Penn Valley Engineering performed a fire escape inspection in Philadelphia (PA 19124 area). The purpose of the inspection was to examine the current structural condition of the fire escape and associated balconies. Upon inspection, our engineer provided a summary of the findings and recommendations.
This particular fire escape inspection was for a three-and-a-half-story multi-family apartment built with wood framing and masonry. The fire escape was an enclosed stairwell. It provided access from the ground level to all 3 floors as well as the roof. Additionally, steel, concrete treads, and concrete landings constructed the stair system. It was supported by wide flange steel beams at each landing, which tied into the brick masonry walls.
Conditions Requiring a Fire Escape Inspection
Chiefly, this fire escape inspection was requested due to stair-step cracking found at numerous locations in the brick masonry walls that enclose the fire escape stairwell. At several locations, the stair-step cracking was located adjacent to steel, wide flange beams supported by the brick masonry walls. Other locations showed wall cracks adjacent to steel lintels that span the doorway openings.
At further locations, the cracking was not located adjacent to steel structural elements. Corrosion and rust build-up of the metal stair system was noted throughout the entirety of the fire escape stairwell. At several locations, significant corrosion had eroded the steel pans that supported the concrete treads and/or landings.
Fire Escape Repair
We recommended the fire escape be properly repaired as soon as possible based on the conditions at the time of our fire escape inspection in Philadelphia. PVE recommended to re-point and re-seal all areas with stair-step cracking in the brick masonry. We recommended properly sealing the structural steel elements or adjacent areas where cracking was caused by rust build-up (wide flange steel beams and steel lintels). This will prevent water penetration that will lead to further deterioration of the masonry walls.
On the other hand, the cracking in the other areas may be the result of differential settlement of the foundation supporting the walls. Our professional engineer recommended to re-point and re-seal these areas and monitor them into the future. Further investigation would be needed to determine the cause and provide repair recommendations should new cracks form in the repaired areas.
Furthermore, the entire steel staircase should be properly painted and sealed. An appropriate contractor should be consulted to provide repair recommendations for areas with significant corrosion of the steel pans at treads and landings.
Balcony Inspection in Philadelphia
In addition to the fire escape inspection, our structural engineer also inspected balconies on floor levels 1, 2, and 3. These balconies provide access from the apartment building to the fire escape stairwell. Each balcony had a metal lattice guardrail.
During our inspection, corrosion, and rust buildup were noted at the steel, wide flange beams that support the concrete slab landings. Our recommended repair option was to properly paint and seal the steel wide flange beams.
For more information about balcony inspections please read our blog article: “An Exterior Deck Structural Inspection”
Fire Escape Audit, Enforcement, Certificate
Most importantly, the recommended repairs should be remediated collectively for complete structural stability and safety. A second structural inspection is required to confirm the completion of the repairs and finalize the fire escape inspection reporting procedure. As outlined by the City of Philadelphia’s procedure, repairs and a second structural inspection must be completed within six (6) months of the initial inspection date.
Contact Penn Valley Engineering for your Structural Inspection
To sum it up, a structurally sound fire escape is necessary for the safety of all who may have to use it. If you live or do business in a building with a fire escape, make sure it is structurally sound. Perhaps the area you reside in requires a fire escape audit or enforcement of some type. Some areas may even require a certificate stating the safety of your fire escape. Our structural engineering firm is happy to assist you with the requirements in your area.
Contact Penn Valley Engineering if you need a fire escape inspection or balcony inspection. We have offices in Philadelphia, south New Jersey, and central Florida. We think you’ll find the cost of a fire escape inspection well worth your peace of mind. Our service areas cover fire escape inspections as well as many other structural engineering services.
Call us at (856) 829-8636 for scheduling availability. We look forward to meeting you and conducting your structural inspection.
“As a home inspector I refer structural engineers out on a weekly basis. I’ve used almost every engineer in Nj at least once. Penn Valley is by far the best and it’s not even close. Greg is great with my clients when it comes to teaching them about their home and what needs to be done. I used Penn Valley for my own personal home and I will continue to refer them out to all of my family, friends and clients.”
– Aaron S., reviewing structural engineering in Shamong, NJ 08088