Balcony concrete balustrade

Types of Concrete Balustrades for Balconies

Balcony concrete balustrade is very popular among people. It is an architectural feature that consists of a row of posts or parapets with a rail on top. Balustrades are often installed along the terraces or balconies to help prevent accidents. Concrete is a very relevant option in the construction of balustrades.

• Standard concrete balustrade

  This is the standard concrete balustrade. This type consists of solid cast concrete balusters. Every post here is made from solid concrete and reinforced with metal or steel rods, often described as rebars, to ensure sufficient strength and solid feel. The concrete finish can be smooth, coarse, or textured. Each of the finishes comes up to give the balcony a different aesthetic look. Standard concrete balustrades are often painted or covered with stucco plaster to match the exterior of the building. These are just functional and relatively inexpensive options for preventing people from falling and accidents.

• Precast concrete balustrades

  Precast concrete balustrades are concrete elements produced as items in a manufacturing company. These elements are cast into specifically designed molds and notated in the factory. After that, they are delivered, and installation follows. Precast balustrades may be complex and unique in design while still eliminating much of the soiling process involved with in-situ concrete pouring. These cast items are often painted and finished like standard concrete balustrades. This type is, however, ideal for persons who wish to have a more unique design while being on the safe side with the high concrete strength.

• Reinforced concrete balustrade

  Reinforced concrete provides great strength. A concrete balcony railing is sometimes reinforced with metal bars to reinforce the structure to be able to support heavier weights as well as to prevent cracking on the concrete surface. Sometimes, this type of balustrade may be fitted as an additional section at the height of reinforced walls to ensure the balcony is safe. This balustrade is ideal for higher concrete terraces that require extra safety. It has function and additional aesthetic value.

• Insitu concrete balustrades

  An in-situ concrete balustrade is constructed onsite using cast-in-place concrete. The advantage of in-situ construction is that it allows for greater flexibility in regarding height and design features. It also eliminates the need to precast elements in the factory. It is especially useful when complex designs are needed or in case of improper accessibility to precast elements. It can also be painted over or given a surface texture similar to the building, making it more homogeneous with other architectural components.

• Fiber-reinforced concrete balustrades

  Fiber-reinforced concrete is basically produced by adding fibers to arrange the concrete mixture to enhance its durability or strength. Fiber materials can be such as glass, steel, or synthetic fibers. In the case of fiber-reinforced concrete balustrades, it improves their resistance to cracking, especially for thin or complicated designs. This can be an excellent debate for clients who want increased longevity incorporated into luxury or modern design.

What Makes a Concrete Balustrade Ideal for a Balcony

• Longevity and endurance

  The primary benefit of concrete balustrades is durability. Concrete can withstand adverse weather conditions, UV light, and other physical impact. This makes it particularly ideal for both internal and external balconies. Because it does not need regular replacement like many other materials, concrete is very solid and provides a long-term solution.

• Low maintenance

  One of the main features of the concrete balustrades is that they are maintenance free. Unlike wooden balustrades that may require staining or painting, concrete balustrades will look good with simple washing. They also do not need replacement since they do not age or decay as other materials do. This is an economical solution for high-risk areas such as balconies.

• Aesthetic flexibility

  Concrete has a great aesthetic value since it can be easily formed into practically any shape. It can also closely resemble other materials such as stone, wood, or metal. Concrete balusters can be minimalist, modern, or even classic, French, or Italian, depending on the design. They can be painted as well to match or compliment the building’s facade to enhance their aesthetic appeal.

• Increased safety

  Concrete balcony railing provide a very safe option for vertical drop areas since they are very dense and thick. They are able to provide an excellent barrier, thus minimizing the possibilities of accidents, therefore, making concrete balustrades ideal for balconies that are on higher floors.

• Cost-effectiveness

  Concrete balustrade cost is relatively lower as compared to other ideal materials like metal or wood. This is especially true when it is considered that there are almost no costs for maintenance over its lifetime. Although initial costs may not be what is expected, concrete balustrades may be relatively cheap since they offer longevity and safety.

