Balcony/rooftop decks in the UK are judged as assemblies—not just “a nice board.” Want fewer RFIs and post-handover complaints?
Lock your slip method, fire evidence, drainage and ventilation before color chats.
TL;DR — What UK reviewers really check
- Slip: Name the method and the exact texture. Pendulum PTV (wet) is common for shod traffic; DIN 51097 (A/B/C) for barefoot areas. Background: HSE slips.
- Fire: Evidence must reference the assembly used on the balcony/roof, not only the board. Primer: Euroclasses (reaction to fire).
- Drainage/ventilation: Keep 1–2% falls to outlets and ≥50 mm airspace. Don’t box-in drains with pedestals or fascia.
- Texture & color: Matte/open-grain textures maintain wet grip better; light/mid tones run cooler and hide films.
- Evidence (our boards): Slip (AS 4586 P5 / R13), MOR ≈ 44 MPa, MOE ≈ 2600 MPa, absorption <1%, swell <0.1%, freeze–thaw/high-low cycles ~±10%. See Why CopoSurface.
UK Slip Methods (choose the method and the texture)
| Zone | Method | Typical Target* | Spec Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| General circulation (shod) | Pendulum (PTV, wet) | Often ≥36 (risk-dependent) | Was the test run on the exact emboss supplied? |
| Pool edges/barefoot | DIN 51097 (A/B/C) | B or C near pools | Was the detergent and prep documented? |
| Operator policy (US-style sites) | Wet DCOF (state procedure) | Per operator | Who owns cleaning cadence post-handover? |
*Targets vary by authority/insurer. If the texture changes after tender, expect different results.
Compare finishes: Ecosolid Decking · See real installs: Project Gallery.
Fire Evidence: Board claims aren’t enough
What reviewers need
- Fire classification that references the full assembly (decking+subframe+substrate).
- Clear project layout: distances to façade, thresholds, and any breaks.
- No blocked drains; overflow paths maintained.
What to avoid
- “Board-only” certificates as a stand-in for assembly evidence.
- Glossy caps on wet zones with no method-named slip spec.
- Fascia that kills ventilation and traps water.
Policy pages: Why CopoSurface · Sustainability.
Balcony & Rooftop Build-Ups (the details that pass or fail)
- Subframe: Aluminum rails over adjustable pedestals; draw wind-restraint rows near edges/doors.
- Drainage: 1–2% falls to channels; never sit pedestals on outlets; leave inspection access.
- Ventilation: ≥50 mm airspace; fascia must breathe; avoid boxing-in corners.
- Gaps: clip-controlled side gaps ≈ 4–6 mm; temperature-based end gaps; consistent visuals.
- Heat: prefer light/mid matte tones in full sun; add shade before you fight physics.
Build Your Submittal Pack (copy-paste checklist)
Slip: method + texture named
Assembly fire evidence
Joist centers & direction changes
Drainage drawings
Ventilation ≥50 mm
Maintenance plan (neutral-pH)
Assembly fire evidence
Joist centers & direction changes
Drainage drawings
Ventilation ≥50 mm
Maintenance plan (neutral-pH)
- Product datasheet (cap chemistry, profile, spans, colors) — see Ecosolid Decking.
- Slip test report matching specified texture (Pendulum PTv, DIN 51097 or DCOF as required).
- Assembly fire documentation relevant to balcony/roof build-up.
- Subframe layout with centers (tighten for diagonal/herringbone) and perimeter restraint.
- Drainage plan (falls, outlets, inspection points) + ventilation note.
- Maintenance schedule (neutral-pH cleaning cadence) tied to warranty — see FAQ.
FAQ — quick, copyable answers
Do UK reviewers accept “slip resistant” without a method?
Risky. Name the method (e.g., wet pendulum) and the exact texture to be supplied; otherwise results are not comparable.
Can I switch texture after award?
Expect different slip results. Re-test or keep the specified emboss.
Is composite always cooler than timber?
No. Color and finish dominate. Choose light/mid matte tones and shade where possible.
