The Leading Experts in Deck & Railing Risk Management
What makes The Balcony Assurance Group the choice for managing EEE Risks?
Quite simply, it is our experience that sets us a part from other service providers. Our experts have each individually inspected thousands of balconies, decks, stairs/landings, elevated walkways and railing assemblies, at thousands of properties over a period of several decades.
The Balcony Assurance Group Story
How did we get here?
The Balcony Assurance Group emerged in response to a critical need for specialized inspections of exterior elevated elements, such as balconies and decks, in California. The impetus for this specialized team stemmed from the tragic Berkeley balcony collapse in 2015, which exposed vulnerabilities in wood-framed structures. Recognizing the potential for similar incidents, the company established a dedicated team to develop proactive strategies and solutions for ensuring the safety and structural integrity of these often-overlooked building features.
The Balcony Assurance Group's approach is rooted in extensive forensic experience, blending traditional investigative techniques with cutting-edge, non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies. Their experts, including licensed architects, engineers, and seasoned construction professionals, leverage their diverse backgrounds to thoroughly evaluate concealed framing members, a crucial step often omitted in standard visual inspections. The group's proprietary Balcony Assurance process further refines their approach, allowing for efficient and accurate identification of potential risks and vulnerabilities.
Today, the Balcony Assurance Group offers comprehensive services designed to help property owners and managers comply with evolving regulations like California's SB721 and SB326. Their work extends beyond mere compliance, focusing on risk management, proactive maintenance, and preventing catastrophic failures during repair and renovation projects. With a commitment to thoroughness and efficiency, the Balcony Assurance Group has become a trusted resource for stakeholders seeking to ensure the safety and longevity of their exterior elevated elements.
Key Moments in Balcony Assurance
A Timeline of Major Events Impacting Deck & Railing Risk Management
5000-6000 BCE: Balcony from a multi-story building in Anatolia discovered during recent archeological dig
1905: A balcony is added to the 13th century home of the family that inspired Romeo & Juliet
1930: The Great Balcony Collapse of 1930 in Memphis injures 40 people
1981: Elevated walkway collapse at Hyatt Regency in Kansas City, MO kills 114 and injures 216
1995: Scenic viewing platform in New Zealand collapses killing 14 and injuring 4
1997: Collapse of Univ. of Virginia Lawn pavilion balcony killing 1 and injuring 24
2003: Chicago apartment building balcony collapse results in death of 13, injuring 57
2015: Library Gardens Apartment balcony collapse kills 6, injures 7 (one of whom later died of her injuries)
2016: Debut of the Balcony Assurance Process
2018: California passes SB-721 mandating inspection of "EEEs" at apartment buildings
2019: California passes SB-326 which requires inspection of "EEEs" at condominiums
2021: Champlain Towers in Surfside, FL collapses killing 98 and injuring 11
2022: Florida passes Senate Bill 4-D mandating inspection of certain elements at condominiums
2024: The Balcony Assurance Group unveils new Risk Management Evaluation services
Brian L. Hill
Director of Balcony Assurance
Steve L. Hill
Senior Analyst & GC
Scott Riffenburgh
Senior Project Manager
Find out why The Balcony Assurance Group are the go-to experts on mitigating Deck & Railing Risks
Hundreds of clients over the years have trusted the experts at The Balcony Assurance Group to advise them on the oftentimes concealed risks of balconies, decks, stairs/landings, elevated walkways and railings. Hindsight being 20/20 we know what to look for and how to prevent catastrophic failure, reducing the risk to building occupants, and avoiding unexpected expenses.
