Balcony & Terrace Inspection

Balconies and terraces are the highest-risk areas for water damage. Must have proper waterproof membrane, slope to drain, and flashing at wall connection.

1. Check surface slope — must slope away from building (minimum 1/4" per foot)

2. Verify waterproof membrane is installed under the surface material

3. Check wall-to-balcony flashing — continuous, sealed, extends up wall minimum 4"

4. Inspect drain — should be at the lowest point, clear and functional

5. Check for scupper or overflow drain (backup if primary clogs)

6. Look for water stains on ceiling below the balcony

7. Check railing post penetrations — sealed and flashed

8. Verify no water is entering the building at the balcony-to-wall junction

- No waterproof membrane (water enters structure below — catastrophic damage)

- Surface slopes toward building (water enters at wall junction)

- Missing or failed wall flashing (most common balcony leak location)

- Clogged drain (water backs up and finds alternate path into building)

- Railing post penetrations not sealed (water enters deck structure)

- No overflow drain (catastrophic flooding if primary clogs)

Balcony structural failure is a life-safety hazard. Check for rot, corrosion, and connection integrity. Signs of distress require immediate professional evaluation.

1. Check for soft spots or bouncing when walking on the surface

2. Look underneath (if accessible) for signs of rot, corrosion, or water damage

3. Check where the balcony connects to the building — any separation or cracking?

4. Inspect railing stability — push firmly, should not deflect or feel loose

5. Check for cracking in concrete balconies (especially underside)

6. Look for rust stains (indicates corroding reinforcement in concrete)

7. Check wood balcony joists for rot (probe with screwdriver)

8. Any sign of structural distress = immediate professional evaluation

- Soft or bouncy surface (structural member failure — IMMEDIATE DANGER)

- Separation at building connection (balcony pulling away)

- Rust stains on concrete (rebar corroding, concrete spalling)

- Rotted wood joists from chronic moisture

- Wobbly railings (connection failure)

- Cracking on underside of concrete balcony

- NOTE: Balcony collapses cause fatalities — take ANY structural sign seriously