What would you do here?

Argyll · Post by **Argyll** » Thu May 02, 2024 2:27 pm

A customer has a balcony that's falling apart. It sits on top of an extension. The balcony is sitting on top of an EPDM roof. To be honest I wouldn't have it but she wants it replaced so who am I to argue?

I told her the two end posts (C) would be tied to the posts attached to the wall (B) but the middle post sitting unsecured (A) is too large a span for it to be safe.

My plan would be to remove the guttering at the front and attach a post to the wall in the middle and then screw a middle post to it using 200mm anchor bolts. I don't think the guttering at the front is needed as the fall falls from right to left. If I can't remove the guttering at the front I don't see any other option.

They really shouldn't have anything on top of the EPDM roof. I've mentioned it but they're insistent on it. I also think it's dangerous at that height.

What would you do (apart from run

)

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Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Thu May 02, 2024 3:49 pm

It looks to be just decorative? (Doesn't seem to be a door or stairs) is there?

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Thu May 02, 2024 4:18 pm

You have to be careful here A, if the balustrade should give way after you repair it and someone fell, your arse is in the sling. Just walk away Rene.

DWD

Bob225 · Post by **Bob225** » Thu May 02, 2024 5:15 pm

Leave well alone, unless you are just removing it, the roof is just a roof not designed to be used in such a manor

bolting above the window may be a no go due to a RSJ or concrete lintel - water flow may be an issue with a centre post is may act as a drip run

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Thu May 02, 2024 5:40 pm

placing a handrail turns it into a raised platform greater than 300mm do they have planning permission for this??

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Thu May 02, 2024 8:25 pm

other thoughts
are they the home owner ??
apart from the lintol issue iff you can only fix into the bottom 6-8 " the leverage will be massive
if you install a handrail that will make you fully responsible for any leaks or damage regardless off cause as it will with foot fall[it was ok before you fitted it]

Nos · Post by **Nos** » Fri May 03, 2024 7:18 am

Only an idea form a none pro, I would look at it from a different angle, after you have run away from it, why not get a welded frame made just a 4x2 box with the posts vertically welded, the two wall posts "B" bolted to the wall, it will be strong and safe, the infills can be anything they want, but as said there has do be some type of regs for this type of thing so could end up being a very expensive nightmare also unaware of the budget but looking around I feel they will be looking for a cheap fix.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Fri May 03, 2024 7:39 am

The problem as I see it is that this probably rarely gets used like most balconies. As we drive around we have become subconsciously focused on spotting the balcony in use. On the rare occasions we have seen someone they are invariably smoking. There are few balconies like the one shown that would ever get used for the 'reading a book with a glass of wine' moment trotted out by property shows, it does not happen in real life as few have a decent unoverlooked view that would justify it. Back to this situation, this property looks like it is in the middle of an estate and only those who have no self-consciousness could sit out there pretending to be Noel Coward. I doubt the owners would pay out for a good safe solution and it would be cheaper to install a Juliet barrier over the doors to prevent any access to the roof and the damage that would cause in the long run to the flat roof.

The whole ting looks an eyesore anyway which is why I urged A to walk away.

DWD

Argyll · Post by **Argyll** » Fri May 03, 2024 9:20 am

For clarity the whole thing would be replaced like for like. I wouldn't be repairing it. But my instincts tell me not to get involved as I can see the HSE ripping me to shreds if someone fell.

I wouldn't imagine planning permission was even sought 20 odd years ago when it was built. The existing owner moved in 7 years ago.

I just wanted your view on it.

I'll leave it well alone.

Argyll · Post by **Argyll** » Fri May 03, 2024 9:21 am

Someone-Else wrote: ↑Thu May 02, 2024 3:49 pm It looks to be just decorative? (Doesn't seem to be a door or stairs) is there?

They walk out of the patio doors

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Fri May 03, 2024 10:14 am

Wise choice A. You could suggest a Juliet balcony for the patio windows to prevent a kid or a sleepwalker from getting out onto the flat roof sehttps://www.balconette.co.uk/juliet-balcony/homepagee It would look a whole lot better.

DWD

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Sat May 04, 2024 7:36 am

Last year I had a customer ask me about just such a job. Flat roof that he wanted to turn into a balcony . There was nothing there previously and just a window overlooking it which was changed to a door. For the handrails we went with the tubeclamp system which enabled fixing into the brickwork rather than the roof surface. His girlfriend was of the nervous sort with regards to hight so there was a top railrail and two intermediates and a toe board. We got the tubes and fittings from The metal store and thought it reasonable cost wise and the service quick and efficient.
https://www.themetalstore.co.uk/product ... -suppliers