Conservatory Balcony

pete6296

I have just started a new build and was wondering if anyone out there built a conservatory with a flat roof as a walk out balcony from upstairs.
I am thinking of a steel frame holding T-beams with blocks in between as floor, insulating and covering with blow torch felt.
Any suggestions.
Thanks

Mellor

A few observations,
how do you suggest the steel frame, tee beams and walls/windows fits together?
Torch on felt isn't a great finished material and shouldn't be used in any were there is access to, imo.
With a block on beam roof insulated on the outside, the surface that you will be walking on isn't very rigid. I would prefer a timber cold roof construction

pete6296

If it was a timber construction, how would you finish the floor to make it waterproof. It is a bow conservatory with all glass and steel frame as structure, was told to place T-Beam horizontally across it, steel frame bolted to external wall of house for rigidity.
Thanks

Mellor

the same way as any flat roof is made water proof,
The fact that it will become a balcony isn't an issue here

pete6296

Hi Mellor,
U would know i was'nt in the trade. The upstairs is hollowcore, does that make a difference, i am lloking to get someone to draw up a design for me. Any suggestions, my engineer has none.
Thanks

muffler

Mellor wrote:

The fact that it will become a balcony isn't an issue here

I would imagine that it is a big issue. A felt roof is meant for what it says - a roof. It is not intended for use as a floor covering for want of a better phrase which it will become according to the OP. As this balcony is on top of a conservatory it is going to be a substantial size (compared to a stand alone balcony) and I think you are going to see the old garden furniture set up there,

How's it going to stand up to pinpoint loading from table and chair legs etc not to mention the odd pair of stilettos

smashey

muffler wrote:

not to mention the odd pair of stilettos

He didn't invite you over.

Pete6296, have you got planning permission for this?

muffler

smashey wrote:

He didn't invite you over.

And lets hope he doesn't invite you either as he will need to set up some acros

ircoha

pete6296 wrote:

I have just started a new build and was wondering if anyone out there built a conservatory with a flat roof as a walk out balcony from upstairs.
I am thinking of a steel frame holding T-beams with blocks in between as floor, insulating and covering with blow torch felt.
Any suggestions.
Thanks

Flat roofs not easily designed for regular access, particularly with good insulation.

In passing, IMHO, from what I can garner from the thread, it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing item on the landscape

Mellor

muffler wrote:

I would imagine that it is a big issue. A felt roof is meant for what it says - a roof. It is not intended for use as a floor covering for want of a better phrase which it will become according to the OP. As this balcony is on top of a conservatory it is going to be a substantial size (compared to a stand alone balcony) and I think you are going to see the old garden furniture set up there,

How's it going to stand up to pinpoint loading from table and chair legs etc not to mention the odd pair of stilettos

I think you missunder stood me in my hurry.

Mellor wrote:

Torch on felt isn't a great finished material and shouldn't be used in any were there is access to, imo

I already ruled out torch on as a suitable material in my previous post. When I said that it isn't an issue, I was refering to the OPs concern about waterproofing a timber roof. Its not an issue imo, the roof is easy to waterproof. As long as the waterproofing isn't the finished layer it won't be compromised.
Its my own fault for not being clear in my original post.

Mellor

pete6296 wrote:

Hi Mellor,
U would know i was'nt in the trade. The upstairs is hollowcore, does that make a difference, i am lloking to get someone to draw up a design for me. Any suggestions, my engineer has none.
Thanks

Hollowcore in the rest of the house doesn't make a difference. For handiness sake, why not continue this over the flat roof. But timber joists work too.

I'd go with a parapet around the three sides, with a small railing. It will look better than just a single 1100mm high railing imo. Attention needs to be paid to the parapet area to maintain continuation of insulation. The finish is also important. As I said felt isn't good for an area that will be accessed, and as muffler pointed out, this is even more important when it comes to a balcony.

There needs to be a rigid a rigid layer above the waterproofing and insulation, above this a drainage layer, and then the finished surface, such as stone slabs. A peas gravel border around edge will look good and also help with drainage

ardara1

You'll need to go for an 'upside down' roof if you don't intend to cover the insulation with a screed.
The only material you can us in this instance is an EXTRUDED polystyrene (Styrozone/polyfoam) very dense material over which you place a separating layer and pads to accept paving stones.
Other wise bury the insulation under a sceed like a floor situation.

The big theat is at the junction between the floor and the walls (mostly under the patio doors). Most manufacturers carry the internal floor slab over the walls and create the balconey - BIG no-no, the route created is a massive thermal bridge cutting thru wall insulation - the number of times i've heard of LEAKY balconeys when infact it was condensation forming to the under side of a big uninsulated slab of concrete is unbelievable.

EVEN BIGGER WARNING - find some solution where the stillettos are still permisable - give me aching calfs - but by god I couldn't live without them.:D

Mellor

A structural thermal break will solve the cold bridge issue, made exactly for this area.
It connects the balcony insulation with the wall insulation. Either through the slab or through the wall.
Im not concerned about insulation, the tricky area will be the junctions at upstands and flashing, it is do-able but you must make sure it is done 100% right