A major review of building and construction standards was instigated f ollowing the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Such reviews saw the ban of combustible materials used within external walls on buildings higher than 18m, prompting the specification for compliant, non-combustible project materials such as aluminium.
We spoke with Richard Izzard, managing director of AliDeck to see how their Modular Aluminium Balcony Kit is revolutionising the market.
The ban was not only a major problem for specifiers planning for new builds due to major design revisions and the need for new fire-proof solutions, but it also resulted in many older buildings having to undergo fire-safety upgrades under strict specification requirements.
AliDeck launched the first aluminium decking boards in the UK back in 2015 with initial reception proving extremely positive in the home improvements market. Post-Grenfell, a new landscape emerged in the construction market with the demand for using compliant, non-combustible and futureproof materials seeing AliDeck already possessing the right solution for the balcony construction industry in the form of aluminium decking.
Richard Izzard, managing director of AliDeck, said “Aluminium is a non-combustible material and with fire-safety now a key factor in the decision-making of architects, specifiers and fabricators. It has rapidly become the de facto standard for balcony manufacturers across new build and remediation projects.”
AliDeck are setting the standards for aluminium balconies, a trail-blazing innovator known for their high-quality and futureproof product designs has now seen the birth of the AliDeck Balcony Kit.
In addition to the aluminium decking boards supplied initially, AliClad soffit-cladding and AliRail balustrade systems combine to create a modular, off-the-shelf balcony component kit. The balcony industry has witnessed a breakthrough with the hybrid arrangement of aluminium components and steel balcony framework. In order to construct simple, quick-fix, and easy-to-install systems, manufacturers have long recognised the value of kit-form components.
Resistant to the elements, aluminium balcony components will not fall foul to age nor decay. AliDeck aluminium decking come with a 60-year life-expectancy, far greater in comparison to its traditional counterparts such as timber and composite decking making it a quick win for specifiers. Aluminium is much lighter than steel yet durable and robust, significantly reducing the need for additional maintenance and remediation costs in the future, requiring only simple cleaning.
“One of the most striking aspects of the AliDeck Balcony Kit solution is the phenomenal weight savings available,” continued Richard. “Compared to a fully steel balcony, balconies that consist of steel frame internals and AliDeck decking, soffit cladding and balustrade have proven to offer a greater than 50% weight reduction, a significant saving especially on larger projects!”
These images were taken at a new-build development in Sheffield. The AliDeck balcony kit of aluminium decking, soffit cladding, and balustrade have been installed to steel cantilever balconies with fantastic results.
AliDeck, AliClad and AliRail balcony component systems are compliant to the latest British Standards and Building Regulations, with aluminium continuing to pave the way to success for all stakeholders.
To find out more about the AliDeck Balcony Kit, please call the team on 01622 534 077 or email info@alideck.co.uk.
