Archicentre

……. home buyers should check decks or balconies have permits

Anyone purchasing a home with a deck or balcony should ask to see the appropriate building permits to find out when the deck was built and if it was built with appropriate permits to avoid legal problems and ensure the deck is safe, Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects said today.
David Hallett, Victorian State Manager of Archicentre said "wild weather in many parts of Victoria where there has been excessive rain, and some cases flooding, can play a part in weakening deck and balcony structures".

If unsure of the condition of the balcony or deck home buyers should also request a recent safety report by a qualified registered person such as an architect or engineer".

"Balconies and decks, whether constructed of timber, steel or concrete, are exposed to the extremes of climate and need to be periodically checked for deterioration, because of their height and deterioration of materials, or in some cases illegal and poor building practices."

Mr Hallett said in the past few years with ongoing injuries and deaths of people involved in collapsing balconies and decks, each event has left a potential trail of expensive legal and medical expenses for home owners and people involved. These cases have highlighted the need for home owners to have regular checks on the safety of their decks or balconies to avoid injury and potentially costly court cases.

"With the number of increasing enquiries from investors leasing properties with decks, home owners selling properties with decks and balconies, and home owners wanting the safety of their decks checked, Archicentre has developed a special inspection service just to cover deck and balcony safety."

"December through to January, including Christmas gatherings and New Year's Eve parties, are times where deck or balcony collapses are likely to occur because of the sheer weight of the number of people who may go out onto the deck or balcony to party".

"Balconies are usually used by a small family group of three to four people, however, when fifteen to twenty adults gather on a balcony the stress on the structure often reaches breaking point and the balcony collapses causing serious injury. Added to this weight factor is often the large BBQ, plus tables, chairs and heavy planter boxes filled with flowering plants to brighten the 'alfresco dining' area!"

Mr Hallett said we expect more balcony collapses as spring abates and people head outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather. Another factor contributing to an expected spike in balcony collapses is the trend for more people to incorporate balconies and decks into home designs as a way of adopting the 'alfresco' lifestyle.

Apartments

Mr Hallett said unfortunately Archicentre is being called in to inspect more and more apartment balconies, and the problem is often the same...poor workmanship or inappropriate material selection that has not been checked during construction. In some cases a lack of maintenance compounds the problem.

One of the Archicentre architects recently inspected the balcony of a unit after the resident's foot disappeared through a tiled floor. Their findings were frightening...unsuitable materials and un-checked construction had resulted in extensive substrate rot and the inevitable failure. Even more worrying was the continual water leakage through the balcony structure on to an electrical light fitting below!

The challenge to home owners, property owners and managers, when responsible for balconies or decks, is to find out which ones present a safety hazard before a collapse occurs".

1. Check Documentation: buyers should ask to see evidence of building approval before purchasing a property as decks can easily be built without the statutory checks and balances.

2. Check Timber: have timber decks checked for rot and rust as timber or metal fixing failure can trigger a collapse.

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

4. Be Wary of Loads: Large, well-watered pot-plants can accelerate timber deterioration whilst a gaggle 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 Owner's Corporation, so make sure your decks and balconies are checked.

www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Archicentre - Mobile: 0417 329 201