New Year, New Standards: What’s Changing in UK Building Regulations in 2025?

As UK building regulations continue to evolve, balcony safety, drainage performance, and material compliance are now more important than ever. In 2025, developers, architects, and contractors must ensure their balcony systems—including decking, drainage, cladding, balustrades, and fencing—meet the latest fire safety, sustainability, and structural standards.

1. Stricter Fire Safety Rules for External Balcony Systems

The latest amendments to Approved Document B now apply to buildings over 11 metres, lowering the threshold from 18 metres. This means all balcony components—decking, drainage systems, balustrades, fencing, and cladding—must be non-combustible in more developments.

AliDeck provides a fully fire-rated balcony solution, featuring:

• A1 and A2-s1, d0 fire-rated aluminium decking, balustrades, and cladding
• Non-combustible drainage systems designed for water management and fire safety compliance
• NHBC-compliant balcony structures for long-term durability and insurance eligibility

2. NHBC Standards and Improved Drainage Requirements

The NHBC (National House Building Council) has strengthened its technical standards for balconies, ensuring adequate drainage and long-term structural performance. Poor water management can lead to deterioration, safety risks, and compliance failures.

Regulations now require:

• Effective drainage systems to prevent water pooling and surface damage
• Non-combustible drainage channels to comply with fire safety standards
• Durable materials that ensure balconies meet NHBC warranty conditions

AliDeck’ s integrated drainage solutions are designed to ensure water is efficiently managed while maintaining full fire safety compliance.

3. Accessibility and Safer Balcony Design

Updates to Approved Document M emphasise slip resistance, step-free access, and safe load-bearing structures.

• High-performance aluminium decking with tested slip resistance
• Structural drainage channels to prevent surface water build-up
• Load-bearing balustrades and fencing to meet safety requirements

Stay Compliant with AliDeck’ s Balcony Systems

AliDeck’ s complete, regulation-ready balcony solutions ensure full compliance with 2025 UK building regulations, NHBC standards, and fire safety requirements.

Need a compliant balcony solution? Call us today on 01622 534042 or email info@alideck.co.uk.