The new Neatwalk Lite is a lighter version of our popular Neatwalk aluminium plank decking.
Cost Effective
Neatwalk Lite is over 20% lighter than the original Neatwalk and by reducing the amount of material within the decking we are able to provide our most cost-effective plank solution yet.
A1-A2 Fire Rated
Adhering to all current legislation and government advice, the Neatwalk Lite achieves an A1 Fire Rating when mill finished and an A2 Fire Rating when colour coated.
Great Spanning Capability
As well as being ideal for any budget, it is able to span as far as standard traditional timber and composite decking; this makes the Neatwalk Lite a great option for refurbishment projects.
Lightweight
As it is made from 100% aluminium and weighs just 1.4kg per linear metre, Neatwalk Lite is the ideal decking option to have on site as it can be easily transported and manoeuvred.
Traditional Aesthetics
Similarly to the original Neatwalk, Neatwalk Lite is laid with gaps between the planks in order to create a free draining solution and replicate the aesthetic of traditional timber decking. As with all Neaco decking products, Neatwalk Lite is available in aluminium mill finish or in one of three standard colours.
Slip Resistant
Neatwalk Lite is categorised as a ‘low risk of slip’ in both wet and dry conditions, making it a much safer option than traditional decking. Test data is available as both SlipAlert and PTV.
Maintenance Free
Unlike traditional timber decking, Neatwalk Lite requires virtually no maintenance and has a design life of 80 – 100 years.
If you’d like more information about our products, call 01653 695 721, email sales@neaco.co.uk or download the Data Sheet here.
Future-Proof Your Projects With A1 Fire Rated Decking
Fire Safety
Current legislation expressly prohibits the use of combustible materials in buildings with a floor above 18m in height.
Although legislation allows for combustible materials below 18m, a government advice note released in January 2019 recommends that non-combustible materials should be used on residential projects regardless of building height. It is possible that, in time, this advice will become legislation.
How To Future-Proof Your Project
Decisions surrounding fire safety are constantly changing, be it legislation, NHBC recommendations or government advice.
In order to future-proof a project against any potential legislation changes, it would be wise to incorporate products that are able to achieve the highest possible fire rating.
As we manufacture all of our decking in our 52,500-square-foot factory in North Yorkshire, we are able to provide both A2 powder-coated decking and A1 aluminium mill finished decking.
Mill Finished Aluminium Decking
Choosing an aluminium mill finished decking option means that an A1 Fire Rating is achievable, which is the highest rating and the safest possible choice.
We are able to provide a mill finish to all of our modular decking options (Neatdek, Neatdek 188 and Neatdek HW) so any drainage, privacy and design requirements can be achieved.
Fade To Grey
The initial shiny appearance of aluminium can be off-putting in certain instances. However, it is important to note that, over time (usually between 1 – 12 months), aluminium will oxidise and create more of a light grey finish.
Other Benefits
As well as the aforementioned Fire Rating benefits that come with a mill-finished product, mill-finished decking is highly durable, virtually maintenance-free and comes with a class-leading 25-year guarantee.
If you’d like any further information about our modular decking options, or if you’d like to send us an enquiry, please call 01653 695 721, email us at sales@neaco.co.uk or fill out our contact form here.
Neaco Modular Balconies Provide an All-In-One Solution
Neaco modular balconies provide an all-in-one solution and are manufactured to your specific design requirements.
An All-In-One Solution
In partnership with Ancon (part of the Leviat brand), we are able to provide an all-encompassing solution that includes stub brackets, thermal breaks, cantilever arms, balcony bases, soffits, modular, Fire Rated decking and balustrade systems. As well as all of the physical elements that make up a balcony, we provide specialist technical help and structural calculations specific to every individual project.
Balcony Bases
The bases of our modular balconies are manufactured from 100% recyclable aluminium, making them an environmentally-friendly solution that could help to increase a project’s BREEAM score. Aluminium is an extremely lightweight yet durable metal so this, along with the glide-on system that is incorporated, allows for a quick and easy installation. This glide-on system also allows us to adhere to the requirements outlined in BS 8579 2020, which condemns any balcony design that calls for workers to be beneath the balcony during installation.
