Prefabricated Balconies 1

[BSE05]

Does anyone have experience with these companies. The architect wants to use prefab. aluminum cable and ledger supported.These are going on all sides of a 5 story wood framed condo. My main concern is connection to wood framing. Typically this is going to come back to me. Connecting steel to wood is always a challenge that I try to avoid..........architectural sneak attack.....

 

[msquared48]

Are these Juliette balconies?

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA, HI)

 

[radiocontrolhead]

I don't see too much of an issue here. Sounds like an "impact to structure" kinda deal...

 

[dhengr]

BSE05:
Sounds like one hell of a flashing, caulking and waterproofing problem to me. Be sure that your contract shows all of that responsibility falling on the Arch’s. shoulders, and with a hold harmless clause from he and his inusr. co., to you, for any and all problems with those details and conditions.

 

[msquared48]

Just use Ironwood, then it's metal to metal...

And... it is very resistant to decay. I’m sure the Architect will love it as Ironwood is VERY expensive. My son used it on his deck...

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA, HI)

 

[BSE05]

Balconies are aluminum both julliene and full size. They attach by a ledger at the building and steel rods back up to the framing.
I was curious if anyone has dealt with these companies. The show an an attachment plate with a couple of holes in it and the rest I believe is going to fall back to others (EOR) The attachment to a wood stud is the weak link which the architects dont seem to notice. For an average deck it is in the range of 3K.

 

[XR250]

These are going on all sides of a 5 story wood framed condo.

Wow, your liability is really multiplied on this one. Gotta make sure your details are spot on.
There are so many ways this can go wrong.
Are you saying the rod tension is 3k?

 

[BSE05]

A MEDIUM SIZE BALCONY @ 60 PSF LL IS ABOUT 2-3K WITH DL, PULLING AGAINST NOT A 2X6 STUD WITH A COUPLE OF 8d END NAILS, NEEDS THROUGH BOLTS LVL POSTS AND BACKER PLATES

 

[radiocontrolhead]

In my experience, SEOR responsible for providing adequate structure unless specifically excluded from contract. The connections, and attachment by others.

What I failed to consider per dhengr's post above was flashing around the connections (Arch'l to address).

IMO, I would want to know who wants to attach to my structure...

 

[phamENG]

BSE05 - sounds like you worked out a solution, or at least part of one. How about an LVL/PSL post with an angle on the side through bolted to the post. Then the rod attaches to the angle and the whole connection takes place within the depth of the wall. Or, you can do two built up posts (2 or 3 2x6's each) at 16" o/c and run a steel channel between them with the web flush with the face of stud.

 

[Brad805]

You mean something like this---> Link

Not a horrible idea, but I can only imagine how many different manufacturers there are, and how many different ideas they have. The lessening of redundancy would be a concern. Pharms' idea is the route I would consider.