Building & Construction

Why use aluminium as a construction material?

Aluminium offers a number of advantages as a building material. With excellent strength-to-weight ratio properties, the lightweight, non-ferrous material meets modern architectural standards and regulations, offering significant versatility in construction design. The malleability of the metal allows for a diverse range of manufacturing processes to be applied including extrusions and CNC machining.

The material ensures prolonged durability, particularly when exposed to harsh environmental conditions, making it ideal for use in external building elements such as facades and balconies. The anti-rusting/corrosion properties induced through natural surface oxidation works to protect the aluminium beneath the aluminium oxide layer, extending the structural integrity of the material in building applications.

Additionally, the appearance of the material may be tailored to project specifications through aluminium anodising. At Edmo, we offer a range of hard coat and colour anodising solutions to enhance the protection and visual appearance of your aluminium components.

Contact our expert team today to discuss your project requirements.

Construction highlight: aluminium balcony manufacturing

Aluminium serves as a versatile material alternative to concrete or steel for the construction of balconies. Whether designing balconies for residential buildings, hotels or offices, our range of aluminium services provides complete project support for the design and manufacture of your aluminium balconies.

From bespoke aluminium extrusions and welding to precision CNC machining, there are a number of advantages to opting for aluminium balconies in your building project:

What are the benefits of using aluminium for balconies?

Lightweight, reduced foundational stress: With a high strength-to-weight ratio, aluminium balconies can handle significant weight loads without adding excessive structural stress to your building’s foundations. This in turn can simplify the installation design and process compared to heavier materials.

Architectural design freedom: With significant scope for manufacturing processes and enhanced malleability, aluminium affords great flexibility for architects designing balconies. From simplistic and modern to elaborate and ornate designs, by opting for an aluminium balcony, the balcony specified can be chosen to match the aesthetic of your complete project.

Fire safety: Of pertinent importance to architectural design, the high melting point of aluminium reduces structural integrity risks from fires. Off-site manufacturing: Aluminium balconies can be pre-fabricated before installation at the building site, helping to enhance project progression and reduce building site disruption. Our turnkey aluminium services integrate seamlessly with your project timelines, reducing on-site construction time.

To discuss your project requirements, contact our expert team today.

What are the main types of balconies?

Suspended: Suspended balconies, also referred to as hung balconies, attach perpendicular to the building, using a combination of cables, rods or brackets. As a lightweight, high-strength material, aluminium serves as an ideal material for the construction of suspended balconies, presenting a modern, intriguing visual appearance.

Stacked: Stacked balconies, otherwise known as balconies on pillars, are one of the most common and simplistic designs for introducing a balcony to your building project. Stacked balconies are often considered structurally separate from the main building, relying upon vertical pillars/posts. Aluminium is considered an ideal building material for the construction of stacked balconies, offering high load-bearing properties.

Juliet: Juliet balconies, also known as juliet guardrails, are often used to enhance the visual appearance of a building. Whilst providing no external platform to step onto, by situating these in front of a window, the same function of standing at a balustrade within the interior. Juliet balconies can be manufactured from a range of materials, including anodised aluminium to compliment the appearance of the building.

Interior: Interior balconies (or mezzanine balconies) are commonly found in residential and hotel spaces. Contrary to external balconies, mezzanine balconies or floors introduce an intermediate floor into the building design. Aluminium can be used throughout their construction, from structural supports to balcony railings.