Browse Forums Eco Living 1 Aug 04, 2014 9:56 am I am adding a second floor to a house in Sydney, supporting a concrete slab on existing double brick walls. Also adding a North-facing balcony / deck area that extends beyond the existing walls. I'm looking at two options: 1) Extending the slab to form the balcony, with some galvanised steel posts to add support. 2) Building a timber deck. Hopefully will have variable shading on the balcony (and windows that open onto it) - adjustable louvre, or more likely (i.e. cheaper!) sailcoth that is removed in the winter. The first option is the builder's preference - based on durability and reduced maintenance of concrete relative to timber. I am also a fan of low maintenance. My concern is whether the concrete balcony will heat up and act as a thermal bridge, carrying heat into the house in summer. Does anyone have experience of this? Re: Suspended Slab Balcony - Thermal Bridge 2Aug 04, 2014 10:43 am Hi zobardi Thermal bridging can be a major problem in buildings There are no codes or standards that cover this. It requires specialist FEA software and is undertaken by energy engineers on large commercial & Civil projects. Unfortunately these simulations are costly and if you choose to go down that path you may also wish to incorporate CFD airflow ventilation simulations as well Sometimes its not required and it only requires a little common sense and good judgement I am happy to have a quick look at your design... Although North facing windows is good for thermal mass heating in winter? HTH Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Fair Trading can issue orders to rectify and complete but once the matter goes to NCAT these orders are automatically vacated. You will have to terminate contract and sue… 21 31230 How are you doing Ben? Extremely interested in hearing what you are doing or plan to do! 12 15903 First time building 2 storey home in NSW. Below Current plan have separate balcony. But thinking to do a multipurpose lounge with balcony (kind of sunroom) in first floor… 0 5070 |