Balcony and walkway safety inspection
A structural inspection of balconies, walkways and terraces, checking their condition and capacity for safe use.
About this service
Balconies and access walkways are among the most exposed parts of any building. They sit outside in all weathers, are often cantilevered, and carry people at height, so a failure has serious consequences. Many in London blocks date from the 1960s and 1970s and rely on steel or concrete that has absorbed rain for decades. Our inspection checks whether they remain safe to use and what is needed to keep them that way.
We inspect concrete cantilever balconies, steel and timber balconies bolted to walls, external access decks and walkways, and roof terraces over occupied rooms. Clients are typically freeholders, residents' management companies and managing agents, along with insurers wanting evidence that balconies have been checked. Individual flat owners also call us when their own balcony starts to crack or move.
The inspection covers the structure, its fixings into the building, the supports, and the balustrades that stop people falling. We look closely for corrosion, cracking, spalling concrete and loose fixings, and give prioritised recommendations. Every report is signed off by a chartered engineer who is a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE). If you are planning a new balcony rather than checking an existing one, see our balcony design service.
When you need it
- You manage a block with balconies or access decks
- A balcony shows corrosion, cracking or movement
- An insurer or managing agent needs a safety inspection
What's included
- Inspection of the structure, fixings and supports
- Check of balustrades and edge protection
- Assessment of visible corrosion and deterioration
- Prioritised recommendations
How it works
- Gather informationWe ask for any drawings, previous inspections and repair history, and how the balconies are reached. Knowing the construction type in advance means we bring the right access equipment and testing tools.
- Inspect each balconyWe examine soffits, edges, drainage and connections into the building, tap concrete to find hollow areas, and test balustrades for movement under hand pressure. Residents are notified where flats need to be entered.
- Assess conditionDefects are recorded by location with photographs. We judge whether each issue affects safety now, could do so later, or is cosmetic, and whether further testing is worthwhile.
- Report and prioritiseThe report gives a clear safety status for each balcony or walkway and a list of actions in priority order. Any immediate risk is reported to you straight away, not left for the report.
What you receive
Warning signs of a failing balcony
Rust staining running down from a concrete balcony edge usually means the reinforcement inside is corroding. As steel rusts it expands, cracking and pushing off the concrete cover. Hollow patches when tapped, exposed bars and cracks along the junction with the main wall are all reasons to arrange an inspection. On steel balconies, look for heavy rust at the brackets and bolts into the wall, where water collects.
Railings deserve as much attention as the structure. A balustrade that rocks, has corroded base fixings or is lower than current guidance expects can be a falling hazard even when the slab is sound. Blocked balcony drains are another common issue, because ponding water speeds up decay. Our roof terrace guide covers related issues for terraces over flat roofs.
Frequently asked questions
How often should balconies be inspected?
There is no single legal interval for most residential blocks, but a structural inspection every few years is sensible, with more frequent checks for older concrete balconies or any showing signs of deterioration. Managing agents should also arrange a visual check after severe weather or whenever residents report movement, cracking or loose railings.
Who is responsible for repairing a balcony in a leasehold flat?
It depends on the lease. In many blocks the balcony structure is part of the building retained by the freeholder, while the surface, decking or planters may be the leaseholder's responsibility. Check the lease plan and wording carefully. An engineer's report helps separate the structural elements from the rest, which clarifies who should arrange repairs.
Can a balcony collapse without warning?
Failures usually give some warning, such as cracking, sagging, rust staining or loose railings, but those signs are not always noticed or acted on. Corrosion at fixings and at the root of a cantilever can progress out of sight. That is why regular inspection by someone who knows where to look matters more than waiting for obvious problems.
How much does a balcony inspection cost?
Our balcony and walkway safety inspection starts from £500 + VAT. The fee depends on the number of balconies, the length of walkways and the access needed, for example whether flats must be entered or a mobile platform hired. We confirm a fixed fee in writing before inspecting, and our typical turnaround is 10 working days.