• Environmental resistance

  Concrete balustrades are well built to withstand heavy rains and extreme heat. They are not affected by the growth of mold, mildew, or even insects such as termites who attack wood. This adds up to their proposition of low maintenance.

How to Select a Concrete Balustrade Balcony

Concrete balustrades are fancy and safer for balconies, but not all of them are created equal. So here are some things to help find the right one.

• Style and height

  Concrete balustrades come in all heights, from short to long. The short ones may be close to knee height, while the long ones are enough to touch the floor. Choose a style that suits the concrete structure.

• Finish and formwork

  Balustrade finishes are many. There is a smooth one, a rough one, and there is even one that looks like stones. The formwork used to create the feature will greatly impact the finish. If one wants a smooth finish, the concrete should be poured into the formwork and left to set. If one prefers a rough finish, the materials used for the formwork should be rough too.

• Budget

  Concrete balustrades are sold at all price ranges. There are expensive ones, and there are cheap ones too. Generally, cheaper options will work, but complex designs with quality components tend to cost more.

• Maintenance

  One of the reasons why concrete balustrades are a favorite is because they are low maintenance. With that said, not all concrete features offer low maintenance. Owners can choose to paint the concrete, and the paint may need maintenance at some point, or they can choose a plain one. Low maintenance features are usually the plain ones.

• Color

  The concrete used for the balustrade can be of different colors. Some may be prime, others may be rough, or recycled aggregates can be used too. Some pigments can also be added to change the color.

Maintenance Tips for a Concrete Balustrade Balcony

• Clean regularly

  Concrete survives for a long time, and though it does, it requires some TLC from time to time. TLC here means cleaning the concrete balustrade regularly. Take a soft brush and some soapy water. Gently scrub it to get rid of dirt, grime, and anything else that tries to mess up the cuties. Avoid rough brushes or powerful chemicals. They can damage the concrete surface.

• Seal it up

  Concrete can be super hard, but it's not invincible. It sometimes tries to absorb liquids like water or wine. When that happens, it can stain or even get damaged. To stop all that, concrete sealers exist. They work hard to protect the concrete and keep it looking fresh. Sealers have to be reapplied from time to time to keep offering the protection. How often to reapply depends on the sealer used and the concrete condition.

• Check for cracks

  Concrete is tough. It can hold up for years. But as it ages, sometimes little cracks might start to show. Cracks can be caused by many things such as extreme weather, heavy weight set on the balcony, or even just the passing of time. Doing regular maintenance checks can help catch small cracks before they become a big problem. If cracks appear, they can be fixed with fillers or patches meant for concrete.

• Watch the weight

  Concrete can hold a lot. But sometimes, if too much stuff is piled on top of the balcony or if too many people lean on the balustrade, it might get stressed out. One should make sure not to overload the concrete balcony or put too much pressure on the balustrade. To keep it strong for years to come, spreading out weight is a must.

• Mind the weather

  Concrete can withstand the weather pretty well. It can survive both the sun's beating rays and rain showers. But a super big change in temperature or wild storms can sometimes play a trick on the concrete. Covering the balcony during crazy weather, like storms or hail, will help protect the surface from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Concrete Balcony Railing

Here are the commonly asked questions about concrete balcony railing:

• What is the role of a balustrade?

  A balustrade's work is to prevent people from falling off the balcony by providing a barrier. They are also used for decorative purposes by adding beauty to the balcony area.

• How much does a concrete balustrade cost?

  The cost relies on how much concrete will be needed, what kind of design is required, and the thickness of the balustrade. Simple ones can be built for less, while the complex ones can cost more.

• Are concrete balustrades safe?

  Yes, concrete balustrades are very safe. They provide a strong barrier that prevents falls. They should meet local building codes and safety standards.

• What are the advantages of concrete balustrades?

  They are safe, sturdy, and strong. They are hard and can withstand harsh weather conditions. They also do not come with the problem of rotting or rusting. They are easy to maintain too.

• How can one beautify their concrete balustrade?

  Concrete balustrades can be made to look good in a variety of ways. They can be painted, or a hammer can be used to give the texture. The balcony railing can also be combined with other materials like wood or metal in the design to make it look more attractive.