Balconette’s Frameless Glass Balustrade Solves Homeowner’s Planning Issue

The clean and classy looks of Balconette’s Frameless glass balustrade helped a Kent homeowner to secure retrospective planning consent after he was forced to remove an original ‘industrial galvanised balcony’.

Simon Miller had erected the metal balcony on an oak platform leading out from a loft apartment above a four-bay garage at his Maidstone home, thinking it was ‘in keeping with the industrial look of the loft.’ However, local planners made him take it down following objections.

Seeking a balustrade solution so that the terrace could continue to be enjoyed by guests, Simon suggested glass, which the planners approved. It took him a day to install nearly 10 metres of Balconette’s SG12 Fully Frameless System fitted above finished floor level with a Royal Chrome anodised base rail.

“The Frameless glass system stood out for me as I wanted glass to preserve the uninterrupted countryside views. Also, if guests were sitting at the table eating outside on a summer’s evening, they wouldn’t have to stand up to look over the balustrade,” he says.

Simon also installed a second balcony using Balconette’s Aerofoil glass balustrade system with a Royal Chrome anodised handrail and base track off a first-floor bedroom. Sitting on a flat roof extension, the balustrade’s handrails are fixed to the walls at both ends.

Living less than an hour’s drive from Balconette’s Lingfield offices, he visited the showroom to ‘physically see’ the products before placing his order. “I’d already made my decision, but it was useful to see the product and talk to someone as I had a couple of technical questions. So, an altogether good experience,” continues Simon.

Although he had wanted the frameless system for the house balcony, Balconette’s technical adviser recommended the Aerofoil system as a more suitable option. The balustrade is fitted to a steel flat ring beam with the handrail providing the required stability for this application.

On the installation process, Simon comments: “I fitted each one in a day and I found it relatively easy. I phoned Balconette for technical assistance on one occasion, and they answered my query very adequately, which allowed me to progress. So, no complaints there.

“Now I could fit both of those balustrades for a friend with total confidence having fitted them, because I did make a couple of mistakes that, fortunately, I was able to remedy.”

In the few months after installing the balustrades, there’s been no need to clean the glass thanks to Balconette’s BalcoNano^® self-cleaning glass coating that protects the glass and keeps it cleaner by repelling mineral deposits and rainwater.

“We live near water and because there’s a lot of moisture in the air glass seems to require a bit more cleaning than normal. The coating works well, and the glass stays clearer for longer.”

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Concluding, Simon says: “Both balustrades look classy and expensive. I think, on balance, the Balconette product is good value because it’s an excellent product. It looks very smart, very substantial.

“There are significantly cheaper alternatives, but I wanted to be assured of the quality. I relied on Balconette’s website, the testimonials and the feedback I’d seen on social media; there was nothing there that fazed me. The balconies look fantastic, and everyone loves them!”