Balustrades and barriers – flat topped plastered framed balustrade wall

Cause

A detail known to result in leaks  

Repair

  • closely inspect the wall at least once a year for any sign of damage or leaks. Maintain the paint coating in good condition if the detail is not causing problems. At the first major cladding maintenance, consider rebuilding the balustrade wall to include a flashed sloping top and a saddle flashing at the junction
  • if there are indications of problems and the balustrade or barrier was constructed in the last 10 years (which is unlikely), call the contractor back. This type of construction has not met Building Code requirements in that time
  • where it is suspected that there may be rainwater entry into the balustrade, engage an experienced building surveyor to investigate and advise on repair options. The surveyor should be a member of an industry body such as the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors
  • for new construction, the requirements around parapets and enclosed balustrades are set out in the Acceptable Solution E2/AS1 (including Figures 10, 11 and 12)
  • the top must be protected with a cap flashing of metal with a minimum fall of 5° (section 6.4) or membrane (such as butyl rubber or EPDM) with a minimum fall of 10° (section 6.5). There are many other design requirements
  • handrail fixings must be made into the framing only through the vertical face of the balustrade cladding (E2/AS1 Figure 19). Use the minimum number of fixings practicable for support and incorporate neoprene or EPDM washers and sealant at the cladding penetration
  • in almost all cases, repair or rebuilding work should be carried out by an experienced licensed building practitioner. Balustrades are a relatively complex element to construct – particularly the flashings at the balustrade-to-wall junction. A DIY solution should only be contemplated by someone with the knowledge, experience, skills and tools to do the job competently. Inappropriate repairs may create further problems in the long run