Question 1

What is BalcoDeck and what makes it unique?

Accepted Answer

BalcoDeck is the UK's only patented non-penetrative balustrade and decking system designed for flat roof applications. Its unique feature is that it requires no anchor fixings or penetrations to the roof surface, which preserves the waterproofing integrity of the building. The system achieves structural stability through a ballasted base design and is suitable for retrofit installations on existing buildings.

Question 2

How does a non-penetrative balustrade system work?

Accepted Answer

The non-penetrative system uses a ballasted base design to achieve structural stability without penetrating the roof surface. This means no anchor fixings or drilling into the roof membrane is required. The system is compatible with existing waterproofing membranes and eliminates the risk of water ingress that traditional penetrative systems may cause.

Question 3

What are the main benefits of choosing BalcoDeck over traditional balustrade systems?

Accepted Answer

BalcoDeck offers several key benefits: it preserves roof warranty by not damaging the waterproofing membrane, eliminates thermal bridging and heat loss, provides faster installation compared to penetrative systems, removes the risk of water ingress, improves thermal performance, is suitable for retrofit applications, and includes comprehensive structural documentation. The system also reduces build coordination complexity and simplifies the building control approval process.

Question 4

Is BalcoDeck compliant with building regulations and building control requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, BalcoDeck is compliant with Building Regulations and BS standards. The system includes comprehensive structural calculations for building control approval and meets structural assessment requirements. Building control approval guidance is provided with the system, and it supports 'Golden Thread' compliance requirements.

Question 5

Who is the target audience for BalcoDeck systems?

Accepted Answer

The primary target audiences include architects and specifiers, structural engineers, property developers, contractors and builders, building control officers, homeowners planning roof terrace projects, and mortgage surveyors and valuers. Secondary audiences include construction professionals, waterproofing specialists, and technical decision-makers in residential and commercial development.

Question 6

What material options are available with BalcoDeck?

Accepted Answer

BalcoDeck offers composite decking options and glass balustrade configurations. The system includes engineered structural components and is compatible with various decking materials. Glass balustrades are featured prominently in the system's installations for contemporary rooftop applications.

Question 7

Why is protecting waterproofing integrity important for roof terraces?

Accepted Answer

Protecting waterproofing integrity prevents damage from traditional penetrative balustrade systems that can cause water ingress. A non-penetrative system like BalcoDeck preserves the roof warranty and maintains the building's waterproofing membrane. This is particularly important for retrofit applications on existing buildings and protects mortgage valuations when proper documentation is provided.

Question 8

What documentation and support does BalcoDeck provide?

Accepted Answer

BalcoDeck provides comprehensive structural calculations for building control approval, technical specifications, building control approval guidance, and structural engineering calculations. The system offers single-source responsibility for system performance, which reduces coordination complexity during the build process.

Question 9

Who manufactures BalcoDeck and where are they located?

Accepted Answer

BalcoDeck is manufactured by Balconette Ltd., a company registered in England with Company Registration No. 06937600. They are located at Unit 6, Systems House, Eastbourne Road, Blindley Heath, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6JP, United Kingdom, and can be contacted at 01342-437411.

Question 10

Can BalcoDeck be installed on existing buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, BalcoDeck is specifically suitable for retrofit installations on existing buildings. The non-penetrative design makes it ideal for activating unused flat roof spaces without compromising existing waterproofing systems. This enables property owners to convert underutilized flat roofs into functional roof terraces.

Question 11

Who is Claire Miller and what is her connection to BalcoDeck content?

Accepted Answer

Claire Miller is the Founder of Compass Marketing, a marketing consultancy specializing in PR, content strategy, and brand development. She has over 20 years of experience in marketing and writes articles for BalcoDeck about rooftop balustrade systems, roof terrace installations, and technical guidance for construction professionals.

Question 12

How can I get more information or check if BalcoDeck is suitable for my project?

Accepted Answer

You can contact Balconette Ltd. by phone at 01342-437411 or visit their contact page. The website also features a 'Check Suitability' tool to help determine if BalcoDeck is appropriate for your specific project. Additional resources include FAQ sections, case studies, and blog articles with technical guidance.

About Claire MIller

Retrofit Roof Terraces: The Questions to Answer Before You Specify

The developer question everyone should ask before signing off a roof terrace – and what BalcoDeck provides

BalcoDeck and building control: what the structural calculation covers and how to use it

How BalcoDeck satisfies structural assessment on load requirements – without a single anchor fixing

BalcoDeck and the rooftop opportunity: activating unused flat roofs without touching the waterproofing

What does a BalcoDeck installation mean for your mortgage valuation?

Why Non-Penetrative Design Improves Thermal Performance

The Golden Thread Starts With Design Decisions

The Roof Terrace Build Coordination Problem Nobody Owns