Balcony Decking
Neaco modular balconies are unique as the main elements of the balcony – the decking and balustrade – are also of modular construction. Our modular decking is manufactured in bespoke-sized panels so the fixing of the final sections, after the balcony install, is extremely quick and no additional cutting is required. We manufacture a variety of modular decking options that cater to different drainage, privacy and aesthetic requirements (soffits can also be provided if needed).
Neatdek
A free-draining solution as standard but can be installed with inserts to make it directionally draining.
Neatdek 188
Incorporates an overlapping surface that provides complete privacy while also allowing water and other liquids to drain freely.
Neatdek HW
Constructed with an integrated drainage channel to allow for a directional drainage solution.
Balcony Balustrade
The aesthetic requirements for modular balconies can be extremely varied, which is why our modular balustrades are available in a wide range of configurations. Our balustrade systems are manufactured from aluminium, stainless steel or a mixture of both with a vast selection of infill options; structural glass, toughened glass with stanchions, and vertical infill are just some of the options available. As with all Neaco products, our balustrade systems are manufactured to bespoke requirements.
Non-Combustible
All materials that we incorporate into our modular balconies are A1-A2 Fire Rated, are non-combustible and adhere to all of the latest building regulations and government advice regarding fire safety.
Colour Options
We manufacture all of our products in our 52,000 square foot manufacturing facility in North Yorkshire. Within this facility, we have our own powder coating plants, where we are able to powder coat to any required RAL colour in both nylon and polyester.
For more information, or to send us a modular balcony enquiry, call 01653 695 721 or email sales@neaco.co.uk.
Balcony fire safety: an urgent issue for building owners and homeowners
Whilst the property market has been experiencing a mini boom since the end of the first national lockdown, thousands of apartment owners are finding themselves unable to sell or remortgage due to combustible materials on the exterior of their building. In many cases, this relates to decking on balconies which is not compliant with fire safety regulations introduced in the wake of the Grenfell disaster.
On 22 January 2020, the Government published an Advice Note (superseding AN14 and all other previous Advice Notes) which states that the owners of all multi-storey, multi-occupied residential buildings should investigate and remedy the risks of combustible materials, focusing on complying with Part B4 of the Building Regulations. As a result, many building owners are replacing existing materials.
With vast numbers of existing apartment buildings potentially including combustible external materials, buyers and their mortgage lenders have encountered difficulties confirming whether they are safe. In December 2019, the External Wall Fire Review (EWS1) process was launched by UK Finance and the Building Societies Association (BSA), and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The EWS1 is a survey that assesses whether a property contains materials that are potentially dangerous, providing clarity to lenders and peace of mind for homeowners and buyers. It confirms that a building has been assessed for safety by a suitably qualified and competent professional.
Although EWS1 is not currently a legal requirement, mortgage lenders are unwilling to lend without evidence that the property is compliant with EWS1, leading to sales falling through or going on hold for numerous leaseholders. Many leaseholders are also facing rising costs in insurance, legal fees and mortgage rates, as they are unable to remortgage once their fixed terms end. Until a building has an EWS1 form and certificate of compliance, most mortgage lenders will value apartments at £0 and refuse to lend.
EWS1 Assessment
The EWS1 form must be completed by a fully qualified member of a relevant professional body within the construction industry, with sufficient expertise to identify the relevant materials. Following a building survey, the inspector will select options A or B on the EWS1 form. Option A has three sub-options and Option B has two sub-options.
Option A concludes that external wall materials are unlikely to support combustion:
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Option B concludes that combustible materials are present in the external wall:
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Numerous existing apartment buildings include balconies with combustible timber or composite decking which would result in options B2 or A3 being marked on the EWS1. In these circumstances, the decking needs to be replaced with a non-combustible alternative which carries the fire safety rating required by the latest Building Regulations. Materials which are A1 or A2 rated under the Euroclass system are compliant with the regulations.
