Whether you are renovating your home and considering installing a balcony or planning to build a high-rise building complete with multiple balconies, it is essential you understand the different types of balconies and the importance of steel detailing to the design and construction of a balcony. This will not only ensure you select the right type of balcony for your building, but it will also ensure the balcony is stable and safe.
What are the different types of balconies?
There are two main types of balcony: cantilever and stacked balconies. A cantilevered balcony is also referred to as a bolt-on balcony and protrudes from the side or the face of a building without any visible structural support. Cantilever balconies are incredibly popular as they can be craned onto a construction site and into position, before being bolted to a building. They can be fully assembled prior to being craned in the construction site.
Stacked balconies, on the other hand, are fabricated off-site and are then assembled with a post and balustrade to provide support. Also known as balconies on pillars, this style of a balcony is incredibly popular as it has minimal load implications for a building, and therefore can be implemented and assembled quickly and easily.
Why is steel detailing required for the construction of a balcony?
It is essential that structures are designed with 100% accuracy, or there is a significant risk that the structure will be unstable and dangerous. The process of steel detailing combines the work of architects, engineers and metal fabricators, ensuring they have all maintained a high level of accuracy whilst designing a balcony. Steel detailing will ensure the dimensional parts of a balcony are correct and ensures the location of the balcony is able to hold the structure securely. Steel detailing will ensure that should a natural disaster, such as a fire, flood or earthquake occur, the balcony will not collapse, nor will the structural integrity of the building the balcony is attached to.
How is steel detailing completed for balconies?
Steel detailing uses the drawings created by architects and structural engineers to create a 3D CAD (computer-aided design) model that is fully compliant with the requirements of the structure and balcony. Using the CAD model, a General Assemble Drawing is produced. Once this drawing receives approval, assembly and single part drawings will also be produced. The drawing will include details such as the construction plan, elevation and sections of the balcony plus any connection details.
How to find the right steel detailer for your balcony structure
• To ensure you receive high-quality steel detailing drawings, you should only consider working with steel detailers who are certified under ISO 9001.
• You should also look for a company with experience creating balcony drawings, as they will ensure you can rely on their expertise and experience.
• A steel detailing company should be open about their past work and encourage you to look at their portfolio, as it proves they are passionate about and proud of their past work.
• You may wish to only work with a steel detailing company with liability insurance, as this ensures that should the worst happen, your project is protected.
Contact Restoric Design
If you require fabrication drawings for a structural balcony frame, contact Restoric Design today. We offer fixed price quotations and would happily be able to provide a quote for your balcony project. If you have structural engineers drawings ready, simply email the drawings to us and we will be able to provide you with a detailed quote within 24 hours. To learn more about Restoric Design or our experience with steel fabricated balconies, get in touch with us now.