Paving & Decking Solutions for Balconies
Ryno balcony flooring systems are 100% non-combustible, achieving a minimum Euroclass A2 - s1 d0 fire rating.
Whether it's inset, waterproofed balconies or cantilever/bolt-on steel balconies, Ryno has a professional solution for the task. With 30 year guarantee, each pedestal, joist or deck board is safe, strong and built to last.
Enquire now or click below for more information on our paving and decking systems for balconies:
A concrete balcony is often recessed/inset into a façade and as it forms part of the main concrete frame of the building, must be waterproofed to ensure the structural integrity of the balcony and the building envelope. This allows for some creative flooring finishes, whether porcelain paving or aluminium decking.
Each of our balcony systems is fully non-combustible, slip-resistant and strong. Because these balconies form part of the external wall façade, they are often required to meet a minimum of A2,s1-d0 fire classification as per Approved Document B.
Steel/Cantilever balconies are usually prefabricated offsite and must achieve a Euroclass A fire rating, according to the UK construction guidance on specified wall attachments. Each of our balcony systems is fully non-combustible, achieving a minimum of Euroclass A2fl-s1 and A2-s1 d0 fire rating.
Attaching directly to the balcony frame, the systems provide very low build-up for adhering to low door thresholds, with height-adjustable options available to suit varying threshold levels. Each decking and paving solution is slip-resistant to help ensure the long-lasting safety of residents.
What is the guidance on replacing combustible materials on existing balconies?
Following Grenfell Tower Fire in June 2017, the Government updated the Approved Document B which states that ‘Relevant Buildings’ (residential or institutional buildings above 18m in height) as defined in Regulation 7(4) must achieve Euroclass A2-s1,d0 fire rating.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government released a number of advice notes alongside this, providing further guidance on making our buildings safer. The most recent of these came in January 2020, in which they stated that external walls of buildings, of any height, should not assist the spread of fire, in accordance with the functional Requirement B4 of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations.
Balconies made with combustible materials are a potential source of rapid-fire spread on the external wall of residential buildings. It is the view of the MGCLG Expert Panel that as a result, the design of balconies should not assist fire spread along the external wall. Furthermore, they suggest that it is the removal and replacement of any combustible material used in balcony construction is the clearest way to prevent external fire spread from balconies.
We've successfully helped to make thousands of balconies safe by replacing outdated composite and timber deck boards with our non-combustible paving and decking solutions. Enquire to learn more.
If you would like to get in touch, please feel free to use the contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
FAQs
Do wooden balconies need to be replaced?
It is the view of the Ministry or Housing, Communities and Local Government Expert Panel, that balconies constructed using combustible materials assist fire spread along the external wall and that such materials (i.e. anything less than Euroclass A fire-rated products) should be removed and replaced.
Is composite decking fire rated?
Composite decking combines timber and plastic elements to produce a deck board which - while safer than timber decking - cannot be considered 'non-combustible' and will achieve a Euroclass C (limited contribution to fire) or, occasionally Euroclass B fire-rating (very limited contribution to fire) but will not achieve a Euroclass A1 or A2 (non-combustible) rating.
What does A1 fire rating mean?
The European Reaction to Fire classification system is the EU common standard for understanding a products fire performance. A Euroclass A1 fire rating is - by definition - 'non-combustible' meaning it will not burn under normal conditions.
The European Commission decision of 4th October 1996 lists the products which are classified as having 'no contribution to fire' and can therefore classify as A1 fire rated. Some examples of the materials listed include steel, copper, aluminium, glass, ceramics, concrete and natural stone.
Do you offer a design service?
Yes we do! Our design team are always on hand to help bring life to your project plans.
What is the lowest possible height I can fit a full system into?
We can't remember a single instance where we weren't able to come up with an appropriate solution to a design problem. This includes incredibly low-height applications. With decking, we can achieve build-ups as low as 53mm (for projects above 18m or 11m in Scotland - which require non-combustible systems) and we can go as low as 50mm with composite decking. With paving, we can achieve build-ups as minimal as 45mm (for projects which require non-combustible systems), 29mm with plastic supports.