News


31 Aug 2018

Building diagnostics for strata in Sydney explain reasons for balcony collapse.

Here at Landlay, our building assessment team assess many balcony’s, which disturbingly, are on the verge of collapse.

With construction up the East Coast of Australia at a peak level, these concerning cases are becoming more and more common. As many as 40% of properties having an elevated deck or balcony. Owners Corporations are often responsible for these areas and it is their duty to find out when they could potentially be a safety risk. To ensure your balcony is safe and up to standard, our remedial diagnostic consultants in Sydney explain to check the following:

Ensure timber decks are free from rot and rust as timber or metal fixing failure can trigger a collapse.

Check Concrete—have concrete balconies checked for cracking or flaking as water may penetrate here and corrode steel reinforcing particularly in coastal areas.

Be Wary of Loads—Large, well-watered pot plants can accelerate timber deterioration whilst a bunch of guests grouped for a photo in one corner of a deck can bring a party to an abrupt end. As well as the trauma of a collapse and the injuries, there is the cost to repair damage and even the possibility of legal action as claims are taken out against the owner or Owners Corporations.

Check documentation—buyers should ask to see evidence of building approval before purchasing a property as balcony’s can easily be built without legal checks.

To find out more about our building diagnostics for Strata Managers in Sydney, contact our professional team today.