Balconies, decks, walkways, and roofing systems are among the most visible and costly failure points on multi-family buildings. Our engineers assess the waterproofing, guards, drainage, and roof membrane, and deliver an EGBC-sealed report with a clear repair scope. Lower Mainland and Okanagan.
Waterproofing membranes degrade, flashings at wall-to-deck transitions lift, and drainage slopes flatten over time. Standing water finds its way through. By the time a stain shows on a ceiling below, the substrate has usually been wet for years.
Guards and railings on multi-family buildings must resist defined lateral loads under the BC Building Code. The attachment point, the blocking behind the finish material, and the substrate condition all matter. A railing that does not move at the top can still be under-anchored.
Low-slope roofing on multi-family strata buildings depends on membrane integrity, flashing details at penetrations and walls, and drainage systems that actually shed water. A failing drain collar or a lifted flashing at a parapet can saturate the assembly quietly for a season before it shows indoors.
Our engineers look at the full assembly, not just the surface. The resulting report documents what we found, where the risks are, and what work the council needs to authorize to address them. The report is EGBC-sealed and ready to use for contractor tenders.
How we work
A qualified engineer learns the building, the age of the existing membranes and roofing, any prior assessments, and the specific concerns the property manager or council has raised. Scope and site-access logistics are confirmed before anyone sends paperwork.
Our building envelope and structural engineers conduct the site visit together. Envelope engineers assess membranes, flashings, and drainage. Structural engineers assess guard and railing connections and the substrate condition. One visit, both disciplines.
Findings are documented with photographs and mapped to specific locations on the building. The report distinguishes immediate safety risks from maintenance items and from monitored-only conditions, so the council can prioritize budget correctly.
The final report is EGBC-sealed and includes an engineered repair scope written clearly enough that contractors can quote from it. We walk the property manager or council through the findings and remain available for questions as the repair work is tendered.
A railing that does not move under hand pressure passes a visual check. Our structural engineers assess the connection to the substrate, the blocking condition behind the finish, and what the substrate is actually anchored to. Balcony guard failures on multi-family buildings are an attachment problem. We check that, not just the surface.
Balconies, decks, walkways, and roofing systems are among the most visible and costly failure points on multi-family buildings.Balcony and roofing assessment, BC
Balconies and decks involve both envelope work and structural work. A property manager who hires them separately gets two disconnected reports, two invoices, and two sets of site-access coordination. We bring both disciplines on the same visit so the findings are integrated from the start.
Our building science engineers assess membrane condition, flashing details, drainage and ponding, and roofing system integrity. They document what is failing, what is at end of life, and what the repair scope needs to address.
Our structural engineers assess guard and railing attachment points, the condition of the structural substrate, and any visible deflection or distress in the deck framing. The two scopes inform each other when there is both a waterproofing failure and a framing question.
"The team at Strata Engineering have worked tirelessly on a number of projects I've assigned to them to deliver the best possible results. Their knowledge and professionalism have encouraged me to refer them to my peers and use them regularly."
"I have always trusted Strata Engineering to handle the engineering needs of my portfolio; everything from general questions to major projects. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants confident solutions to their needs."
"Strata Engineering has always gone above and beyond when I have engaged their services. They are both accommodating to client schedules and leave no question unanswered, leaving me and my strata with peace of mind."
If yours is not covered, ask us. We will answer on the phone before anyone sends a proposal.
Our engineers examine the waterproofing membrane condition, flashing details at walls and transitions, drainage slope and ponding risk, guard and railing attachment points, and the structural substrate. Where there is evidence of water intrusion or deflection, we go deeper.
Surface appearance does not reflect the condition of the attachment. Guards and railings on multi-family buildings are required to resist specific lateral loads under BC Building Code. An engineer checks the connection detail and the substrate it anchors to, not just whether the railing wiggles.
Yes. Our team includes both building envelope and structural engineers. On balcony and deck scopes, the two disciplines coordinate the site visit so you get one report covering the membrane and the structure, not two disconnected assessments.
We assess low-slope roofing systems common on multi-family residential buildings, including built-up and modified bitumen membranes, TPO and EPDM systems, and flashings at penetrations, walls, and drains. We also assess pitched roofing where present on strata properties.
Both. The assessment documents existing conditions, identifies failures or risks, and the resulting report includes an engineered repair scope the council and property manager can use to obtain contractor quotes. The report is EGBC-sealed.
Yes. Our Kelowna office on Pandosy Street serves the Okanagan and interior BC. Travel for properties beyond our office areas is scoped transparently on the proposal.
See the full service menu for existing strata properties: depreciation reports, warranty reviews, envelope consulting, structural, parkade, electrical, energy, and more.
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Broader envelope work beyond the balcony and roof plane: wall assemblies, windows, cladding, and integrated remediation scopes for strata buildings.
Building envelope →
When a council or manager knows something is wrong but not where to start: a preliminary investigation scopes the problem before committing to a full repair program.
Preliminary investigations →Start with a twenty-minute scoping call. A qualified engineer learns the building and returns a clear proposal covering the scope, the site visit, and the sealed report your council needs to act.