Balcony Inspection Vents
Removable Vents for SB-721 & SB-326 ComplianceDurable, removable vents engineered for multi-family buildings, HOAs, and property managers across California.
Ensure safe, code-compliant balcony inspections without destructive access work.
- SB-721 & SB-326 Compliant
- Fire-Safety Tested
- Ideal for HOAs, Multi-Family & Property Managers
- Manufactured in the USA
Choose the Right Vent for Your Property
Choosing the Right Vent
We manufacture three levels of balcony inspection vents to meet a range of needs — from basic code compliance to enhanced ember protection to advanced fire-safe construction. Each option provides easy, repeatable access for SB-721/SB-326 inspections, with varying levels of fire and ember resistance based on your property’s requirements.
Standard
Inspection Vent
Our durable, code-compliant vent built with stainless steel provides essential access for mandated balcony inspections.
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Ember and
Pest Inspection Vent
Our multi-layer vent features added wire mesh for improved ember resistance and pest prevention while maintaining efficient airflow.
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Fire-Rated
Inspection Vent
Our premium vent combines ember-resistant mesh with an intumescent fire-safe layer that expands under high heat to help block flames and embers.
VIEW PRODUCTWhy Balcony Inspection Vents Are Required
Required by California Law.
Essential for Building Safety.
California Senate Bills SB-721 and SB-326 mandate regular inspection of Exterior Elevated Elements (EEEs) in multi-family housing. These inspections must confirm that the structural framing concealed behind balcony soffits is safe, dry, and free of deterioration.
Balcony Inspection Vents provide the access inspectors need to evaluate these hidden components without cutting into finishes or damaging the building.
Why HOAs & Property Managers Need Them
- Avoid destructive openings during mandated inspections
- Reduce liability by ensuring proper structural evaluations
- Lower inspection costs and prevent unnecessary repairs
- Protect residents and maintain long-term asset integrity
- Stay compliant with CA Building Code requirements
Compliance isn’t optional, but expensive repairs and disruptive inspections can be. Balcony inspection vents give you a straightforward, code-approved solution.
How Balcony Inspection Vents Work
Simple Access. Faster Inspections. Less Disruption.
Balcony Inspection Vents are installed in the soffit beneath balconies, walkways, and similar elevated structures. Once installed, licensed inspectors can easily open the vent door to access the concealed structural framing.
Each Vent Allows Inspectors To:
View joists, beams, connections, and moisture conditions
Identify early signs of rot, deterioration, or unsafe loading
Complete inspections without removing stucco, siding, or finishes
Conduct future inspections quickly with removable access doors
This reduces labor time, avoids destructive cutting, and supports more accurate and efficient evaluations.
Engineered for Long-Term Performance
Every balcony inspection vent is built with durability, safety, and ease of use in mind.
Perforated
Steel Face
Allows airflow and reduces moisture buildup.
Quick-Access Quarter-Turn Screws
Inspectors can open and close the vent in seconds.
Removable
Door
Allows efficient, damage-free future inspections.
Heavy-Duty Frame
Built to withstand long
-term exposure and repeated inspections.
Universal
Flange Design
Installs cleanly on stucco, siding, and most soffit materials.
Multiple Lengths Available
Standard 4″ width, lengths from 2′ to 10′.
Ember and Pest Mesh
Wire mesh for improved ember resistance and pest prevention.
Honeycomb Matrix
Combines ember resistant mesh with an intumescent fire-safe layer that expands under high heat.
These vents integrate cleanly into both new construction and retrofit applications.
view vent typesBuilt for Today’s
Codes, and Tomorrow’s
All balcony inspection vents meet the minimum fire-safety requirements outlined in the California Building Code, and upgraded models include ember-resistant and fire-rated components designed for high-risk wildfire areas.
Compliance Highlights:
Meets required standards for SB-721 & SB-326 inspections
Tested for ember resistance and proper airflow
Suitable for new construction or retrofit
Manufactured to align with current and anticipated building code updates
If your property is in a wildlife-urban interface (WUI) zone or must meet stricter fire requirements, our enhanced and advanced vent models provide additional levels of protection.
Reduce costs and protect your residents
Each Vent Allows Inspectors To:
Reduce long-term repair costs
Complete mandated inspections with less disruption
Prevent destructive cutting and patching
Identify hidden structural problems before they worsen
Stay compliant and avoid penalties
Improve the long-term performance of exterior elevated elements
These vents are a small investment that prevents major issues — financial, safety-related, and legal.
FAQs
The vent on your balcony is called a Balcony Inspection Vent. It is required by the California Building Code and balcony inspection laws such as SB-721 and SB-326. These vents allow easy access for inspectors to assess the structural integrity of the balcony and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Absolutely! Removable Balcony Inspection Vents are ideal for multi-family buildings as they provide an efficient solution for balcony inspections, meeting the requirements for both new construction and retrofit projects.
Yes, Removable Balcony Inspection Vents are compatible with various exterior wall materials, including stucco. They can be seamlessly integrated into the construction or retrofitting process while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the building.
Yes, New Cal Metals Balcony Inspection Vents fully comply with the requirements outlined in the California Senate Bills SB-721 and SB-326. They meet the mandated standards for balcony inspections and the maintenance of exterior elevated elements.
Certainly! New Cal Metals Balcony Inspection Vents are available in 4″ width and 2′, 3′, 4′, 6′, and 10′ lengths to ensure a perfect fit for a wide range of balconies. This customization option allows for seamless integration with existing structures or during new construction projects.
Removable Balcony Inspection Vents are designed to provide adequate airflow and ventilation to balconies. They help maintain proper air circulation, reducing moisture buildup and potential issues such as dry rot, mold growth, and structural damage.
Absolutely! The design of Removable Balcony Inspection Vents allows for easy installation and removal, making them ideal for future inspections. They facilitate efficient access for inspectors without causing any damage to the balcony soffit or other components.
Balcony inspections should be carried out by licensed architects or structural engineers who possess the necessary expertise and knowledge to evaluate the structural integrity and compliance with the building code requirements.
Yes, New Cal Metals Balcony Inspection Vents undergo rigorous testing to meet ASTM standards, ensuring their resistance to ember intrusion. This feature enhances the fire safety of the property, particularly in high-risk wildfire areas (WUI).
Ready to Ensure Compliance and Simplify Your Inspections?
Whether you’re planning upcoming SB-721/SB-326 inspections or simply exploring options, we can help you choose the right vent for your property.
Fast response. Expert guidance. Code-compliant solutions.
