Balustrades and barriers – water entry/deterioration of solid balustrade

Causes

Hairline cracking in monolithic (plaster) cladding

The handrail is fixed to the top of solid balustrade wall

There is no flashing or an inadequate flashing to the top of the solid balustrade wall

There is a reliance on the plaster finish to provide waterproofing

Common

Listed under: Exterior, plaster and fibrous plaster, barriers and balustrades, handrails, moisture, leaks, weathertightness, solid plaster

Cause

Hairline cracking in monolithic (plaster) cladding

Repair

  • obtain professional advice on remediation
  • water entry into the structure is likely to require significant remedial work including: removing and replacing the solid balustrade wall, removing any top-mounted handrail, sealing the top of the balustrade wall, installing a side-mounted handrail, flashing the top of the solid balustrade wall, and ensuring a fall away from the building to the top face of the solid balustrade wall. Ensure that there is a saddle flashing to the junction of the solid balustrade wall with the full wall. 
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage a building surveyor to report on the building and advise on repair options

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Cause

The handrail is fixed to the top of solid balustrade wall

Repair

  • obtain professional advice on remediation
  • water entry into the structure is likely to require significant remedial work including: removing and replacing the solid balustrade wall, removing any top-mounted handrail, sealing the top of the balustrade wall, installing a side-mounted handrail, flashing the top of the solid balustrade wall, and ensuring a fall away from the building to the top face of the solid balustrade wall. Ensure that there is a saddle flashing to the junction of the solid balustrade wall with the full wall. 
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage a building surveyor to report on the building and advise on repair options

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Cause

There is no flashing or an inadequate flashing to the top of the solid balustrade wall

Repair

  • obtain professional advice on remediation
  • water entry into the structure is likely to require significant remedial work including: removing and replacing the solid balustrade wall, removing any top-mounted handrail, sealing the top of the balustrade wall, installing a side-mounted handrail, flashing the top of the solid balustrade wall, and ensuring a fall away from the building to the top face of the solid balustrade wall. Ensure that there is a saddle flashing to the junction of the solid balustrade wall with the full wall. 
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage a building surveyor to report on the building and advise on repair options

Back to top

Cause

There is a reliance on the plaster finish to provide waterproofing

Repair

  • obtain professional advice on remediation
  • water entry into the structure is likely to require significant remedial work including: removing and replacing the solid balustrade wall, removing any top-mounted handrail, sealing the top of the balustrade wall, installing a side-mounted handrail, flashing the top of the solid balustrade wall, and ensuring a fall away from the building to the top face of the solid balustrade wall. Ensure that there is a saddle flashing to the junction of the solid balustrade wall with the full wall. 
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage a building surveyor to report on the building and advise on repair options

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