Balcony decking replacement project in High Wycombe, aluminium deck alternative provides long-lasting and safe solution

The AliDeck System of aluminium decking provides the ideal solution for any deck scenario, on balconies, terraces, or walkways. Our boards, joists, and pedestals deliver a sustainable, safe outcome with a life-expectancy of 60 years.

Aluminium decking presents an array of benefits in comparison to more traditional materials. Timber decking requires regular maintenance and will decay and degrade in a relatively short period of time. Rotten, warped and worn timber decks are unsightly, unsanitary, and unsafe.

A recent balcony decking replacement project in High Wycombe underlines these points. The existing timber decks were very tired and, indeed, rotten in places. Our Approved Installer, Unique Outdoor Living Group, was engaged to fully replace all wooden elements of the balcony decks, including the decking boards and timber joists.

Balcony Decking Replacement High Wycombe Aluminium Deck Alternative Unique Outdoor Living Group

The building in question is below 11m in height, so is currently outside the scope of fire safety recommendations. However, the building owner understood this could be likely to change in the coming years, prompting them to take the pro-active decision to secure a fire-safe alternative now rather than simply using new timber decking. This action will future-proof the balconies and prevent further remediation being required.

The AliDeck Senior Flat Board used on this project provides off-the-shelf compliance with all fire regulations. Its 30mm profile depth also provides a high level of strength that ensures spanning capabilities of up to 1200mm.

This factor allowed for significant streamlining of the underside support material required in each balcony. Only a single AliDeck Low Joist was required in the steel framework to support the new aluminium deck. This single aluminium joist replaced approximately a dozen timber joists.

The installation itself went smoothly, with the existing decking and joists being removed and replaced quickly and without incident. The team at AliDeck worked closely with Unique to carefully plan the materials in order to allow for maximised efficiency on site.

Finished in RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey, the completed balconies look great. Our Drainage Channel was sited between each new decking board in order to effectively capture rainwater and divert it to the balcony edges, to prevent water dripping to balconies beneath. The addition of colour-matched aluminium trims was used to provide a neat finish to the board ends, for an attractive result.

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The shift towards using non-combustible materials in recent years has created a pressing need to remediate many housing projects across the country, along with future new-build developments needing to conform to the new standards, such as BS8579:2020, the guide to the design of balconies and terraces, and Approved Document B.

Aluminium decking is an ideal replacement material for timber. Stronger and more durable, aluminium is lightweight and easy to work with, resulting in quick installation times. A-Rated for fire performance, aluminium decking is a guarantee for compliance with fire regulations.

The team at Unique Outdoor Living Group have completed our Training Academy programme and are one of our busiest Approved Installers. Their work is absolutely first-rate and we love to see their completed projects. Another great result!

If you would like to find out more about becoming an Approved Installer, or if you would like to speak to us about finding a suitable installer for your new-build or refurbishment balcony project, please call the AliDeck team on 01622 534 038 or email info@alideck.co.uk.