Designing Balcony Spaces with Safety and Compliance in Mind

In today’s construction environment, balcony design must go beyond appearance. With the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the establishment of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), safety and compliance have become essential considerations in all new developments.

Understanding how design decisions affect safety and legal compliance is critical, not only to meet building regulations, but to protect the well-being of residents.

Following changes to legislation after the Hackitt Report, fire safety in external elements of buildings — especially balconies — is under greater scrutiny than ever before.

One of the most significant requirements is the use of non-combustible (Class A-rated) materials on residential buildings above 11 metres. This has effectively ruled out timber and majority of some composite decking products in favour of safer alternatives like aluminium.

At AliDeck, our aluminium decking systems are fully compliant with BS EN 13501-1 and carry a Class A2-s1, d0 fire rating, making them ideal for high-rise developments.

Aluminium is not only fire-resistant, but also lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting, providing a safer and more durable solution for balconies.

While often thought of as an aesthetic detail, balustrades and handrails are vital for preventing accidents.

To comply with BSR requirements, they must meet structural strength standards, especially on high-rise buildings. The maximum gap between spindles must also prevent children from falling through.

AliDeck’s modular aluminium balustrade systems are engineered to deliver both safety and visual appeal. Designed with durability in mind, they reduce long-term maintenance and provide consistent performance in all weather conditions.

Another critical factor in balcony safety is structural support. Poorly spaced joists or inadequate fixings can result in deflection or failure over time.

Our aluminium joist systems are load-tested and engineered to provide safe, stable platforms. With faster installation and minimal site waste, they also support project efficiency.

Design decisions made at the outset of a project can significantly affect a building’s safety performance. By involving AliDeck during the design phase, specifiers benefit from our in-depth knowledge of current regulations and technical requirements. This reduces the risk of non-compliance and avoids the need for rework later.

AliDeck offers a fully integrated aluminium balcony solution — including decking, joists, soffits, and balustrades — designed with BSR compliance in mind. Our products are independently tested, certified, and supported by a team of technical experts.

Working with a partner who understands the latest safety standards ensures that your balconies are not only compliant but also safe, durable, and efficient to install.

Looking for compliant balcony systems? Get in touch with our technical team for expert advice on fire-rated, structurally sound balcony solutions.