Neaco have received a huge surge in demand from housing associations, building owners and homeowners requiring replacement flooring for their balconies. We manufacture and install aluminium decking systems which are A1 and A2 rated, providing a fully compliant solution. Using our systems in refurbishment and replacement projects provides a smoother path to EWS1 compliance and peace of mind for all concerned.
Neaco’s decking is also extremely durable: aluminium is corrosive-free and has a recognised design life of at least 60-100 years. Our systems are available in a choice of durable coatings suiting a range of aesthetic requirements. They are quick and easy to install, with no hot works required, and can be precision-cut to bespoke requirements. Lightweight yet high in load bearing capacity, our decking requires minimal structural support due to excellent spanning capabilities.
Responsibility for EWS1
The EWS1 assessment is the responsibility of the building owner/housing association, but the resulting form should be available on request to all occupants in that building. If a building owner/housing association has not been proactive in commissioning an EWS1 assessment, homeowners can request that they or the managing agent arrange one, and/or enquire about the external construction of the building. Sellers and buyers should contact the building owner or their agent to ensure this takes place as soon as possible.
The RICS suggests that, if the building owner refuses to carry out the assessment, the local council can provide further advice. The RICS also advises that issue can also be referred to the Fire and Rescue Service. Building owners have a clear responsibility reinforced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government advice. Leaseholders should actively engage with the building owner or their agent to ensure this responsibility is met. The Government intends to introduce a Fire Safety Bill to clarify that the responsibility to consider and mitigate risk falls upon building owners and managers.
Understandably, mortgage lenders do not want to lend money on properties containing materials that pose a risk to the safety and the value of the property. EWS1 is an admirable initiative in supporting vital safety requirements and preventing a repeat of Grenfell, but more needs to be done to support homeowners in securing compliance to address attendant problems with buying, selling and mortgage lending. With forthcoming legislation likely to tighten regulation and formalise legal requirements, building owners and housing associations would be wise to accelerate plans to address safety issues on their properties. Thankfully, non-compliant balcony decking is a problem which is relatively easy to rectify.
For further information on compliant design and construction of balconies, please contact Neaco’s team of technical experts by calling 01653 695721 or enquiring via our Contact page.
How Can Modular Decking Offset The Cost Of Structural Steel?
Unfortunately for the construction industry, the price of structural steel has once again increased. Industry giants British Steel have now increased their prices for the fifth time since July 2020 and, in the UK, the price of structural steel has rocketed from approximately £500 per tonne to over £700 per tonne. This sudden surge has been blamed on the sharp increase in raw material costs and further price hikes are expected.
What does this mean for your project?
This spike in structural steel prices has huge repercussions for the construction industry as project budgets are being vastly and unexpectedly exceeded. With enough consideration at the design stage, this price increase can be offset by reducing the number of steels that are required.
What can you do to reduce the cost of structural steel?
If the cost of structural steel supports is crippling your budget, it may be time to look into the spanning capabilities of your chosen balcony decking. By using a modular decking system that is able to span a lot further than traditional plank decking, you will be able to reduce the number of structural steel supports that are required and reduce your overall costs.
How can choosing modular decking save you money?
Using modular decking as opposed to plank decking is the easiest and most effective way to offset the increased steelwork costs down. Firstly, modular decking is constructed to bespoke panel sizes in a factory so less time and manpower is needed on site. Modular decking is manufactured to precise measurements so there is much less material waste and call backs can be avoided. Another considerable saving that can be made by incorporating modular decking is that of installation time. Modular decking is pre-fabricated, banded and cut-outs are already in place when the decking arrives on site; this means that, compared to plank decking, modular decking is over 12 times faster to install. On a large-scale project, this can provide huge savings on the cost and time of installation.
Cost Comparison
Choosing a plank system may initially appear to be the most cost-effective solution, however when considering steelwork, fixings and installation, this is often not the case. Because of the reduced supporting structure requirements, the modular solution offers a 20% saving in material costs – a detailed analysis for your scheme can be provided. Combine this with an installation speed that is more than ten times faster and the modular decking solution is the clear choice!
To take advantage of our free specification service, send us some drawings or find out more about our products, please email sales@neaco.co.uk, call 01653 695 721 or visit www.neaco.co.uk.
