ADIGRAT UNIVERSITY

College of engineering and technology

Department of construction technology and management

BALCONIES
 Introduction
The design of outdoor spaces can have a significant impact on an occupants wellbeing and
the value they attach to a development.
As sites get smaller, the quality of outdoor spaces becomes more important. Quality outdoor
spaces can be an effective way of mitigate the effects of living in small units, increasing
their desirability to prospective tenants(smokers).
Communal outdoor areas can provide spaces for children and young people to play,
increasing the attractiveness of higher density living to families and fostering a sense of
community.
 Balconies
The word balcony is actually derived from the Italian word for large window. Believe it
or not, most balconies were accessed through large windows and I wonder if this is where
we get expansive sliding glass doors that are reminiscent of this.
is a platform projecting from the wall ofa building with a balustrade or railing along its
outer edge, often with access from a door or window
Apartments, hotels, often have small balconies above the first floor.
 Components of balconies
- Concrete slab
The concrete slab forms the main structural component of the balcony. Occasionally
balconies in residential buildings will be constructed using timber or other light framed
material however more often than not, the floor structure is constructed out of reinforced
concrete.
Slabs
can either be cantilevered or supported by columns or walls, with each support
mechanism having different implications with regards to remedial works.
- Columns/Walls
Balconies can be supported on their outer edge by columns and or walls in lie of the
balconies being cantilevered.
These types of balconies are referred to as being simply supported.
Simply supported balconies are more forgiving on the concrete slab and it could be argued
that simply supported balconies are less prone to long term structural issues and are also
easier to remediate if required.

- Waterproof Membrane
The waterproof membrane is installed directly onto the slab and is used to prevent
moisture ingress to the interior of the unit and to protect the concrete slab from absorbing
excessive moisture which can lead to concrete cancer.
- Screed and tiles
Tiles are installed on a bed of screed with incorporated falls to allow the balcony to drain
adequately to the appropriate outlet.
- Drainage
Balconies have one of the following drainage mechanisms installed:
- Drain connected to a downpipe.
- Drain connected to a downpipe with splitters installed in a hob as secondary
drainage.
- Balustrades
Balustrades prevent occupants falling from balconies and as such must comply with several
stringent requirements as outlined in the Building Code of Australia. The notable requirements
include:
o Height must be greater than 1000mm.
terminology of balconies

Figure 1 - Balcony & balustrade components

Benefits of balconies
Better Views
Ocean Air Anytime You Want It
Easier to Wake Up
A balcony can provide a safe spot for a pet to enjoy some fresh air.
Consistent surface temperatures near the balcony
Enjoy an Outside Environment
One benefit of having a balcony is that you can relax on a balcony, read a
book, or even have a glass of wine as you gaze across your view. etc
 Types of balconies
1. Based on design 2. Based on material
Cantilever balconies timber balconies
Hung balconies concrete balconies
Stacked balconies steel balconies
False balconies glass balconies
Mazzine balconies ..etc masonry unit balconies..etc

