The MALA Balconies & Terraces team assist developers and property managers, helping them decide which system best suits their building’s requirements and then install it for them.
Aluminium decking, porcelain paving and decking, metal subframe, wind uplift systems, drainage and handrails are all for consideration in terms of cost, compliance, warranties, performance and aesthetic.
Our specialist knowledge of these systems and our ability to install them, makes MALA Balconies & Terraces the perfect partner for retrospective fitting of non-combustible materials.
We are accredited to install the majority of systems available in the UK today and our team take part in continuous professional development (CPD) to ensure we are always strengthening our knowledge and skill set within this specialised sector.
Some of the benefits of non-combustible aluminium decking include:
Legislation
Wind Uplift
In the UK, building regulations require that balcony and terrace designs must consider the potential effects of wind uplift. Wind uplift occurs when the wind blows over the surface of a balcony and creates an area of low pressure, which can cause the balcony to lift or even detach from the building.
To comply with regulations, balcony designs must be tested and certified to ensure they can withstand the expected wind loads in the location where they will be installed. There are various methods and systems available to help prevent wind uplift, including:
Metal Wind Uplift systems: These are barriers that are placed around or under a terrace or balcony to divert wind around the structure or block the wind from rising up through the structure to prevent paving or decking being dislodged during high winds.
Adhesive Wind Uplift systems: where the underneath of a balcony or terrace is exposed to wind an adhesive based wind uplift system can be used to prevent paving or decking being dislodged during high winds.
Mechanical Fixed Wind Uplift systems: where the underneath is exposed to wind can be mechanically fixed in the case of aluminium plank deck can be physically fixed into a subframe structure to prevent it being dislodged during high winds
In exceptional circumstances: For building over a certain height or in high wind areas additional fixing points can be used to secure a new deck system to an existing structure.
It’s important to note that wind uplift system legislation can vary depending on the specific location, building type, and other factors. Therefore, it’s best to consult with a qualified engineer or architect who is familiar with local regulations and can provide specific guidance on balcony design and wind uplift prevention.
Non-Combustible Decking Regulations UK
In the UK, there are regulations that require decking materials to be fire-resistant, especially in buildings with multiple floors or where there is a risk of fire spreading. The most stringent regulations apply to high-rise buildings (18m or more in height), which are required to have non-combustible materials for balconies and terraces.
The UK government has implemented new regulations for non-combustible materials in the construction of high-rise buildings and remediation in existing buildings. The regulations require that all external wall systems, including balconies, terraces and their associated components such as decking, must be constructed from materials that are classified as A1 or A2-s1,d0 (non-combustible or limited combustibility). These requirements apply to all new buildings as well as existing buildings undergoing significant renovation or refurbishment.
Therefore, it is important to select decking materials that meet the appropriate fire resistance standards. Materials that are commonly used for non-combustible decking include steel, aluminum, porcelain and fiber cement.
It is essential to work with a qualified architect or engineer who is familiar with local regulations and can provide specific guidance on decking materials and their compliance with the relevant standards.
MALA Balcony and Terrace Class A Rated Installations will make a full assessment and recommendations if required.