Decks are more than outdoor spaces — they’re gathering places, extensions of homes, and valuable community assets. ProTec provides complete deck maintenance and repair services to help HOAs and commercial properties keep their decks safe, attractive, and long-lasting.
Our experts perform thorough visual deck inspections to identify issues such as wear, damage, or safety concerns. (Non-SB 326 inspections)
We specialize in restoring and repairing decks, including waterproofing, damaged decking, coatings, railings, and more.
Keep decks in top condition with ongoing maintenance services, from painting and cleaning to resealing and waterproof coatings.
With SB 326 requirements in place, it’s more important than ever to ensure your community’s decks meet safety standards. While ProTec does not perform SB 326 inspections directly, we understand the importance of compliance and provide the maintenance and repair support your association needs to stay prepared.
We value your safety and compliance above all else. That's why we have partnered with experienced professionals who specialize in SB 326 inspections. These experts will conduct a thorough inspection of your Exterior Elevated Elements (EEE), ensuring they meet all safety requirements and provide you with the necessary certification.
California’s Civil Code 5551, commonly known as SB 326, requires the inspection of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) — such as balconies, decks, and stairways — to ensure safety and structural integrity. The law was enacted after several tragic failures of EEEs that resulted in injuries and fatalities, with the goal of preventing future incidents and protecting communities.
Scope: SB 326 specifically targets buildings with three or more multifamily dwelling units, requiring the inspection of exterior elevated elements and associated waterproofing elements that are designed for human occupancy or use and are supported by wood or wood-based products.
Purpose: The goal is to determine if these elements are in a generally safe condition and performing in accordance with applicable standards.
Initial Inspection: The first inspection had to be completed by January 1, 2025. This establishes a baseline for the condition of the EEEs.
Subsequent Inspections: After the initial inspection, these are required at least once every nine years.
The inspection process includes a visual examination and may require more invasive methods to assess the internal structure and condition of the EEEs. Inspectors look for signs of wear, decay, or damage that could affect the safety and integrity of these structures.
Who Can Conduct Inspections: The law specifies that inspections must be carried out by a licensed structural engineer or architect. These professionals have the training and expertise to assess the structural integrity and safety of the EEEs.
Inspection Report: The professional conducting the inspection must prepare a report that details the condition of the EEEs, including any recommendations for repair or replacement, if necessary.
Submission of Report: The report must be submitted to the owner of the building and, in some cases, to the local enforcement agency.
Who Can Do Repairs: Repairs must be conducted in accordance with local building codes and standards. While SB 326 does not specify who must perform repairs, it is implied that licensed contractors or professionals competent in the relevant trade should undertake this work, under the supervision or design of a licensed structural engineer or architect when necessary.
Based on the text in the bill, a "statistically significant sample" is defined with two key criteria in mind to ensure the reliability of inspection results for exterior elevated elements:
95 Percent Confidence: This means that if the inspection were to be repeated multiple times under the same conditions, 95 out of 100 times, the results would accurately reflect the true condition of the entire population (in this context, the population is all the units or exterior elevated elements being considered for inspection). The "95 percent confidence" is a standard level of certainty used in statistical analysis to indicate that the findings are not due to random chance.
Margin of Error of No Greater Than Plus or Minus 5 Percent: This specifies the range within which the true value of the parameter being measured (such as the condition of the EEEs) is expected to lie. A margin of error of ±5% means that the actual percentage of, for example, unsafe EEEs in the entire building could be up to 5% higher or lower than the percentage observed in the sample. This margin of error allows for some uncertainty in the results, acknowledging that a sample may not perfectly represent the whole but is close within a specified range.
In simpler terms, the bill is stating that inspectors need to examine enough units or elements to be nearly certain (95% confident) that what they observe in this sample closely represents the condition of all similar units or elements across the entire building or property, with only a small margin for potential error (up to 5% difference). This approach enables effective evaluation of safety without the need to inspect every single element, making the process more efficient while still reliable.
Our team has decades of combined experience in deck maintenance and repair. Every technician is manufacturer-certified and trained to deliver expert results.
We take pride in delivering exceptional workmanship, keeping decks safe, durable, and in top condition.
We are committed to helping you maintain safe, code-compliant decks and elevated structures through proactive care and maintenance.
Rely on us to connect you with trusted SB 326 inspection specialists who ensure full compliance and peace of mind.
Don't wait until the last minute to address your deck maintenance needs. Contact us today to schedule your deck repair and maintenance needs. Let us help you ensure the safety and beauty of your community's outdoor spaces.