How to Build a Composite Decking Balcony That Withstands Fire
The majority of composite decking is Class C rated fire-resistant, meaning it will resist fire to some extent but will not protect you in the event of a house fire, according to the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). If you’re constructing a deck on your balcony or aboveground porch, however, you should build with composite that’s Class A rated—it will withstand an external fire better than conventional wood. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between composite Class C and Class A ratings and how to apply them to your project .
Planning around resins
Design your composite decking balcony around the three-inch plastic trellis balcony. The deck should be elevated about six inches off the ground and the trätrall balkong composite material should be secured to the top of the trellis. You’ll need an L-shaped metal bracket on each side of the metal railing that runs along both sides of your balcony, and a metal rail along the front edge of your balcony with an L-shaped metal bracket on each end. byggartiklar like PVC piping (not more than six inches in diameter) and zip ties will also be needed.
Minimizing Risk
When it comes to fire safety, composite decking materials are the best choice. A Class A composite material (made from PVC and wood fiber) is the safest bet; you’ll want plastic trellis balconies or trolley balcony composites for your balcony. These will not only withstand fire, but also weather beautifully without splintering or splitting.
Improving on your design
While there are some fire-resistant wood species, they can be hard to find and only offer limited protection. One way to protect your deck, balcony or porch is with composite decking. It’s made of PVC and wood fibers and has a Class A rating for fire resistance, which is the highest possible rating.
Getting approval
Before you start, you’ll need to get approval from your local building department. Find out what the requirements are in your area and make sure you follow them closely. You may need an architect or engineer’s stamp of approval, depending on what type of balcony you want to build. How it will attach to the house, and other factors. This can be the most time-consuming part of the process because it often requires multiple stages of evaluation and waiting for approvals before construction can begin. Some municipalities also require permits for specific materials like composite decking. If this is true in your area, be sure to take that into account when budgeting for construction costs.
How do I get started?
The first step is to calculate the size and shape of your balcony. If you’re going with a square or rectangular shape, measure the length and width. And decide on your desired depth from the house. If you want rounded corners, measure both the radius (half of pi) and the width or length. You can also choose an L-shaped or U-shaped deck for more creative options. Once you have this information, you can buy composite deck boards. Match your measurements from your local home improvement store.
