• Ryno
  • Call Us
  • Email Us
Ryno
  • Home
  • Systems
  • Components
  • IGNO
  • About Us
  • Case Studies
  • Specifier Hub
  • News
  • Contact
  • Email
  • 0203 9673500
Ryno Pave
Smart paving systems for terraces, balconies, and outdoor spaces.
Learn More
Ryno Deck
Smart decking systems for terraces, balconies, and outdoor spaces.
Learn More
Ryno Roof
High quality, durable roof finishing systems for flat and pitched roof applications.
Learn More
Our Products

Ryno Support

Fast, easy and durable support systems for paving and decking.

Learn More

Ryno Terrace

Complete surface solutions for terraces, balconies and podiums.

Learn More

Ryno Roofing

High quality, durable roofing finishing systems for flat and pitch roof applications.

Learn More

Specifier Hub

Resources

Technical datasheets
CAD drawings
Specifications
Certificates
Install and maintenance

Learn More

Insights

Sustainability
Delivery
Approved installers
Warranty

Learn More

Book CPD

Learn More

Request Samples

Learn More

Technical Support

FAQs
Book a consultation
Contact us

Learn More
How Do You Replace Timber Balcony Joists?

31st January 2022

How Do You Replace Timber Balcony Joists?

Changing out timber joists for metal ones is often a no-brainer. Timber joists had their share of the limelight for centuries, but many are moving away from the combustible wooden substructure for decking and moving to the more uniform, non-combustible and strong metal joist such as aluminium. This move has been accelerated by Approved document B: fire and safety regulations and its influence on existing balconies. 

Underside of an aluminium deck on a balcony Avant Garde

Avant Garde

Underside of an aluminium deck on a balcony

Dean Street

But as lovely and simple as it sounds, ensuring that your new substructure is structurally sound, cost-effective, and efficient can be difficult. Here are the three main methods that you can use when replacing timber joists for aluminium on an external balcony.  

How Do You Replace Timber Balcony Joists?

Use Joist Cleats and aluminium joists 

In some cases, when you need a system build-up higher than that of the existing frame, you can use aluminium joist cleats installed on top of the metal frame to support the joists. Using cleats creates a strong, customisable, and compliant class A fire rated substructure for your decking surface. This is a cost-effective and simple method for retrofitting aluminium joists but, as the cleats are installed on the top of the frame, it increases the build-up and raises the decking floor height. This may not be suitable when you need a low height.

How Do You Replace Timber Balcony Joists?

Install Steel Joists

Technically, one option is welding Steel Joists onto the existing balcony frame. However, to install these joists correctly you will need to cut them to size and weld them into place using a crane to lift them or manhandling them up countless flights of stairs and through the homeowner’s weekly book club meeting. This process will create a secure substructure but, it does require a lot of on-site labour and wouldn’t be recommended unless you carry a copy of Thursday Murder Club with you for Mary’s Wednesday “book nook”.

How Do You Replace Timber Balcony Joists?

Install Joist Hangers and aluminium joists 

Joist hangers are rigorously tested and designed to be affixed to existing metal frames to provide a cradle for the new joists to sit flush with the height of the existing frame at intervals to suit you. Installing a Joist hanger allows you to cost-effectively recreate the original build-up of the balcony by aligning the top of your joists at the same height as before. This solution is very simple in its design gives you a lot of control, options for customizability, and facilitates a compliant class A fire rated system.

So what now?

When working on a retrofit or remediation project where you need to replace timber joists on a metal-framed balcony, aluminium joists are the safest and most efficient way forward. They provide you with a non-combustible, secure substructure that will stand the test of time.

How you choose to install it, however, is up to you. 

Posted By
Elliot Leech

Share

  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share by Email

How to Order?

For more information, or to talk to an expert, contact us today.

0203 9673500
Email

Request a Call

Or enter your details below if you would like us to contact you.

*Required details. Submit

Featured Blogs

Does Aluminium Decking get Hot >

  • 29th April 2022

A time to wake up and smell the decking >

  • 1st April 2022

How Much Does Aluminium Decking Cost? >

  • 16th February 2022
Ryno Finish Strong
  • Home
  • About Us
  • News
  • Contact
  • IGNO
  • Specifier Hub
  • Case Studies
  • Components
  • RYNOPAVE
  • RYNODECK
  • RYNOROOF

Sign up for Ryno Updates and offers

*Required details. Submit
Ryno
  • Home
  • About Us
  • News
  • Contact
  • IGNO
  • Specifier Hub
  • Case Studies
  • Components
  • RYNOPAVE
  • RYNODECK
  • RYNOROOF
  • ©2022 Ryno Ltd, All rights reserved.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ryno on Twitter
  • Ryno on LinkedIn
  • Ryno on YouTube
  • Home
  • Systems
    • Ryno Pave
    • Ryno Deck
    • Ryno Roof
  • Components
  • IGNO
  • About Us
  • Case Studies
  • Specifier Hub
    • Resources
    • Insights
    • Book CPD
    • Request Samples
    • Technical Support
  • News
  • Contact
  • Email
  • 02039673500