A Guide to Balcony Safety
Looking for your next balcony? We're here to help you adhere to UK regulations and get exactly what you need
5 Ways to Improve Balcony Safety
Balconies are treasured outdoor spaces whether it’s for relaxing with a morning coffee, tending to plants, or simply enjoying fresh air. But with that luxury comes a responsibility: ensuring your balcony is as secure and safe as it is stylish. From structural integrity to everyday use, balcony safety is an essential consideration for any homeowner, tenant, or developer.
At Gatehouse Architectural, we’re committed to creating secure, long-lasting, and regulation-compliant balconies that combine aesthetic value with practical safety. In this guide, we outline the key considerations for improving balcony safety and security in both residential and commercial settings.
1. Reliable Balcony or Balustrade System
The foundation of any safe balcony is a structurally sound system. A professionally engineered balcony with compliant balustrades significantly reduces the risk of accidents. Gatehouse Architectural designs and manufactures bespoke balcony structures and balustrades tailored to your project’s needs — always engineered to British and European safety standards.
Our ZuBalustrades system, available in styles such as ZuGlass, ZuLine, and ZuBar, offers modular, prefabricated solutions that are easy to install while maintaining superior structural integrity. We offer mild steel, stainless steel, glass, hardwood, and vinyl combinations all thoroughly tested for durability and strength.
Every balcony system we supply is manufactured in our UK facility under strict quality controls, giving you peace of mind in both safety and longevity.
2. Balcony Security
Beyond structural safety, balconies must also be protected against intrusions and unauthorised access. This is especially important for ground-floor units or buildings in urban environments. Balcony security is a vital layer of protection that ensures your home remains secure.
To enhance balcony security:
- Install security cameras to deter potential intruders and monitor your outdoor space.
- Use motion-sensor lighting to illuminate the area at night, improving safety and visibility.
- Secure access points with high-level latches, window restrictors, or reinforced balcony doors.
- Avoid leaving ladders, furniture, or climbable objects near or below the balcony that could facilitate access.
Additionally, consider privacy-enhancing options like frosted glass panels or privacy screens which also serve to discourage potential trespassers.
3. Effective Balcony Drainage
Blocked drainage can create slip hazards and structural issues. A well-maintained drainage system is key to both safety and longevity.
Here are a few key maintenance tips:
- Clear drains regularly of leaves, dirt, and other debris.
- Inspect surfaces for cracks, pooling water, or signs of wear.
- Apply waterproof sealants to protect surfaces from moisture ingress.
- Consider drainage mats or secondary systems for high-rainfall zones.
Gatehouse offers support in designing balcony systems with integrated drainage particularly important in multi-residential and commercial builds where maintenance access may be limited.
4. Child and Pet Safety
For families and pet owners, balcony safety must include fall-prevention measures tailored to vulnerable occupants. Preventing accidents on balconies requires the right combination of safe design, responsible use, and protective features.
Best practices include:
- Install safety nets, mesh, or plexiglass panels to close gaps in balcony railings.
- Ensure balcony railings meet UK height and gap regulations (typically 1100mm high, with gaps no wider than 100mm).
- Keep balcony furniture away from the railings to prevent children or pets from climbing.
- Use childproof gates or door latches to limit unsupervised access.
- Always supervise children and pets when the balcony is in use.
Gatehouse’s custom balustrades can incorporate vertical slats, glass panels, and other child-safe features that meet both safety and design requirements.
5. Reducing and Preventing Fire Hazards
Balconies must remain clear of fire risks, particularly in multi-storey or high-density housing. Fire safety regulations increasingly place emphasis on balconies as potential evacuation routes, making it crucial to keep these areas clear and compliant.
To prevent fire hazards:
- Avoid using balconies for storage of flammable items like cardboard, gas canisters, or rubbish.
- Do not barbecue or smoke on balconies unless explicitly allowed, and follow building guidelines.
- Choose fire-resistant outdoor furniture and materials that can withstand exposure to heat.
- Ensure exits are unobstructed and that furniture or other items do not block escape routes.
Gatehouse systems are designed with material compliance in mind. We offer non-combustible finishes and materials where required, supporting developers with fire-safety compliant specifications.
Get in Touch Today
Whether you’re planning a new development or upgrading an existing structure, Gatehouse Architectural can help you meet all aspects of balcony safety from secure balustrade design to fire-resistant materials and smart security features. Our team works closely with architects, contractors, and property managers to deliver safe, stylish, and regulation-compliant balcony solutions.
Contact us today to discuss your project or explore our ZuBalustrades system engineered for safety, designed for life.
Steel or glass railings with vertical balusters, no climbable features, and compliant height and spacing are generally considered safest. Gatehouse’s ZuBalustrades range offers multiple safe, regulation-compliant options.
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