SB326-SB 721 Balcony, Decks, and Elevated Walkway Inspections

Blog text to replace the existing under each photo section: Since at least the late 17th century, buildings have incorporated exterior appendages—most notably balconies—as functional and architectural elements. In the 20th century, exterior decks and elevated walkways became more widespread, evolving in size, configuration, and material composition. Despite these variations, one fundamental principle has remained unchanged: all exterior elevated elements require periodic inspection, maintenance, and protection from water intrusion to remain structurally safe.

Balconies, decks, and elevated walkways are complex assemblies composed of deck surfaces, structural framing, waterproofing systems, and interfaces with adjacent building components. When these elements are not regularly evaluated and maintained, they become vulnerable to prolonged moisture exposure, concealed deterioration, and eventual structural failure.

A tragic example of this risk occurred at the fifth floor of an apartment building located at 2020 Kittredge Street in Berkeley, California, where a balcony collapsed during a gathering of students. Subsequent investigations determined that the failure was caused by advanced wood dry rot within the balcony’s floor framing. Dry rot is a form of fungal decay in which wood-destroying organisms consume the cellulose and hemicellulose that provide lumber with strength and stiffness. As a result, the affected framing members were no longer capable of safely resisting imposed loads, leading to catastrophic failure.

This incident highlighted a critical reality: structural decay in exterior elevated elements is often hidden from view and may progress unnoticed without proper inspection by qualified professionals. The lack of timely inspection and maintenance was identified as a contributing factor in the failure. q q

In response to such incidents, California enacted SB 326 and SB 721, which require periodic inspections of exterior elevated elements by licensed or qualified professionals. These inspections are intended to verify that deck surfaces, framing, connections, and waterproofing systems remain structurally sound and free from conditions such as dry rot, fungal decay, termite damage, corrosion, or moisture intrusion that could compromise life safety.

When inspections determine that an exterior elevated element is unsafe for use, it is the responsibility of the property owner, homeowners association, or building owner to immediately restrict access and retain a qualified general contractor or water damage restoration professional to evaluate, repair, or replace the compromised components. Remedial work typically includes removal of damaged framing, installation of new structural members, and proper waterproofing and sealing to prevent future moisture intrusion.

Based on industry experience, it is strongly recommended that repair and restoration work be performed by a contractor with comprehensive knowledge of structural systems, building assemblies, and waterproofing methods. Engaging a firm capable of performing inspection coordination, structural repairs, and waterproofing under a single scope of responsibility helps ensure continuity, quality control, and proper sequencing of work.

We have had the opportunity to work with Gaveet Waterproofing & Restoration, a firm that provides this level of expertise and integrated service. Their experience in water-related damage, structural restoration, and waterproofing has helped preserve numerous residential and commercial properties. Inspections and restoration work are typically performed in phased sequences, allowing repairs to be completed efficiently while minimizing prolonged exposure to unsafe conditions.

Additional qualified general contractors and waterproofing firms will be added to this list as they are vetted.

Recommended Expert Waterproofing Companies with a Proven Track Record:

1. Gaveet Waterproofing & Restoration — Glendale, CA | Office: (818) 480-1797

2. A & E Waterproofing — Glendale, CA | Office: (818) 489-6268