Balconies on blocks of flats are covered by fire safety rules that have tightened in recent years. Steel helps because it does not burn, but every part of the balcony needs checking.
Materials on taller buildings
Approved Document B says that on residential buildings with a storey at 11 m or more above ground, balconies should be built from materials rated A2-s1,d0 or A1, with a small number of exceptions. On relevant buildings with a storey at 18 m or more, Regulation 7(2) makes this a legal requirement for balconies and other specified attachments. Steel is rated A1, which is why steel frames with metal decking are now widely used.
Guarding
Balcony guarding is normally at least 1100 mm high, and where young children may be present, gaps must not let a 100 mm sphere through. The guarding must also resist the loads given in BS EN 1991-1-1 and BS 6180.
Corrosion
Outdoor balcony steel is usually hot-dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461, with a powder coat on top where colour matters. Drainage holes and sealed joints stop water collecting.
Thermal breaks
Where a balcony is bolted to the building, a thermal break at the connection reduces heat loss through the steel. Your designer specifies the product and we build the connection to suit.
Your fire engineer or building control body confirms what applies to your building.
