcony inspections to uncover certain problems.

And if your inspector highlights some problem areas, I suggest you hire a contractor and undertake necessary repairs or maintenance. 

Conclusion

As you can see, balcony inspections help uncover some really serious problems that can lead to deadly hazards if left unnoticed. 

So, even though inspections might seem like a hassle, they’re an essential part of balcony safety due diligence. 

Looking for a balcony inspection for your safety due diligence? 

Get in touch with us and receive a free inspection quote. 

At FCBI, we are renowned commercial inspection experts with prestigious certifications from the likes of NACBI and over two decades of experience under our belt. In short, we’ve got you covered for complete balcony inspection and post-inspection support. 

You can also read: Why Regular Balcony Inspections Are Crucial For Older Buildings