Extensive reviews of building and construction standards were instigated post-Grenfell. Such reviews saw the ban of combustible
materials used within external walls on buildings higher than 18m, consequently effecting thousands of mid and high-rise multi-occupancy buildings across the UK. We spoke with Richard Izzard, managing director of AliDeck to see how their Modular Aluminium Balcony Kit is revolutionising the market.
It was AliDeck who launched the first aluminium decking boards in the UK in 2015, and their popularity in the home improvement market was immediate. In the post-Grenfell landscape, AliDeck’s aluminium decking offered the right solution for the balcony construction industry in terms of compliance, non-combustible and futureproof materials.
Richard Izzard, managing director of AliDeck, said “Aluminium is a non-combustible material and with fire-safety now a key factor in the decision-making of architects and fabricators, it has rapidly become the de facto standard across new build and remediation projects.”
As a trailblazing innovator known for high-quality product design, AliDeck dedicates much of its energy to setting the standard in futureproofing balcony design through aluminium, and thus the AliDeck Balcony Kit was born.
A modular, off-the-shelf balcony component kit is created by combining the aluminium decking boards with the soffit cladding and the balustrade systems, also 100% made out of aluminium. Aluminium components and steel balcony frames combined in an innovative hybrid arrangement are proving to be a breakthrough in the balcony industry. Simple, quick-fix, and easy-to-install systems are made with kit-form components that manufacturers are familiar with.
In addition to being highly resistant to the elements, powder-coated aluminium components are also impervious to age and decay. In comparison with traditional decking such as timber and composite, AliDeck aluminium decking has a life expectancy of 60 years, significantly reducing the need for additional maintenance and remediation costs, requiring merely routine cleaning.
“One of the most striking aspects of the AliDeck Balcony Kit solution is the phenomenal weight savings available,” continued Richard. “Compared to a fully steel balcony, balconies that consist of steel frame internals and AliDeck decking, soffit cladding and balustrade have proven to offer a greater than 50% weight reduction, a significant saving especially on larger projects!”
This is evidenced by these images taken from a Sheffield new-build development. Balconies with steel cantilever systems have been decked with AliDeck aluminium decking, cladding, and balustrades.
The AliDeck, AliClad and AliRail balcony component systems are compliant to the latest British Standards and Building Regulations, with aluminium continuing to pave the way to success for all stakeholders.
To find out more about the AliDeck Balcony Kit, please call the team on 01622 534 085 or email info@alideck.co.uk.
