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Question

What is the formula for determining balcony slopes? We have a four story condo that is having water intrusion around the balconies. We have been told to lessen the slope of the top floor and to install flashing and to change to outward swinging patio doors. Thoughts?? Lynn

Submitted: 41 days and 15 hours ago.
Category: Home Improvement
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Accepted Answer

Hi and thanks for using JustAnswer.com.

Patio doors are by pass sliding doors. French doors are swinging doors, as are standard doors.

The slope is to encourage water to run away from the wall of the building. The steeper the slope the more volume of water it can keep from ponding (heavy rain). Flashing is an art of sorts, and very few workers understand how it works. It is quite possible that your condo has vapor barrier and caulking instead of proper flashing. Outswing doors should never be used in a location exposed to wind driven rain. The weather seals are on the INTERIOR! Rain blows in the gap between the door and jamb and trickles in as it trickles down. In severe cases even a inswing door can not repel a wind driven rain. The solution then is a storm door to bear the brunt of the attack.

One option is to install patio doors. The frames and tracks form a flash/counterflash that will withstand wind driven rain.

I hope that this information was helpful to you. If it was please remember to click "ACCEPT" on your screen to make sure that I am paid for my efforts. By clicking ACCEPT you are not giving up your ability to ask more questions pertaining to this subject, and I will be happy to respond to these as well. Please take a moment and leave feedback, it is very important!

 

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Expert: Stephen Cutler
Pos. Feedback: 99.3 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/12/2009

General C&ontractor

35 years of troubleshooting construction, remodel, component & material failures. What to do next

Posted by Stephen Cutler 41 days and 12 hours ago.

Answer

As for slope, 1/2 inch drop in 8' , to 1 inch drop in 8 feet is a typical range of slope.

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