1. Based On Design
Hopefully this will give you some guidance on what will work best for your home. video1
Cantilevered Balconies
These are balconies constructed in a manner so that the balcony protrudes from the face of the building
without any visible supports other than the fixing to the face of the building. The weight and imposed loads
are supported by cantilevering the structure off the wall. These balconies will not need or have gallows
brackets or chains.
 Concrete is also a popular structure but again the thermal conductivity is a key issue in the use
of this material.
Cantilevered balconies are usually made to a maximum of 1500-1800mm depth. Beyond
these depths the forces grow and require much more technical solutions.
Hung balconies
Another form of supporting the balcony structure is using stainless steel cables that fix to the
walls and "hang" the balcony or balconies. The balcony sits perpendicular to the building, a
steel cable fixes to the edge of the balcony and a large plate is connected to the building
at 45 degrees. The fixing at the wall makes maximum use of the bolt strength as it is using
fifty percent "shear" and fifty percent "pull out" forces.
Stacked balconies or balconies on pillars
This is the most popular type of balcony structure, mainly because of the simplicity of
implementation and the minimal load implications on the building.
In fact it is a separate structure to the building and on occasions is not even connected
structurally. The balcony structure is supported using vertical pillars or posts.
The weight of the balcony or balconies (if stacked on top of each other) is supported by
these pillars and transferred to the ground where concrete pads are usually cast.
The size of these pillars is an derivative of the size, weight and number of balconies
stacked on top.
STACKED BALCONIES
False balconies
This type of balcony has a rail and only a small bit of decking. The point of a false balcony
is to make a room feel more open and light. There will likely be enough room for if you
want to grow any plants or herbs. False balconies are commonly found on apartment
buildings, but they could work just as well on your house.
Mezzanine balconies
These balconies are found inside your house. There will usually be a large deck and railings- A
mezzanine balcony is the perfect way to create a easy corner in your home, as well as a good
way of making it feel like theres more room.
2. Based on materials
Timber balconies
The safety of elevated timber balconies should be a primary concern for any building owner.
All exterior timbers are susceptible to insect attack and decay.
Wet-rot is a particular danger.
Timber balustrades are more susceptible(weak strength) to the elements than other materials
A properly applied stain or paint finish will restrict water entry through the faces of timber
members, but gaps and joints and exposed end-grain provide a ready place for moisture to
penetrate, especially in seaside areas.
Concrete balconies
All exterior concrete balconies are susceptible to decay although this may not be readily
evident. Cracking and flaking concrete and corrosion of reinforcement are signs of decay.
Small cracks in a concrete surface may look harmless but gaps and joints provide a ready
place for moisture to penetrate, especially in seaside areas.
Steel balconies
Easy to erection
Rust and corrosion Balustrades or handrails using steel rails or posts can be susceptible to rust
or corrosion. By painting steel with an anti-rust coating as protection against weather
elements and inspecting them regularly you may avoid unsafe rust occurring. video 2 for
steel
Glass balconies
Toughened glass Balustrades with toughened glass panels are used in many commercial and
domestic situations.
Its important to ensure the correct glass has been used and the means of attaching the glass
is regularly checked to ensure it is safely attached to the balustrade structure.
Any cracked or broken glass panes should be immediately replaced to minimize safety issues.
Fixings Make sure that fixings, such as metal stirrups to floors, bolts and screws are tight.
Loose fixings on balustrades or handrails are unsafe and can result in injury.
Materials used in balconies balustrades
wood
One of the most commonly used materials for balustrades in ancient times was the ubiquitous
wood it remains popular to this day. Depending on the taste and budget, the wood posts
can be plain or carved and can even be painted in different colors. Although this kind of
balustrade needs to be periodically treated (as opposed to more modern building materials
which do not)

Glass
Glass paneled balustrades are the preferred choice for those looking for a material which
will not obstruct their view and like the contemporary look.
Toughened glass is used in this type of baluster and depending on the taste; clear, frosted or
tinted glass can be used. Users can also opt for fully framed or semi-framed glass
balustrades which can be both straight and curved.
Aluminum
Lace baluster is made of aluminum panels or cast iron and is very intricate in its design.
Balustrades made of stone or granite are preferred by the rich since it is one of the most
striking (and expensive) options available.(appearance)

Steel
The next popular material which finds favor with those looking for sleek lines and modern
design is steel. Balustrades made of steel are both durable and versatile. It can be shaped
and designed in various ways and is also easy to maintain.
Key issues when undertaking balcony/balustrade works
Owners Corporations should be aware of the key issues relating to balcony and balustrade projects
Investigations / Due Diligence
Understand all of your issues relating to the balcony. That means investigating all components
mentioned above (slab, balustrade, waterproofing etc). This should be done by engaging the
appropriately qualified consultants to undertake investigations.
Scope of Works
Prepare a detailed scope of works prior to going out to tender. Do not let a contractor prepare their
own scope of works. This will ensure that variations to contract works are kept to a minimum and
accurate and comparable prices can be obtained from contractors.
Consider Other Building Works
It is more than likely a balcony remediation project will require the erection of scaffolding which is a
very costly portion of the works. While scaffolding is on site it is economical to undertake any other
works that may be required to other areas of your building.
This may include: o Painting o Window replacement o Brick tie repairs o Plumbing repairs
Contractor Selection
It is very important to pick the right contractor for your project. In picking the right contractor
consider the following: o License Are they suitably licensed to undertake the works o
Insurance Do they have the correct insurances in place o Reputation Has the company got
a good record of completing similar works?

