What type of area should be inspected for potential water leaks in cantilevered balconies?

Inspecting the areas around joist penetration is crucial in cantilevered balconies because this is where structural members, such as joists, pass through the building envelope. Failures can occur at these penetrations, leading to water intrusion if not adequately sealed or flashed. Proper sealing and flashing are essential to prevent water from entering the building structure, which can cause damage over time, such as rotting wood, mold growth, and structural integrity issues.

In cantilevered balconies, the joist penetration areas are particularly vulnerable to leaks since they involve intersections between different materials and structures, where water can find a path if these connections are not managed properly. Inspecting these areas helps to identify potential weaknesses or faults in the waterproofing measures, thereby preventing leaks that could lead to more extensive damage.

Other areas such as balcony railings, roof surfaces, and balcony flooring are also important to check but do not specifically focus on the critical junction where the joists penetrate. While balcony railings may contribute to overall drainage and surface water management, and the roof surface might relate more to overhead conditions, the direct path of potential leaks due to structural penetrations makes the areas around joist penetration the most significant inspection focus for water leaks in cantilevered balconies.