Following a number of notable fires and the Hackitt report, Approved Document B was changed in November 2018 (and also as amended in December 2019 and April 2019) in a number of respects including that balconies must now be made from materials “of limited combustibility”.

The MHCLG followed this up with advice that culminated in January 2020, advising building owners that “the removal and replacement of any combustible material used in balcony construction is the clearest way to prevent external fire spread from balconies”.

This creates not only a challenge for Architects and specifiers to create designs to meet these new technical requirements, but also to achieve the appearance and feel that is expected in a space that is often an extension of the home.

You are of course aware of a range of aluminium decking systems.

However, a team of Engineers at Blazeboard have applied their combined expertise in building engineering and composite materials to develop a product that achieves the requirements of Approved Document B as well as the MHCLG guidance, whilst having the appearance and tactile properties that are more appropriate for residential applications.

The appearance of Blazeboard is based on the colour of driftwood, because it doesn’t create watermarks like wood, and emulates the silvery sheen that natural hardwood takes on after a couple of years in sunshine.

Blazeboard also has the tactile feel of hardwood that can be comfortably walked on whilst barefoot

Our Engineers can work with you to create a balcony design that is rigid and robust, yet won’t suffer from the thermal expansion issues of aluminium systems. If you would like us to look at a project with you, please let us know, or even just request a copy of our Balcony Finish Selection Guide.

Sincerely
Spencer Allen
Commercial Director
Blazeboard Ltd