Client Representation
As demonstrated in this fact sheet there are many factors to consider when undertaking a
project relating to balconies and balustrades. In reality Owners Corporations and Strata
Managers are not equipped to adequately address all of the issues relating to a project
and as such should engage appropriately qualified Project Managers to oversee the works
and represent the Clients best interests.
Annual inspections
 A general visual inspection on a yearly basis should identify any problems.
Some risk factors to look-out for are:
Pooling of water on the balcony surface
Handrails fixed through the balconys top surface
Tops of solid balustrades and fixings at wall junctions
Cladding finishing hard against the balcony
No threshold between the building and the balcony.
If there is anything suspicious about a balcony, deck or balustrades stability, its
advised you avoid the area and restrict access.
What can affect balconies, decks and balustrades?
There are many things building owners should be aware of that can affect the structural
adequacy of a balcony, deck or balustrade. These may include:
Termites Timbers can be affected by insect attack. In areas of termite risk, the appropriate
timber and treatment are needed, regardless of whether the council has declared the area
likely to be subject to termite attack.
Wet rot Timber is affected by water. Wet rot occurs when a timber member is in constant
contact with the ground or another timber member in the presence of moisture.
Seaside and corrosive effects Corrosive environments can affect unprotected steel structures,
reinforcing steel and fixings, such as bolts and fixing plates, particularly in areas near
coastlines.
Loadings Groups of people, large pots, water features and the like, provide additional
loads for a balcony to support. The balcony may not have been designed to support extra
weight and if overloaded, can cause the balcony to collapse.
What development standards apply?
If the property is not subject to one of the exempt development criteria, then the following
standards apply.
it must not have an area of more than 25m2
not have a floor height of more than 1m above the existing ground level
not be more than 3m at the highest point, above existing ground level
if it is to be constructed out of metal components it should be low reflective, factory pre
colored materials
if it is located on bushfire prone land and is less than 5 m from a dwelling it needs to be
constructed of non-combustible material
General requirements
the development needs to be located behind the building line of any road frontage, and must
be located from the lot boundary.
if it is connected to a fascia it needs to be connected in accordance with engineers
specifications
The development needs to be constructed or installed so that any roof water is disposed of
into an existing storm water drainage system.
It must not interfere with the functioning of existing drainage fixtures or flow paths. If all of
the above criteria or standards cannot be met, balconies, decks, patios, pergolas, terraces
and verandahs can only be installed after approval is obtained from the local council to a
development application..
 Critical components for long term performance of balconies?
Support columns
1. Support columns
need to be designed for the maximum load expected and the unsupported height of the
column. Notching of columns as is sometimes done at beam or girder connections, need to be
properly designed, detailed, and constructed to provide a safe support for decks.
2. Ledger connections
Ledgers, the members attached to the exterior walls which the decks joists are connected to,
are critical components to a deck's performance. Ledgers are typically lag bolted to the
exterior walls. The allowable loads for lag bolts are quite low and, for typical deck sizes,
require multiple lag bolts for each joist. Ledgers also create other problems for the support
of decks.
3. Guardrails
Guardrails are required to safely support a 200 hundred pound load, acting in any
direction. These loads must be safely transferred through the supports to the structure. The
connection of the handrail posts are a critical component of guardrails. Handrail posts bolted
to the joists typically do not have the design strength to resist these loads without additional
blocking or straps to secure the posts.
How to Build simple Balcony
The following information will make building your own balcony a simple project. video 3 how to erect simple balicony
Step 1 - Design Your Balcony
The first thing that you are going to want to do is to design the balcony using the desired materials and the desired
dimensions. The best type of wood to use for any project that involves the outdoors is wood that has been pressure
treated as it is capable of standing up against the elements and insects better than other types of lumber.
Step 2 - Purchase Materials
Now that you know what your basic plan is, visit your local hardware store so that you can purchase the necessary
materials. We have mentioned most of the materials that you will need at the beginning of this article, but your
materials may differ depending on the exact plans for your balcony design and construction.
Step 3 - Begin Installation
Begin by cutting your ledger and floor joists to the desired measurements depending on what your individual plan is
for the construction of your custom balcony. Nail these pieces into place and make sure that you are using lag bolts
to secure the ledger. Use six-inch lag bolts at a minimum for the best possible results.
Next, fit the joist hangers in order to secure the floor joist in its place. Again, check to see if there are any
regulations for joist spacing in this case.
Step 4 - Install Subfloor
Now you are prepared to install your subfloor, which can be made from plywood. Make sure that the
subfloor is both glued and properly screwed into the joists for it to be sturdy and secure.
Step 5 - Add Railing Support Posts
Once this is complete, you can fix the corner support posts which will be used for the hand rails. Cut
pieces of 4x4 lumber to the prescribed height (about 36 to 42 inches above the balcony floor is
standard) and anchor them to the subflooring. You may add extra support posts for the railing if your
balcony is particularly large. This way, the railing lengths can be kept short to prevent them from sagging
in the middle.
Step 6 - Establish Floor
With whichever lumber you decided on in the beginning, it is time to attach your real balcony
flooring. In your initial plan, you should have laid out how you wanted the boards to be cut for your
size, floor plan, and dimensions, so at this time, cut your flooring lumber to size and begin securing it
to the sub flooring with wood screws and adhesive.
Step 7 - Finish Up
Now you can complete the finishing touches on your own personal balcony, including staining,
sealing, or painting the hand rails and the rest of the balcony so that it matches your home
properly.
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THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION