The Lifecycle of a Balcony: From Maintenance to Final Days
25/11/24
While maintenance and repair of balconies must be considered throughout the building's lifespan, end-of-life and disassembly also need to be well thought out. It is important to note that a balcony may have to be replaced entirely at the end of its natural lifespan. Here, Sapphire Balconies answer important questions about what happens once a balcony has reached its final days.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Balcony?
A balcony's lifespan can depend on several factors, including maintenance and mid-life replacement. Building structures are typically designed for 60-year lifespans and balconies should be designed to exceed this.
Some structural elements of buildings are exposed to the weather and are not protected by the facade. Therefore, careful consideration must be given to the life expectancy of balconies as an external structural element.
BS 7543 classifies balconies as 'maintainable' components, needing regular inspections, cleaning and repairs, with end-of-life planning being necessary, and suppliers needing to consider recycling and sustainable disposal practices.
How are Balconies Dealt With At The End Of Their Lifecycle?
Aluminium is one of the easiest metals to recycle. Companies like Sapphire design our balconies to be almost entirely recyclable.
According to the Council for Aluminium in Building (www.c-a-b.org.uk), the recycling rate of architectural aluminium is between 92 per cent and 98 per cent. According to The Aluminium Association, a ten per cent increase in end-of-life aluminium recycling can decrease industry greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15 per cent.
Balconies need to be disassembled for the aluminium to be recycled. Thanks to demountable connections, Sapphire's entire balcony range and connections can be removed from a building by a trained professional for repairs, maintenance, disassembly and recycling.
Demonstrating Environmentally Sound Practices?
The construction industry in 2024 demands high levels of transparency. It is the responsibility of every professional to provide clarity at every level, from early design to the very end of a balcony's lifecycle.
For example, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) covering all stages of the lifecycle of a product, mean that customers can be empowered to make informed decisions about their own environmental footprint.
Many companies are also choosing to commit to the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi) and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). EPDs can thereby be used to create transparency around the balcony lifecycle.
About Saphire Balconies
Sapphire Balconies is a balcony manufacturer and supplier specialising in the residential construction market. Sapphire focuses on bringing lightweight, innovative aluminium balcony projects to developments across the globe. To learn more about Sapphire Balconies, their vision for construction in the residential sector, or to specify the Next Generation suite, visit:
www.balconies.global email support@balconies.global or call 0344 88 00 553
Source: Tall Buildings Magazine - Issue 6 by Radar Communications - Issuu