Perfect installation of our aluminium decking boards to fire safety remediation project in London

Timber decking on balconies has been recognised as no longer fit for purpose. With the monumental change in building regulations over recent years, new-build use of combustible materials such as timber or composite decking on balconies has fallen to zero.

However, there are countless existing buildings across the UK that have already had timber decking installed and property managers and building owners have increasingly faced the challenge of fire safety remediation.

We were delighted to receive photographs of a recently completed project in the heart of London, where several low-rise balconies were in dire need of refurbishment. Not only were they a fire risk and causing concerns regarding EWS1, but the timber decking was also generally very tired and unattractive.

Our Approved Installer, Alu-Installations, completed the removal of the rotten timber decking and replaced the boards with our aluminium decking boards. At a stroke, this action resolved a highly visible eye-sore to passers-by in the street, with the rhombus-shaped balconies and the striking steel framework providing an excellent visual attractor to the building.

Timber decking has an expected lifespan of around 10 years, if looked after correctly. However, timber requires regular maintenance which, if missed, can lead to the wood quickly degrading and beginning to rot. Without regular reapplication of wood treatment or paint, timber decking loses its beauty quickly.

Timber also carries safety risks such as helping fire spread across external walls of buildings, especially so when balconies are stacked. Our annual Balcony Fires Report showed that most fires on balconies are caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials, along with a significant incidence of fire caused by barbecues on balconies.

The building owner specified the use of our 30mm Senior Decking Board, in ridged form for additional slip prevention. Finished in RAL 7039 Quartz Grey, the new aluminium boards transformed the balconies for the residents. A simple aluminium angle trim was used to conceal the board edges for the neatest end result.

By undertaking these works and moving away from timber, this conscientious building owner has future-proofed their property and will avoid future costly remediation. The new aluminium decking will create a stress-free outdoor living space for the tenants while also creating additional value to the property.

With PAS 9980 now in-force, all multi-storey, multi-occupancy buildings must undergo regular Fire Risk Assessments to External Walls (FRAEW). PAS 9980 is based around risk of fire occurring but we are continuing to see a cautious approach taken on all buildings of any height, but particularly so for buildings above 11m.

The AliDeck System has received rigorous testing and is fire-rated to A2-s1, d0 and A2fl-s1 for full compliance. Consequently, our products are non-combustible, do not contribute to fires, and are a one-stop-shop guarantee that fire-safety remediation works on balconies will be successful.

George and his team at Alu-Installations have been a certified AliDeck Approved Installer for several years now having completed our Training Academy programme. These training sessions are held in-house with us at our base of operations in Rochester, Kent, in the Medway City Estate. As a company, we want our customers to be able to use our products to the greatest standard possible, ensuring the best possible results so that we can achieve success together.

If you would like to discuss your timber decking replacement requirements or are an AliDeck customer who would like to take part in the Training Academy, please call the AliDeck team on 01622 235 672 or email info@alideck.co.uk.