As a leading construction and design firm with over 20 years of experience, Balcony1 has successfully completed hundreds of projects for multifamily properties throughout Los Angeles County. With our extensive knowledge and expertise in the industry, we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients' elevated exterior elements meet the highest safety standards as mandated by California Senate Bill 326 (SB326). In this comprehensive guide, we'll be providing you with an in-depth look at the inspection process for balconies and decks and how we help property owners and association of a condominium projects in Playa del Rey, CA comply with SB326.
Understanding California Senate Bill 326 (SB326) and Its Impact on Multi-Family Property Owners
In September 2019, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB326 into law, which is designed to improve the safety of elevated exterior elements in multifamily buildings. This legislation was enacted following the tragic Berkeley balcony collapse incident in 2015 that resulted in six fatalities and seven serious injuries. The main objective of SB326 is to ensure that property owners take proper measures to maintain their elevated exterior structures and prevent such accidents from happening in the future.
Under SB326, property owners are required to hire a licensed professional to conduct inspections of their elevated exterior elements at least once every nine years. These inspections must include a comprehensive evaluation of the load-bearing components and associated waterproofing systems. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant financial penalties and potential legal liabilities for property owners.
Conducting a Preliminary Walkthrough: The First Step in Ensuring SB326 Compliance
To ensure compliance with SB326, Balcony1 begins the inspection process by conducting a preliminary walkthrough of the property's elevated exterior elements. Our team of experienced professionals carefully examines each balcony and deck to identify any visible signs of damage or potential issues that may require further investigation.
In the case of our recent project at a multifamily property in Playa del Rey, CA, we conducted a thorough visual inspection of all balconies and decks on-site. Our team's expertise allowed us to quickly assess the condition of these exterior elements and determine that there were no visible signs of damage or deterioration.
Utilizing State-of-the-Art Technology for Advanced Inspection Techniques
At Balcony1, we understand that visual inspections alone may not be sufficient to detect hidden issues within elevated exterior structures. That's why we employ advanced inspection techniques using state-of-the-art technology to provide our clients with the most accurate assessment possible.
- Borescope: A borescope is an optical device that allows inspectors to view hard-to-reach areas within structures without requiring invasive procedures. By inserting a small camera into a narrow opening, our inspectors can examine the interior of load-bearing components and identify any signs of damage or decay.
- Infrared Thermal Imager: This innovative technology enables our team to detect moisture-related issues within elevated exterior elements by capturing thermal images that reveal temperature differences. Areas with moisture damage often exhibit higher temperatures than their surroundings, allowing us to pinpoint problem spots.
- Moisture Meter: A moisture meter is an essential tool for identifying areas with excessive moisture content, which can compromise the structural integrity of balconies and decks. Our inspectors use this device to accurately measure the moisture levels in various materials, such as wood and concrete.
- Industrial Endoscope Camera: Similar to a borescope, an industrial endoscope camera is designed for inspecting hard-to-reach areas within structures. With its flexible design and high-resolution imaging capabilities, our inspectors can thoroughly examine even the most challenging spaces within elevated exterior elements.
By incorporating these advanced technologies into our inspection process, Balcony1 ensures that our clients receive the most comprehensive evaluation possible, allowing them to address any potential issues before they become critical and costly problems.
Achieving SB326 Compliance: The Balcony1 Difference
The expert team at Balcony1 is committed to helping property owners in Playa del Rey and throughout Los Angeles County achieve full compliance with SB326 and SB721. Our meticulous inspection process, combined with our extensive industry experience and advanced inspection tools, allows us to provide our clients with the highest level of service and ensure that their properties are safe and well-maintained.
If you own a multi-family property in Playa del Rey, CA, or the surrounding areas, don't hesitate to contact Balcony1 for your elevated exterior element inspection needs. You can reach us at (323) 225-2669 to schedule an appointment or discuss any questions you may have about SB326 compliance. Trust the experts at Balcony1 – your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
