How to choose a suspended balcony: a guide for apartment owners
Deciding how to choose a suspended balcony is a one-time investment for most apartment owners for decades to come. A suspended balcony is not just an accessory - it is a supporting aluminium structure anchored to the facade of an apartment building, which must safely carry people and furniture, withstand the weather and fit into the architecture of the house. Therefore, it is worth knowing the criteria by which a quality solution differs from a cheap compromise. In this guide, we will guide you step by step through everything you need to consider before you request a no-obligation quote.
What is a suspended balcony and who is it worth it for
A suspended balcony is a separate structure that is "hung" on the facade of the house using stainless steel anchors, without the need to build supports down to the ground. This makes it different from classic brick balconies or existing steel structures. The solution is ideal for apartment buildings where balconies are completely missing, undersized or outdated - typically panel and brick houses from the 60s to the 90s. If your house is dealing with insulation or facade renewal, it is an ideal moment to combine the works and install balconies. You can find more about the product itself on the suspended balconies page.
Material of construction: why aluminium leads over steel
The first and most important decision is the material of the support structure. On the market, you will meet mainly aluminium and steel.
aluminium profiles combine high strength with low weight and excellent corrosion resistance. It is the low weight that is key in the suspended structure - it puts less strain on the facade and anchoring. In addition, aluminium does not rust, so it retains its appearance and strength for a long time without demanding maintenance.
aluminium vs. Steel - Life and Maintenance
Steel construction is cheaper at first glance, but it requires regular anti-corrosion maintenance and coatings, otherwise it rusts over time - especially in the places of welds and anchorages. aluminium eliminates these worries. Therefore, when making a decision, compare not only the purchase price, but the costs of the entire life cycle of the structure. You can also read about why aluminium is advantageous for balconies in the article Advantages of aluminium for balconies.
Dimensions and layout: how much space you actually get
When choosing a balcony, decide whether you only want a small "storage" area or a full-fledged seating area. The depth of the balcony (layout from the facade) determines whether it can fit a table and chairs, or just flower pots. However, be careful - a larger loading area places higher demands on structural engineering and anchoring, and this is reflected in the price. It is also important to coordinate the dimensions within the entire house so that the facade looks uniform after installation. That is why a high-quality supplier makes each balcony custom-made according to a particular house, not from universal parts.
Load capacity and structural engineering: never skimp
The load-bearing capacity of a suspended balcony must take into account the structure's own weight, the useful load (people, furniture) and the load from snow and wind. The static assessment is therefore not a formality, but the basis of safety. When choosing a supplier, ask if they have a structural engineer in their team and if they provide a static calculation for each project. Structures should be designed and manufactured in accordance with valid European standards for the production of aluminium structures. A supplier who avoids or "simplifies" structural engineering is a red flag. You can read about the technological procedure on the page production process.
Glazing and railing filling: glass, ALUPANEL, HPL, sheet or polycarbonate
The appearance and functionality of the balcony will be significantly affected by the filling of the railing and possible glazing. They are most often used:
- Tempered glass - modern, airy appearance, bright interior, easier maintenance by cleaning.
- ALUPANEL / aluminium composite - full, robust surface in various colors, excellent privacy.
- HPL boards - durable laminate with a long life and a wide range of decors.
- Sheet metal or polycarbonate – more economical variants with good resistance.
Glazing the balcony also extends the period during which you can use the balcony and protects against rain and wind. When choosing, consider the ratio of privacy, light and maintenance. There are also loggies, canopies and accessories that complete the solution.
Finish and color
aluminium structures are most often treated with powder coating (komaxit), which creates a durable color layer resistant to UV radiation and weather. Choose the color so that it matches the facade, windows and roofing. High-quality surface treatment is also another protection against the effects of the weather. Color options and technology can be found on the surface treatment (komaxit) page.
Anchorage and type of apartment building
The method of anchoring depends on the construction of the house. Panel houses have different load-bearing layers than masonry brick houses, and therefore require different anchoring elements and anchoring depth. An experienced contractor will assess the load-bearing capacity of the perimeter shell directly during the inspection and propose an anchorage that will safely transfer the load to the supporting structure. In the case of insulated houses, the passage of the anchorage through the insulation without the formation of thermal bridges must also be addressed. This is the area where the difference between an expert and an improv will be most apparent.
Certificates, warranty and supplier quality
With such an important investment, the credibility of the supplier is as important as the product itself. Watch:
- Quality certificates - for example, a quality management system according to ISO 9001.
- Professional qualification – welders with state exams, structural engineer in the team, installers certified for work at heights.
- Warranty - written warranty certificate. HS ALUSYSTEM provides a 10-year warranty for the supporting structure and anchoring.
- References - real projects that you can view. You can find inspiration among the references.
It is good for apartment owners to know that the installation of balconies in an apartment building is decided by voting at the owners' meeting according to Act no. 182/1993 Coll. on the ownership of apartments and non-residential premises. A good supplier will prepare complete documents for this vote.
Price and what affects it
The price of a suspended balcony is mainly influenced by the size and layout, type of filling and glazing, surface treatment, difficulty of anchoring and access to the facade (need for scaffolding or platform). In the case of an entire apartment building, the price for one balcony is usually reduced due to joint production and installation. Avoid offers that are suspiciously low - they often lack structural engineering, quality anchoring or proper surface treatment. You can get an approximate idea through the quote, where we will prepare a tailor-made calculation for you.
How to select and implement step by step
So you know what to expect, here's a typical project flow:
- no-obligation inquiry - contact us by phone or via the form.
- Inspection and site survey - technicians will assess the object and mooring possibilities.
- Project and visualisation - You will receive both documentation and a photorealistic visualisation before the owners' meeting.
- Custom production - after signing the contract, production starts.
- installation and handover – the installation team installs the balconies, hands over the protocols and warranty.
You can find details about the project delivery itself on the installation of suspended balconies page.
The most common mistakes when choosing a suspended balcony
Owners most often make the mistake of deciding only on the basis of the lowest price, underestimating the structural engineering, not addressing the surface treatment, or choosing a contractor without references and a written guarantee. Another mistake is the mismatch of the appearance of the balconies throughout the house. You can avoid these mistakes if you follow the criteria from this guide and choose a verified partner.
Conclusion: choose wisely and for decades
When deciding how to choose a suspended balcony, consider the material (aluminium is the most advantageous in the long term), dimensions, structural engineering, railing filling, surface treatment, anchoring method and especially the credibility of the supplier. A high-quality suspended balcony increases the comfort of living and the value of the property for decades.
Do you want a tailor-made solution for your apartment building? Contact HS ALUSYSTEM and request a no-obligation price quote and a free inspection. We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
FAQ
What is the best suspended balcony material? For apartment buildings, aluminium is the most advantageous in the long term. It combines high strength, light weight and corrosion resistance, so it does not rust and requires minimal maintenance compared to steel.
What kind of houses are suspended balconies suitable for? They are especially suitable for panel and brick apartment buildings from the 60s-90s, where balconies are missing or no longer technically suitable. Suitability will be assessed by technicians individually during the inspection.
Do I need a static assessment? Yes. Static calculation is the basis of the safety of the suspended balcony. A quality contractor has a structural engineer in the team and provides a structural assessment for each project.
What warranty do I get for the suspended balcony? HS ALUSYSTEM provides a 10-year warranty for the supporting structure and anchoring together with a written warranty certificate and handover protocol.
What does the price of a suspended balcony depend on? From dimensions and layout, type of filling and glazing, surface treatment, difficulty of anchoring and access to the facade. When implementing for the whole house, the price for one balcony is more favorable.