For many Australians, having a balcony is something that can never be overlooked because of the difference it makes in the experience of staying in a home.

Whether it’s being used as a space for mid-day yoga, beers with friends, or a spot for creativity, having a different platform that extends beyond the walls of your property can do it plenty of good. For any homeowner that sees themselves living in a specific home for the rest of their lives, such an upgrade bears a degree of value that must be considered. 

As you continue to become enamoured with the idea of outfitting your home with a balcony, it’s crucial to understand that the seemingly-minuscule details of the whole assembly also play vital roles in your experience. From the quality of glass you use to the set finishings that tie in the overall look of your balcony, there’s no such thing as a detail that can be overlooked.

Among the different factors that you’ll need to watch out for when putting your dream balcony together, there’s one piece of the puzzle that you must pay more attention to: The balustrade requirements that you need to follow for your balcony.

What you need to consider for a compliant balcony balustrade

Although your balustrades may not necessarily seem like the most legally-interlaced fixture in existence, the truth is that they’re still held to a specific standard of building compliance. Seeing that these fixtures are a crucial part of ensuring the safety of anyone in your home, it’s easy to see why authorities are keen on ensuring that they meet set standards.

If you don’t want to risk incurring any unwanted expenses or penalties during your balcony project, here are three crucial factors to consider when dealing with your balustrades:

Factor #1: Height

According to Perth’s building code, any balustrade or handrail made of concrete, steel, or timber must be at least one metre high to ensure that anyone on the balcony is safe.

When it comes to the technicalities of measurement, it’s vital to consider that building safety inspectors will measure a balustrade from the adjacent finished floor to the very tip of the fixture. It is critical to measure accurately in cases where tiles or other paving treatments were administered to the surface to ensure its aptitude for safety.

Factor #2: Cable tension and size

Generally, the technicalities of the building authority’s stand on balustrades that use tensioned wire can be found within the building code. For balconies that use wire-style balustrades, it is crucial to ensure compliance with the set rules and guidelines because of the additional risk that comes with this option.

As a rule of thumb, the most recommended material option to work with considering the aspect of proper tensioning and size are steel or wood. If the wire or cable itself is loose to any extent, then it is recommended that the necessary measures are taken to tighten everything down until there is no form of slack present. 

Factor #3: Glass toughness

On the other hand, balustrades that use glass panels are commonly required to ensure that the quality of the material in question is up to par with industry standards.

Although the building code may not necessarily dictate what constitutes a compliant glass toughness, it’s a general rule is that any cracked or broken glass panes be replaced right away. If you want to ensure that you’re getting the right attachments for your glass balustrades, it’s best to get your glass balcony railing from a dependable supplier, such as Aussie Balustrading!

Conclusion

If you want to ensure that your next balcony project has a balcony railing that is compliant by all means and ready to protect your household, you must first ensure the compliance of your balustrades. Through the help of this simple guide, you can ensure that your efforts are going to the right place when creating a safe and appealing extension!

If you are looking for a professional balustrade manufacturer in Perth, we have got you covered. We boast a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals who strive for perfection and satisfaction with every job – get in touch with us today to see how we can help!