October 2024

In New York, safety regulations for parapets and railings are critical to protect occupants and avoid penalties. At Mayta + Sebastian Architecture, we specialize in comprehensive inspections under the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) and the recently introduced Parapet Inspections, ensuring full compliance with all applicable requirements.

📏 Minimum Heights and Code Compliance ⚖️
Parapet height requirements vary depending on the building’s construction date and current certificate of occupancy. For buildings built prior to 1968, when railing height requirements were 36” owners may opt to follow later codes as long as no major modifications (requiring an updated Certificate of Occupancy) have been made. For Buildings built or altered after the 1968 building code was enacted, the minimum height requirement for parapets and guard/ railings has increased. Specifically, parapets and / or railings must be at least 42 inches (3’6″) high 🛠️ to meet current safety standards. It’s essential to note that certain changes, such as adding roof insulation to comply with the New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC), may require parapet height adjustments to comply with NYC Building Code.

🏗️ Inspections and Permits 📝
As experts in the field, Mayta + Sebastian Architecture conducts detailed inspections 🔧 of balconies, parapets, and enclosures to assess their stability and verify compliance with current codes. If necessary permits are missing, our team will promptly inform the property owner, providing guidance to rectify the situation and avoid potential fines.

📐 Tolerances and Safety 🛡️
While a tolerance of up to 1 inch in parapet and railing heights and spacing is permitted, any deviation that compromises safety must be corrected immediately. If a parapet is deteriorating and the building is subject to FISP, the condition may be classified as “SWARMP” 🚨 (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program), indicating that repairs must be completed within the timeline established by the QEWI or the Parapet inspector.

✅ Ensuring Compliance with Mayta + Sebastian Architecture
With the expertise of Mayta + Sebastian Architecture, ensuring that your building’s parapets and railings meet New York City regulations is straightforward. FISP and Parapet inspections not only guarantee legal compliance but also enhance the safety of occupants and protect property owners 🏢✅.

Trust the experts to keep your building safe!

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At Mayta + Sebastian Architecture, we specialize in restoring historic buildings, preserving the beauty and character of the structures that define New York City’s urban landscape. 🏙️ Every building has a unique story to tell, and we are committed to keeping that story alive by using the highest quality materials and techniques. 💎

For stone façade restoration 🪨, we use specialized mortars like Jahn M70 (for limestone) and Jahn M110 (for joint repair), both from Cathedral Stone Products, Inc. known for their durability and seamless integration with original materials. Every project is approached with meticulous attention to detail, providing at least three color samples 🎨 to ensure the final choice is approved by the ownership, architects, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). 🏛️

Additionally, when replacing key elements such as limestone window sills 🪟, we create cast stone replicas that meet the stringent ASTM C 136 standards, ensuring that the color, texture, and quality of the new pieces perfectly match the originals. ⚙️ This guarantees that each restoration is both aesthetically harmonious and structurally sound.

Historic building restoration is not just technical work, it is an art 🎨 where the past and present come together. At Mayta + Sebastian, we are proud to be part of preserving landmarks 🏛️ and the history of #NewYorkCity. Trust us to bring life and splendor back to your property. ✨

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You’re likely familiar with the required parapet inspections, but what if your building has a cornice? Cornices attached directly to the front wall or roof without a parapet behind them do not require inspection. However, cornices attached to parapet walls are considered appurtenances and must undergo annual inspections. In such cases, creating a comprehensive report is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance with New York’s local regulations. These reports document the condition of architectural elements like cornices, which, though often overlooked, can pose significant public safety risks.

Why is this type of report crucial?
●      Risk Prevention: Poorly maintained cornices can endanger pedestrians and vehicles. This report provides a thorough visual assessment of the cornice’s current condition, helping identify potential issues and plan necessary repairs before they become critical.
●      Regulatory Compliance: Under New York City’s Local Law 126 of 2021, maintaining updated records of parapet and cornice conditions visible from the public right-of-way for up to six years is mandatory. Even if your building is exempt from cornice or parapet inspections, keeping detailed records is essential for audits by the Department of Buildings (DOB) and to ensure your building remains safe and compliant.
●      Maintenance Planning: Reports may recommend specific repairs, such as addressing damaged upper sheathing within a year. This information helps property owners plan and budget for necessary interventions, preventing unexpected costs.

Key Points to Include in a Report:
●      Overall Condition of the Cornice: Assess whether the cornice is in good condition, noting any signs of deterioration such as displacement, horizontal cracks, or loose bricks.
●      Recommendations and Timeline for Repairs: Detail the recommended repairs and the timeframe for addressing them.
●      Visual Inspection Details: Describe how the inspection was conducted (e.g., from roof and street levels using high-resolution binoculars).
●      Importance of Record Keeping: Note NYC requirements for annual inspections and the maintenance of records for six years.

These reports serve not only as a safety measure but also as a valuable reference for architectural conservation planning. The safety of our buildings begins with prevention and thorough documentation!

#BuildingInspection #ArchitecturalSafety #CorniceMaintenance #MaytaSebastian #NYCArchitecture #BuildingConservation #RiskPrevention #buildingownwer #propertymanagers #womeninconstruction

At Mayta + Sebastian Architecture, we are dedicated to the restoration and preservation of New York’s architecture. 🏗️✨ This month, we have undertaken a crucial project that combines aesthetics and safety. After our client noted large slab and wall cracks in this existing building, the M+ S team mobilized to review and address structural damage caused by improperly executed renovations. Our team prepared a repair program to ensure that the structural stability is restored, and every detail of historic buildings is preserved for future generations.

🔧 What did we accomplish?
1. Concrete Crack Repair:
The M+S team designed precise cuts and cleaned cracked walls, preparing all surfaces for SIKADUR 52 epoxy injections (by @sika ) following the manufacturer’s recommendations. This process is essential for ensuring a lasting restoration and preventing future damage. 🛠️🔬
2. Restoration of Door Openings:
The M+S team designed new steel connections at previously under-reinforced wall openings, providing strong and durable support. Before installing the steel reinforcement, we filled any voids with 4000 PSI structural repair mortar. This process ensures that the door openings are both functional and safe, maintaining the building’s structural integrity. 🚪💪
3. Expansion Joints:
The M+S team identified failed expansion joints between floor slabs as a contributing factor to wall failures. To address this, M+S designed a solution to remove the existing expansion joints and replace them with new ones using the EMSEAL Expansion Joint System. This system allows for both movement and stability, which is especially important given the seismic conditions in NYC. 🌈🔍

💡 Why are these repairs important? Restoration and preservation not only ensure structural integrity but also enhance safety and prolong the lifespan of buildings. Every intervention we make is a step toward conserving New York’s architectural heritage, keeping its stories and beauty alive.

Trust Mayta + Sebastian Architecture to care for your heritage and transform spaces into true architectural masterpieces. 🌟

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