The balcony profile is an innovative semi-finished product specially developed for balconies and terraces. Its particular strength lies in giving poured surfaces a defined outer edge. The balcony profile itself is very filigree and visually inconspicuous. In addition, it supports the drainage of the balcony through integrated openings and a drip edge.
Properties of the balcony profile
The balcony profile is made of thin-walled aluminium or plastic. It has a Y-shaped cross-section. The vertical upper edge serves as a retaining wall for the tile coverings, fillings or dry-laid covering slabs. The angled lower edge allows rain and melt water to drip off. This removes the water from the balcony and its covering. This prevents erosion and keeps the fill in place. The inner strip of the balcony profile is perforated. This makes it easy to attach the skirting board. The perforation also serves as a seepage opening. Rain can run through it and drain off unhindered to the drainage system.
Manufacture of the balcony profile
The balcony profile is made of plastic or aluminium. It is produced by extrusion or pultrusion. After the raw material has been cut to size, the inside is perforated. This makes the balcony profile one of the more complex profile types to produce. However, its high efficiency justifies this extra effort. Some manufacturers also produce balcony profiles from powder-coated sheet steel. However, due to its exposed position, this profile is strongly exposed to the weather. This favours the formation of corrosion. A rust-free material, on the other hand, makes this type of profile permanently resistant.
Use of the balcony profile
The balcony profile has a very defined field of application. It is used as the outer edge of tiled coverings, fillings or dry-laid walkway slabs that are placed in an elevated position. This does not necessarily have to be a balcony. A raised terrace is just as effectively protected against slipping and erosion with this type of profile. The installation of the balcony profile is very simple and can also be carried out by do-it-yourselfers.
The profile is placed in a primer of cement mortar. To do this, a suitable offset in the width of the profile rail must first be built into the outer edge of the primer. For this purpose, a template is pressed into the still wet mortar. The use of the template is highly recommended. It makes the later installation of the rail much easier. The profile rail is laid in a filler bed and fixed with the help of dowels and screws. This fixes them permanently and prevents them from slipping. Start with the corners and then work your way along the length and width of the balcony. The covering can then be applied. Balcony profiles come with a 5-year guarantee.