Steel vs aluminium for balcony balustrades, up to 35% cost saving following steel price rises
Due to the ongoing economic and political turbulence in the UK and world-wide, many essential resources in the construction industry have seen rising prices and limited supply. A key material for construction is steel and with prices continuing to rise, many balcony manufacturers are seeking viable alternative solutions. In this context, aluminium has been increasingly recognised as going a long way to overcoming these challenges.
Innovative product solutions for construction that utilise aluminium in favour of more traditional metals are in high demand. Our AliDeck aluminium balustrade kit is one such innovation that is putting money back in the pockets of balcony manufacturers. With our aluminium balustrades proving to save in excess of £100 per linear metre when used alongside our soffit-cladding and balcony decking, we have recently seen new enquiries sky-rocket!
Alongside the excellent cost savings, an essential consideration to be kept in mind by architects, specifiers and balcony manufacturers when working with a balcony balustrade system is weight. Aluminium is an extremely strong and robust material but also lightweight, offering 50% or more weight saving in comparison to steel on a typical balcony.
The AliDeck aluminium balustrade kit is highly sustainable using up to 67% recycled aluminium. Our range of aluminium decking and balcony components come with a 60-year life expectancy and 30-year manufacturer guarantee, offering our customers true peace of mind.
We dispatch the balustrade elevations in prefabricated kits, meaning installation is quick and simple and therefore offering further opportunities for savings on time and labour. We recently visited a project where the AliDeck aluminium balustrade kit was specified to the building façade and you can see the excellent aesthetic outcome taking shape.
Steel fabricators depend on their suppliers to ensure a successful project outcome on time, within budget. That’s why AliDeck are pleased to be leading the way with our cost-effective and futureproof designs. AliDeck’s excellent service delivery and high-quality product design allows us to build trusted relationships with our partners.
If you would like to discuss our cost-saving balustrade kit or the AliRail range in more detail, please contact our technical support team on 01622 235 672 or email us at info@alideck.co.uk.
Vertical Infill Balustrade Manufacturing & Delivery
Recent Project: AliRail Vertical Infill Balcony Kit
AliRail Vertical Infill Balustrade FAQ
Yes, we have technical downloads for all of our systems.
Click the links below to find the datasheets and specification downloads for the AliRail Vertical Infill balustrade system:
We do, you can find an in-depth video at the link below:
AliRail Vertical Infill Balustrade has 2 fixing options, Top-Fix and Plate-Fix, which you can view at the links below:
You can, we have a range of imagery available from the design renders all the way through production and finally to completed installations available at the link below:
You’ll find an in-depth coverage of all our AliRail testing results available at the link below:
General AliRail Balustrade System FAQ
Yes, we have technical downloads for all of our systems.
Click the links below to find the datasheets and specification downloads for the AliRail Vertical Infill balustrade system:
We do, you can find an in-depth video at the link below:
AliRail Vertical Infill Balustrade has 2 fixing options, Top-Fix and Plate-Fix, which you can view at the links below:
You can, we have a range of imagery available from the design renders all the way through production and finally to completed installations available at the link below:
You’ll find an in-depth coverage of all our AliRail testing results available at the link below:
Yes! AliRail is part of all of our balcony kits and can be made to bespoke specifications. Other elements of our Balcony Kit are AliDeck aluminium decking and AliClad soffit cladding.
AliRail can be delivered in plot-specific, flat-pack kit-form if required or in sorted elevations to suit fabrication.
A balustrade infill is whatever fills the space between the handrail and the bottom of the balustrade. Our AliRail vertical infill balustrades have spindle infill, with multiple spindle shape options available.
Yes, we have technical downloads for all of our systems.
Click the links below to find the datasheets and specification downloads for the AliRail Vertical Infill balustrade system:
We do, you can find an in-depth video at the link below:
Yes, you can request a sample via our Request Form at the link below:
AliRail with Vertical Infill is easy to install to your steel bolt-on or slide-on balcony, and is fully compatible with the AliDeck and AliClad systems. Supplied in kit form, the pre-fabricated balustrade elevations are simply fixed to the steelwork.
Yes, LED lighting in the handrail is optionally available for a high-end finish and to create an aspirational “balcony living” specification, with a range of light colour options, including RGB.
AliRail is supplied with a 30-year warranty against splitting, cracking, warping, splintering, rotting, twisting and material or manufacturing defects and has a minimum 60-year life expectancy.
AliRail with Vertical Infill can be coated in any of our 10 Standard Colours, although any RAL colour of your choosing is available on special request (lead-time may be increased with non-standard colour selection).
Click the link below to view our standard RAL colours:
Benefits include but are not limited to:
- Kit-form, supplied in pre-fabricated elevations
- Warranty: 30 Years
- Life Expectancy: 60 years
- LED Lighting options into the handrail
- Fire Rating: A2-s1, d0
- Loading performance up to 1.5kN/m
For more, check out our product benefits section at the link below:
AliRail Vertical Infill Balustrade has 2 fixing options, Top-Fix and Plate-Fix, which you can view at the links below:
You can, we have a range of imagery available from the design renders all the way through production and finally to completed installations available at the link below:
You’ll find an in-depth coverage of all our AliRail testing results available at the link below:
AliRail is constructed completely from 100% aluminium (6063 T6 grade), up to 67% of which has been recycled to make this system eco-friendly and much better for the environment.
AliRail is aluminium and finished using the 5 stage Qualicoat system, therefore little-to-no maintenance is required other than cleaning with a warm, damp and scratch free cloth.
The approximate weight per linear metre of AliRail is 16kg. This may vary slightly according to design specification and installation options.
All AliRail products have been independently tested for loading performance to BS 6180: 2011, Barriers In and About Buildings
To comply with Approved Document K, we ensure that the toe board height is equivalent to half of the gap between spindles.
In line with Approved Document K, the maximum gap between spindles is set at less than 100mm.
AliRail is perfect for new build construction projects, due to production efficiencies, we have found that AliRail is most suited to medium and large-scale projects
AliRail is a balustrade system, designed for use on balconies but able to be used on terraces and walkways also. Our AliRail with Vertical Infills option is our neat and versatile solution for a classic balcony balustrade design.
AliRail is supplied in pre-fabricated elevations plus handrail sections for simple installation. Fixings are also supplied.
