Durable Solutions for Balconies and Decks is an illustrated guide that identifies design principles and construction practices to improve the moisture performance of wood-framed balconies and decks in low- and mid-rise multifamily buildings.
Design professionals have a wide range of choices to select from when considering balcony designs. This Guide focuses on cantilevered balcony designs, which have historically sustained most of the catastrophic structural failures.
The critical area for any cantilevered design is the interface between the cantilevered member and the wall. In addition to sloping of the walking surface and waterproofing membrane, the flashing details must keep water out of the building envelope and promote drying of any components that get wet.