Modern homes that lack outdoor space can feel claustrophobic. If you don’t have a garden, then there are balcony options available that can bring you the space you need to enjoy the outdoor life. When looking at different options for your balcony, you need to think about the material. Options for balconies include wood, aluminium, iron, concrete, and glass.
Wooden Balcony Options
Wood is not the best option for a modern home, simply because it won’t fit in with the design of your home. Wood is used for traditional homes. But, that’s not the only reason that wood isn’t a good choice. It requires a lot of upkeep, and will become slippery when wet. Wood also suffers from both dry rot and wet rot.
Iron is an expensive choice, but it is one that is durable and long-lasting. In the past, iron was used and is still found as original pieces on period homes. Wrought iron will last almost a lifetime, most especially if you conduct routine maintenance. Wrought iron however is not really an aesthetically pleasing choice for modern homes, being more suited to period properties.
Concrete Balconies and Balustrades
One of the most popular balcony options available for modern homes is concrete. Both your balcony as well as your balustrade can be made from concrete, finished in a way that will match the design of your home. One point that needs to be remembered when opting for concrete however is that it can be prone to cracking. This problem is more common in new build homes as the cracks will appear when the concrete settles.
Metal Options
Other metal balcony options include aluminium and steel. These are both more economical when compared with wrought iron or glass, but are less durable. If you opt for a metal balcony, then once again, routine maintenance is a must. This will ensure that your balcony stays looking good for longer. If you live on the coast, rust from salt water is an important consideration.
Glass Balconies
A great option for modern homes is glass. It looks great, and is well-worth the money you invest in it. Glass balconies are easy to maintain, and are made from toughened glass that is far more sturdy than metal options you may have been considering. Glass balconies ensure that light enters in your home, and that you make full use of your outdoor space. Easy to clean and maintain, your balcony can be used in the same way as your windows.
If you want to add a balcony to your home, it is important to order a survey. A professional team of builders and surveyors will be able to tell you which balcony options are realistic for you and what will look best for your home. If you add a balcony to the rear of your home you won’t need planning permission unless you are residing in a listed building. Once again, this is something that you can discuss with your Bristol balcony specialists, who will ensure that everything is correct and legal before works commence.