temporary dust barriers

[phil327]

We are in the middle of an extensive concrete renovation involving the balcony area. These balconies originally had a single wall that had a railing and screen that faced outside. Over the years many of these screens were replaced with jalousie windows, ( permits were issued at that time ) Between the balcony and the living room were 2 sliding glass patio doors, Non hurricane as the building was constructed in the late 1960s. A number of units removed the patio doors as they had the jalousie windows installed.

The concrete restoration had removed 8 inches of the outside deck of each balcony, which in turn had the company remove any screens or jalousie windows. Those units that still had the patio doors were left as is and the doors were 'locked' shut'

Those units that had no patio doors has a dust shield built into the patio opening, not where the patio doors were, but rather across the entire opening. Keeping it simple - the opening is 12 feet across, by 8 feet high. The dust wall, which is now the only protection from the outside elements consists of a 12 foot 2x4 laid across the floor, a 12 foot 2x4 wedged to the ceiling with a 2x4 on each end and 2 2x4s spaced 4 feet apart. The wall is 1/2 inch plywood, 2 pieces horizontal, one vertical. In the middle of this is a single steel jackscrew that goes from floor to ceiling resting on the horizontal 2x4s. There are no anchor screws to the floor, wall, or ceiling. They are not sealed in any way and you can see daylight coming through where the 2x4 meets the walls or floor.

These are temporary, but the other units have had these installed for over 3 months now. We are still in hurricane season.

DO these walls have to meet hurricane standards? Is this safe?

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

[phil327]

I made a few subtle inquiries here, from the board, not the city. I was told that as part of the initial request for the permits that these barriers were included. Additionally, the city inspector is here at least once a week during the concrete restoration.

IF that is the case, then the city is aware of these dust barriers and they are OK with them. They are plainly visible from any vantage point in the back of the building.

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

[phil327]

I completely understand what you are saying. Living in a community like a Condo has certain limitations as far as what the individual owner can do. Every action taken against any contractor, engineer, will have an effect on everyone. Kinda like taking a lawsuit against yourself. NO one wants to get the city any more involved than they already are.The contractor and the engineer will not answer any questions, they direct them back to the board.

By the way - Thank you very much for the time and the effort you have put in answering my questions.