Building control approval for a roof terrace balustrade is an assessment of structural performance — not a prescription of fixing method. Approved Document K and BS 6180 specify what the barrier must resist. They do not require it to be mechanically fixed through the building fabric.
This means a non-penetrative system like BalcoDeck can be submitted to building control on the same basis as any other structural approach: with a calculation demonstrating that the design load requirements are met.
What the BalcoDeck submission contains
The Certificate of Compliance provided at every BalcoDeck installation includes a site-specific structural calculation carried out to BS EN 1991-1-4, BS EN 1990 and BS 6180. It establishes the design lateral and uplift loads for the specific site and demonstrates that the non-penetrative resistance system — adhesive bonding, ballasting, friction and perimeter engagement — satisfies those loads with appropriate factors of safety.
This calculation is the document that answers the building control question. It is structured for review by the project structural engineer and for inclusion in the building control submission.
If a building control officer raises a query
In practice, queries arise because the non-penetrative approach is unfamiliar rather than because the structural evidence is inadequate. The appropriate response is to provide the calculation clearly, reference the applicable standards, and if necessary request a pre-application discussion.
The full piece on the regulatory position, what building control is and is not entitled to require, and how to handle a query on a live project is on balconette.co.uk.
Read the full article on balconette.co.uk
