What You Need to Know
If you want to add a balcony to your property, you aren’t alone! They are a popular choice for all kinds of buildings, from family homes to commercial sites. Adding extra space, helping to make the most of a view and improving the exterior appearance of a property, they are certainly great value for money.
Are there any rules that you need to follow when it comes to metal balcony installation and design, though? Here is everything you need to know about current UK regulations, along with the importance of working with a trusted metalworks team.
Balcony regulations
There are a number of building regulations relating to balconies in the UK. The law currently states that when there is more than 60cm between a balcony and the level below, there must be a balustrade in place. This needs to be at least 1.1 metres in height. You also need to consider the gaps between railings. There can be no wider than 10cm to protect adults and children alike from falling through them.
Do you need permission to install a balcony?
A lot of people aren’t sure if they need to seek planning permission to add a balcony to their property. There are four main types of balconies:
- Cantilever, hung, and bolt-on balconies: these protrude out from the building and are what most people think of when asked to describe a balcony.
- Stacked balconies: these are supported both by being connected to the building as well as posts or pillars fixed to the ground below
- Rooflight/Cabrio balconies: these are made by installing a balustrade around a rooflight, which, when opened, creates a canopy.
- Roof terrace: not a balcony in the traditional sense, but rather the flat roof of a lower floor. For example, you could have a bedroom opening out onto the roof of a kitchen extension.
- Juliet balconies: these are created by placing safety railing in front of windows, allowing you to swap them for French doors.
You will generally need planning permission to add a cantilever, stacked, rooflight or roof terrace balcony to your property.
What about Juliet balconies?
Juliet balconies tend to fall under permitted development, which means that they can be installed without you needing to obtain planning permission. It’s always a good idea to chat to your neighbours and inform them of any work you are planning, though, so that they do not raise their concerns with your local council.
Why choosing a great metalworking team matters
If you want your balcony to stand the test of time, it is really important to work with a team who has years of experience when it comes to designing and installing them. Not only will they ensure that everything complies with current UK regulations, but they will also use high-quality materials. This will make your balcony as strong and durable as possible, allowing it to be used on a daily basis with no worries over stability.
What to do next
If you are ready to add a metal balcony to your property, then it is time to get in touch with a metalworking company in your area today. Be sure to ask for examples of their past work and get a full pricing breakdown, and then you will be able to proceed with total confidence.
