Balcony safety on multi-residential buildings is as important as ever. At best, balconies provide a safe and secure addition to the home. One simple and efficient way to improve the safety of balcony spaces is with the addition of balcony glazing.  

Safety locks, meticulous testing, and the opportunity to completely enclose the balcony all contribute to a safer outdoor space. Retractable balcony glazing also offers a unique design-friendly solution, which also provides opportunity for modern architectural transformation. In this blog, we explore how balcony safety is improved through the addition of balcony glazing. 

1. Materials matter: Creating a strong foundation

Lumon’s balcony glazing systems are made of durable materials: aluminum and glass. In fact, these two materials are often recognized for their resilience over time. In addition to durability, the materials are also 95% recyclable, supporting aims for sustainability even past their lifetime.  

To ensure quality of Lumon’s glazing solutions from the beginning, the entire produce lifecycle process, from production to installation, is managed internally. This solidifies our ability to ensure the sustainable sourcing of materials and a quality end-result. Each glazing is designed as a uniquely cut custom-solution, ensuring that every building achieves a personalized and efficient application.  

“Already in the planning phase, we ensure that all safety standards are met,” explains Juhani Hovi, Solutions Manager at Lumon Group. 

2. A well-tested product: Meeting safety standards

Proper testing of balcony glazing systems is a step to ensuring the resilience and safety of the balcony unit. Lumon’s balcony glazing solutions have been tested according to necessary regional requirements, including the European Technical Assessment (ETA) in Europe, and Canadian Construction Materials Center (CCMC) in Canada. Lumon’s glazing has also achieved the CE –marking, a mandatory conformity marking of compliance with European directives regarding health, safety, and environmental protection standards. Additionally, numerous impact tests have been completed for Lumon’s railing solutions in its Kouvola laboratory.  

“Our product development is guided by the following principles: ease of use, safety, durability, aesthetic appearance, and appropriateness,” Juhani continues. “We are working closely with our research and development department to ensure our product responds to not only the needs of our customers, but also that all standards of safety are met,” he adds. To further ensure quality of processes from production to installation, Lumon has also acquired the ISO9001 certification in Finland.

3. Building weather-resistance: Preventing premature decay with balcony glazing

Excessive exposure to the whims of the weather can take a toll on the surfaces of the balcony. Employing weather-resistant finishes, such as durable paints or coatings, and pairing those with balcony glazing adds a layer of protection against corrosion. Effectively, balcony glazing prevents the premature decay of balcony structures, extending its lifetime. This topic has been extensively studied by PhD. Of Tampere Technical University and CEO of Finnish Concrete Industry, Jussi Mattila. Preserving materials such as concrete can also have significant benefits for the environment, as concrete can be considered a CO2-heavy material.  

4. Accessibility considerations: A balcony for everyone

Safety on the balcony also means that balcony design considers accessibility. Lumon’s glazing systems enable the use of outdoor spaces even for those with limited mobility. In addition, Lumon has incorporated child-locks, which ensures that both children as well as pets can enjoy the balcony space safely.  

Safety of balcony spaces incorporates many points of consideration. Through careful planning, testing, installation, and design, better, more resilient outdoor spaces are created.  

5. Regular maintenance: Upkeeping safety on the glazed balcony

A resilient balcony requires maintenance. Regular maintenance ensures that all components of the balcony glazing remain in top-notch condition. Lumon’s balcony glazing solutions are composed of mainly glass and aluminum, materials which even with time, do not decrease in quality. The maintenance of Lumon’s systems is thus left mainly to its smaller components. Original Lumon spare parts are used to guarantee quality and functionality for years to come.  

To maintain optimal performance, the first glazing maintenance is recommended after the first five years of installation. The first Lumon Glazing system on a balcony was installed in 1990, and the glazing is still going strong – this proves that with regular maintenance, the lifetime of balcony glazing can extend to many decades.