balcony enclosures

Aluminium decking and balcony manufacturer AliDeck have published their 2021-2022 Balcony Fires Report with alarming results. Collating data from Fire Services across the UK using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the data returned is extremely concerning amidst the context of the ongoing building safety crisis.
 
A total of 310 Balcony Fires occurred between August 1st 2021 and July 31st 2022, up from 213 the year prior for a 46% year-on-year increase. The most troubling statistic within the report is that, of the 310 fires on balconies, 182 were related to smoking, for 59% of the total.
 

It is a fact that balconies are proven to enhance lifestyle and improve wellbeing. An enclosed balcony by Sunparadise, the new name for Windoor balconies, are more useable than a traditional open only balcony, especially in the cooler months of spring and autumn. Housing Association Magazine takes a look at independent living project Vaughan Place in Shropshire, which features Sunparadise’s enclosed system.

Windoor balcony enclosures not only increase the light inside a home but they allow for an outside seating space which can be enclosed on cooler spring and autumn days – therefore extending balcony use more than a traditional design.

The balcony enclosures can be fully opened up when the resident wants to bask in the summer sunshine, and for the chillier days the system has a unique track which allows all the panels to slide and turn inwards. They are then secured safely and discreetly against the inner wall.

Here, Housing Association magazine editor Victoria Galligan speaks to the Windoor team about the benefits of the products' design, and finds out why they are a popular choice for the housing sector…