AC unit support bracket fastened to the side of the existing wood outrigger at balcony

[Ben29]

I have a residential client that wants to replace their existing balcony. The balcony is constructed of (2) LVLs outriggered from the 2nd floor framing. The plan is to demo the existing balcony; install (2) Parallam Plus PSL outrigger Beams (secured to bearing wall at rear of garage - backspan is 19ft); rebuild the balcony in a similar manner (infill with PT 2x joists). Simple enough.

The issue I have is that there is an existing AC unit support bracket fastened to the side of the existing wood outrigger. The architectural plans say, "remove and salvage ac platform; reinstall"

I don't know much about this existing platform. To me, it looks like a bracket that would normally be bolted to a concrete foundation wall. I don't feel good about telling them to reinstall it.

Is there something I can write on my permit drawings to relieve myself of liability for the reinstallation of this ac platform? Or is there a different platform that I can specify for this application?

There are probably 40 townhouses and they all have the AC unit mounted in the same manner.

 

[XR250]

It looks like the bracket is twisting the beam and the unit is ready to slide off. Maybe you can integrate a wood platform into your design?

 

[LittleInch]

Looks to me like whoever fixed this attached it to the facia board!

Can't they fix it it the wall?

Just write AC units to be affixed to the wall and not the balcony structure.

This whole design looks ripe for the next instalment of balcony failure in a few years time.
What does all that lot weigh?

Why is he replacing it?

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[phamENG]

Just write AC units to be affixed to the wall and not the balcony structure.

That's almost as bad of an idea as the original installation. Hanging AC units off of a brick veneer is not something I'd want to be caught doing.

I'm with XR - incorporate support for the AC units into your design. Those brackets have a very small bearing area in the compression zone that will cut into the wood, especially when wet. I'm surprised it's not happening already (though, it could be - not the best pictures for seeing that). If you have to reuse it, maybe add a galvanized plate to the side of the beam to help distribute the bearing pressure. The torsion can be resolved easily enough.

Is there something I can write on my permit drawings to relieve myself of liability for the reinstallation of this ac platform?

Notify the architect in writing that it should not be put back on along with a justification for your position (and, potentially, a justification for why you haven't informed the neighbors of a potentially dangerous condition). Then place a note on your drawings specifically directing the contractor not to hang that or anything else off the sides of the balcony. During construction, perform your minimum standard of inspections (whatever that is - maybe it's zero), and if you see it happening inform them that they are not following your drawings and raise a big stink about it, making sure the building official doesn't close out the permit until it's removed and they've repaired whatever damage they caused by drilling holes in the treated paralam.

 

[Ben29]

I did this design, which is loosely based on an a/c bracket support that I found online. I would have just spec'd out that wall bracket but it was calling for 3/8" lag bolts and I wanted to use these 1/2" threaded rods so I could utilize the Simpson Tension Tie.

I am open to criticism.

 

[XR250]

What is holding your blocking in place? What happens when they use decking with a hidden fastener system that does not provide lateral control of the joists?