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For our last installment in our series on types of decks, we are going to switch
the format up a little bit. Balconies are, technically, a kind of deck, but
they are decks with one big difference. Instead of being built on ground or
close to ground level, balconies are raised up so they have a commanding view
of the surrounding area. They are great places to catch some sun and almost
always have great views, but there are a couple of very important considerations
to keep in mind when constructing a balcony style deck on your North York condominiums or for those of you lucky enough to own a Prince
Edward Island cottage.
Railing: City or country, regulations or not, all balcony plans should include
a railing. Balconies, even the ones attached to something smaller than a Toronto
bed & breakfast are quite high off of the ground, and that means that a
fall off of one could result in serious injury. You want to make sure you have
a solid railing in place to make sure someone doesn't stumble off the balcony
during a lively barbecue.
Posts: Obviously, posts are going to be a key component when it comes to a
balcony. If you are building a balcony onto a Oakville home then you can consult the city bylaws to find out to what depth you
need to dig to get under the ground freeze in wintertime. If you are building
a deck on any Fenelon Falls cottages you should still use the guidelines posted by the
nearest city. Failing to dig down past the freezing levels will mean that your
posts shift in wintertime, which at best will mean you need to do some repairs
each year and at worst could result in injuries.
Slant: One thing that a surprising number of people fail to remember when adding
a balcony onto a house is that slant is very important. You don't want
rain or snow melt to accumulate where the balcony joins the house. If you do
slant the balcony the wrong way, sooner or later you will see water damage on
the ceiling of the first level of your home. A slight slant away from the home
should mitigate this issue.
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