Balconies, terraces, and walkways are valuable additions to any building, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. However, without proper drainage, these features can become liabilities, leading to structural damage, safety hazards, and disputes with warranty or insurance providers. The BS8579:2020 Standard, a key regulation in the UK, addresses these concerns by setting clear guidelines for balcony drainage, explicitly discouraging free draining systems in favour of piped and edge drainage solutions. By adopting these compliant balcony drainage systems, you can protect your building, ensure resident safety, and meet the stringent requirements of warranty and insurance providers. In this blog, we’ll explore how proper balcony drainage safeguards your investment, the role of BS8579:2020, and how our work on projects like the Sidney Street Project demonstrates compliance in action.

The Risks of Inadequate Balcony Drainage

Improper drainage on balconies can lead to a host of problems. Water pooling on surfaces creates slip hazards, posing risks to residents and visitors, particularly in wet or icy conditions. Over time, standing water can penetrate balcony materials, causing deterioration, corrosion, or mould growth, which compromises the structural integrity of the building. Water runoff from free draining balconies can also damage lower levels of the structure or disturb those below, leading to complaints and potential legal issues. These risks not only threaten the safety and longevity of the building but can also void warranties or complicate insurance claims, leaving developers and property managers facing significant financial burdens.

The Role of BS8579:2020 in Balcony Drainage

The BS8579:2020 Standard was introduced to address these challenges by outlining best practices for balcony design and drainage. It explicitly advises against free draining balconies due to their associated safety and comfort issues. Instead, it recommends two compliant drainage solutions:

Piped Drainage: 

This includes deck-level piped drainage, where water is collected at the surface and channelled through integrated pipes, and soffit piped drainage, where pipes are installed beneath the balcony for discreet water management. Both methods ensure efficient water removal, reducing the risk of pooling or structural damage.

Edge Drainage: 

This involves installing gutters or channels along the balcony’s edge to capture and redirect water. All our balcony drainage gutters are equipped with an outlet and an overflow, as mandated by BS8579:2020, to prevent blockages and ensure reliable performance.

These systems align with the standard’s goals of enhancing safety, reducing nuisance, and protecting buildings from water-related damage, while also satisfying warranty and insurance requirements.

Case Study: Sidney Street Project

Our work on the Sidney Street Project for PMS Composites in Whitechapel showcases the effectiveness of compliant balcony drainage. We installed the AliClad Flow Punched Gutter system, an edge drainage solution that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. This aluminium balcony soffit drainage system efficiently manages water runoff, ensuring compliance with BS8579:2020 while maintaining the building’s modern design. The inclusion of outlets and overflows guarantees reliability, even during heavy rainfall, protecting both the structure and its occupants. This project demonstrates how tailored drainage solutions can meet regulatory standards and enhance building longevity.

Checklist for Compliant Balcony Drainage

To ensure your balcony drainage system meets warranty and insurance requirements, consider the following checklist:

Adopt BS8579:2020-compliant systems: 

Choose piped or edge drainage over free draining designs.

Include outlets and overflows: 

Ensure all drainage gutters have these features to prevent blockages.

Conduct project-specific calculations: 

Work with experts to design a system tailored to your building’s needs.

Verify installation quality: 

Ensure drainage components are installed correctly to avoid leaks or failures.

Document compliance: 

Keep records of your drainage design and installation to satisfy warranty and insurance providers.

By following these steps, you can avoid costly repairs, maintain warranty coverage, and ensure your building remains safe and functional.