As the Olympic Games approach, the capital is being scrutinized down to the smallest detail. Signage is gradually being installed on public transport to make it easier for tourists to travel. Some roads now have lanes reserved for the Olympics.
But this time, it is the buildings of the Parisian capital that are causing concern. Indeed, Parisian balconies will offer a breathtaking view of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. But are these buildings, damaged by time with cracks and traces of decay, safe?
According to Dominique Boussuge, an expert in building pathology, Paris is full of dilapidated guardrails and balconies. To arrive at this conclusion, she combed through all the balconies overlooking the capital’s quays and which risk being stormed by tourists. In the columns of Le Parisien, the expert reports an alarming diagnosis. “She observed on certain slabs “a lot of cracks” as well as a proliferation of moss synonymous with defective waterproofing and therefore fragility,” indicates the Parisian.
In principle, “the balconies are built to support, for each square meter, 350 kilos, or the equivalent of four people weighing 87.5 kilos”, specifies France info. But the risk of collapse is nevertheless very real. Unfortunately, the checks are not systematic.
To do this, the trustees must send a letter of recommendation to all owners to check the condition of the balconies. Haussmann buildings are not the only ones to be monitored, more recent constructions are also at risk.