Aluminum balconies offer condo companies a waterproof, easy to install solution

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Aluminum balconies offer condo builders a waterproof, easy to install solution


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aluminum balconies, condobusiness, marty lyon, brace point railings

By Marty Lyons

For many decades, adding a balcony to a structure typically involved two options: wood or steel construction, from a local metalworking shop. Even with weatherproof protective coatings (and subsequent re-coatings) these materials deteriorate, rot and rust when exposed to the elements. Coupled with the increasing attention to waterproofing issues that can lead to replacement work and even litigation, a new option is gaining the attention of contractors: aluminum balconies.

Aluminum has been used extensively in the aerospace industry for many years due to its primary properties: it is lightweight, durable, and resists corrosion. It is one of a handful of metals that form a passive coat which prevents water from having any effect.

As an option for balconies, it turns out aluminum has many benefits. Aesthetically, it has sleek lines and sharp corners. At about 35 per cent the weight of steel, aluminum balconies can often be installed without a crane, which reduces costs for builders. Often one or two people can install a balcony quickly, with no special tools.

Another functional advantage is an aluminum balcony can be constructed as one piece, integrating the guardrail and the floor. Unlike wood or steel that is built with flooring gaps (an ‘open floor’ construction), extruded aluminum planks can be installed in tongue-and-groove style for a solid floor, with no gaps between boards. For some residents, a solid floor makes them feel more comfortable while out on the balcony.

It isn’t just new construction that can benefit. Contractors have noted the trend towards the remodeling of older condos and apartments. This provides a ready market for aluminum to replace decaying balconies.

Due to degradation of the wood or steel balcony structures, moisture leaks into the building envelope, leading to all kinds of maintenance, safety and health headaches. As a result, building codes have gotten very strict to prevent waterproofing problems.

That can mean up to six different trades are involved in the activities required to properly waterproof a balcony. All it takes is one trade failing in their duties and water can begin to infiltrate the structure. With balconies in particular, wooden joists or steel beams penetrate the wall as a means of supporting the deck. This is the Achilles’ Heel of the building envelope. Once steel or wood degrade, moisture inevitably finds a way to leak into the internal structure, where it can wreak havoc.

Wood, typically, is never used above three or four storeys. There are also owner concerns over its waterproofing and maintenance liabilities. This brings the choice down to steel versus aluminum.

Aluminum doesn’t rust and is far lighter than steel, which makes it easier when you have to install balconies on the upper floors. There is also less structure to reinforce at attachment points.

With plenty of lawsuits ongoing due to waterproofing failures, as well as an entire industry having grown up around the care and maintenance of steel and wood, architects are increasingly specifying aluminum.

Steel decks need to be repainted on a regular basis. That translates into long-term benefits such as lower maintenance costs for the owner when aluminum is employed.

The lightweight nature of aluminum is appreciated when hoisting each deck into position. Once erected, the aesthetics of aluminum are similar to steel, and over time, it looks better than steel as it won’t rust or flake.

So why aren’t more contractors using aluminum? It’s likely due to a lack of information.

It is still early days for the aluminum balcony market. Once more builders hear about it, they will start using it.

Marty Lyons is the president of Brace Point Railings. For more information, please visit www.bracepointrailings.com.

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