Fitting
Fixing your balcony
Fixing your balcony brickwork, blockwork, timber and masonry is simple and straightforward. You will find that your builder is able to source most fixing solutions from local DIY and fixings suppliers.
As we do not offer an installation service, and cannot be on site to asses your fixing surface, we are unable to advise on the correct fixings for your build. To help you, we have put together some guidance below which may help when selecting the right fixings.
The below information is supplied as guidance. You should always seek clarification from a structural engineer to suit your own unique circumstances.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Our fixing kits are complementary and while suitable for most standard builds, should not be used unless approved by your builder or structural engineer– because every wall and structure is different – C&R Direct accepts no liability for the incorrect specification of fixings.
The fixings supplied with our Juliet balconies are 8mm x 100mm stainless steel coach screws and N10 raw plugs. However, for a platform balcony we recommend a using a 10mm diameter threaded bar.
Not sure what you’re fitting into?
Before you can determine which fixings, you need you really need to know what you are fixing to. You may find that fitting a balcony isn’t possible at all if your wall is not structurally sound enough to hold the load. A good starting point for advice would be a builder, surveyor, or structural engineer.
Fixing into solid concrete
We typically use M8x100mm coach screws, with N10 raw plugs. Some builders opt to use additional resin in the brickwork. Rawlplug R-KEM II is a great option but sometimes others are necessary or preferred.
- Bearing in mind the minimum height required for a balcony, it is best for as many of the fixings as possible to be set away from concrete edges & joints.
Fixing into masonry or brick
We typically use M8x100mm coach screws, with N10 raw plugs. Some builders opt to use additional resin in the brickwork. Rawlplug R-KEM II is a great option but sometimes others are necessary or preferred.
- Bearing in mind the minimum height required for a balcony, it is best for as many of the fixings as possible to be central on a brick. Whilst this is the ideal, edges and mortar joints are often acceptable too. As always, seek professional advice.
- Your fixing must penetrate the brick by no less than 90mm.
- With hollow bricks and blocks it is always necessary use sieves (also known as mesh sleeves).
Fixing into timber
We use M8 x 100mm coach screws and recommend a minimum penetration of 75mm. Not all timber can support the weight and force applied to a balcony. It is important to confirm the suitability and load resistance of your timber frame with the timber frame manufacturer or a structural engineer.
Fixing into solid stonework
The fixing plate should make good contact with the stonework so rough-hewn stone may require additional measures to make a safe connection, an option here is using spacers and packing. If you have an uneven surface, you should always seek the advice of a structural engineer, builder or stonemason before you order, as you may be advised you need a custom fixing plate. If this is the case, please get in touch as we can manufacture bespoke fixing plates to suit your needs!
If you require any more information, give us a call!