Hello, we are about to build a porch as part of a big job, and discussing the possibility of having a balcony over a habitable room. I was wondering if anyone knows much on the subject? ideally I would get a local roofer to do it. But im guessing a guarantee is important? So does that mean using a nationwide company and probably a lot bigger cost and less convenience.
Balconies,waterproof and guarentees
- Thread starter Markbon
- Start date
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The important thing is getting a structure that is safe to use and stays weatherproof.
If I was considering such a thing I'd be looking along the lines of a flat roof on the porch/habitable room ('flat' meaning with enough fall to drain) and fixed to that decking or similar so that your weatherproofing layer won't be damaged by foot traffic.
There are also going to be requirements for handrails round the balcony, structural considerations for supporting the thing (max number of people?), possibly requirements for means of escape in case of fire in the house (so either protected access route or alternative egress) and probably planning permission.
Your best route would be to get the scheme designed and full plans drawn up (architectural technician or even full blown architect) and submitted to Building Control before you start building. Once your full plans have been approved you can use them in your invitation to tender to whoever you think will be competent to contruct.
If I was considering such a thing I'd be looking along the lines of a flat roof on the porch/habitable room ('flat' meaning with enough fall to drain) and fixed to that decking or similar so that your weatherproofing layer won't be damaged by foot traffic.
There are also going to be requirements for handrails round the balcony, structural considerations for supporting the thing (max number of people?), possibly requirements for means of escape in case of fire in the house (so either protected access route or alternative egress) and probably planning permission.
Your best route would be to get the scheme designed and full plans drawn up (architectural technician or even full blown architect) and submitted to Building Control before you start building. Once your full plans have been approved you can use them in your invitation to tender to whoever you think will be competent to contruct.
Not to be taken lightly.
For starters they are a contentious addition and must be subject to planning approval.
Secondly the balustrading must meet Building Regulations - the fixing of which needs careful consideration and also requires approval, as does the height of the balustrades.
Also, consider the rainwater run-off and how it works with the balustrading etc.
We are in the early stages of a balcony and have already given it much energy and consideration for such a small part of the project.
L
Leofric
I would agree with that . Planning permission as necessary and Full Plans Submission for building regulations approval .Doesn't have to be a national company but I would want a guarantee for the roofing. The roof finish and waterproofing membrane should be specified by the designer.
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Hello gents. The balcony (if I can do it) is part of a project that will be going to planning/building control. Architects are a touchy subject at the moment. Just getting one for the rest of the job is hard enough. So im still looking. It seems they have enough work in this area to have very long waiting list which is why im looking into balconies early so decisions can be made now.
As for the balustrades ive just got an online quote from www.stainlesshandrailsystems for £1.900 for a wire rope one for 5.8m length by 1.8m. I think that's not too bad ideally id like to do it all for under £5k though.
Ive think ive had an idea of a simple and reliable way of doing it with a parapet wall at the front and the decking sitting on that and not even touching the membrane. But water would prob have to escape sideways.
The big thing is the guarantee I think, as when the place goes up for sale I reckon a surveyor is going to jump on it?
As for the balustrades ive just got an online quote from www.stainlesshandrailsystems for £1.900 for a wire rope one for 5.8m length by 1.8m. I think that's not too bad ideally id like to do it all for under £5k though.
Ive think ive had an idea of a simple and reliable way of doing it with a parapet wall at the front and the decking sitting on that and not even touching the membrane. But water would prob have to escape sideways.
The big thing is the guarantee I think, as when the place goes up for sale I reckon a surveyor is going to jump on it?
L
Leofric
The construction detailing is important .Have you thought of promenade tiles over the waterproof roofing membrane .A specialist flat roofing company should be able to give a guarantee for the waterproofing subject to other construction details being satisfactory.
Ive looked up promenade tiles. On top of support pads?
It says they can protect almost any covering. Sounds good.
It says they can protect almost any covering. Sounds good.
Last edited:
L
Leofric
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