Balconies, roofs & canopies - focus on safety, statics and corrosion protection 

Balconies, roofs and canopies are load-bearing components that are exposed to the weather and where Safety and durability are decisive. 
Errors in planning, material selection or installation often lead to Corrosion damage, cracking or deflection - with consequences for stability. 

As Publicly appointed and sworn expert for the metalworking trade I inspect balcony and canopy constructions made of steel, stainless steel and aluminum in accordance with the applicable DIN, EN and ISO standards. Expert reports for balconies, roofing and canopies are important if there are doubts about statics, fastening or corrosion protection - here I test and assess the construction independently and in accordance with standards. 

Scope of testing and evaluation

I inspect balconies, canopies and roofs:

• Static load-bearing capacity and load transfer
  → Inspection of beams, connection points and restraints in accordance with DIN EN 1993 and 1090-2.
• Fastenings and anchoring
  → Inspection of screws, weld seams and dowels in accordance with DASt Guideline 021 and ETA approvals.
• Corrosion protection and material combinations
  → Evaluation of galvanizing, coatings, duplex systems and contact corrosion.
• Drainage and weather resistance
  → Inspection of slopes, drip edges, waterproofing and rainwater drainage.
• Deformation and deflection
  → Measurement of limit values according to DIN EN 1993 (L/300, L/200 etc.).

Typical defects and damage patterns

• Insufficient load-bearing capacity of the brackets or fastenings
• Cracks or fractures in weld seams
• Deflections beyond permissible limits
• Corrosion due to lack of sealing or contact between incompatible metals
• Inadequate rainwater drainage → Waterlogging and frost damage
• Missing or damaged surface protection

Procedure for the assessment

Visual inspection and documentation
Visual inspection, photo documentation, measurement and deformation measurement.

Technical analysis
Evaluation of supporting structure, fastenings and choice of materials according to standard.

Checking the corrosion protection systems
Coating thickness measurement, adhesion test, evaluation according to DIN EN ISO 12944 and 1461.

Preparation of the expert opinion
Description of defects, root cause analysis and recommendations for remediation.

Relevant standards and directives

• DIN EN 1090-2 - Execution of steel structures
• DIN EN 1993 (Eurocode 3) - Design and construction of steel structures
• DASt guideline 021 - Assembly and pretensioning of screw connections
• DIN EN ISO 12944 / 1461 - Corrosion protection and hot-dip galvanizing
• DIN 18056 - Canopies made of glass - safety requirements

My range of services at a glance

✔️ Inspection of balconies, canopies and roofs
✔️ Evaluation of statics, load-bearing capacity and fastenings
✔️ Corrosion protection and surface assessment
✔️ Determination of deflection and material failure
✔️ Expert opinions that stand up in court

Case studies

Case study 10: Leaks and corrosion damage to brackets

View more case studies »