How to install a balustrade over James Hardy Secura flooring?

[damon99]

I am installing James Hardie Secura Exterior Flooring over a balcony with a wooden structural frame. I will be applying a waterproofing membrane and tiling over it.

Finally, I plan to install an aluminum balustrade and was wondering whether I can screw the upright supports directly through the tiles and/or flooring into the joists, or if I need to cut out sections of the tiles and flooring so the balustrade posts can be fixed directly to the wooden joists.

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @damon99 

Balustrade's need to be rock solid I would be aiming to fix them as strongly as  possible to the wood joists.  Adding extra  joists if  needs  be to support the Balustrade 110%

Then floor sheet around the legs and waterproof and then tile. 

This way the fixing is solid the water proofing is absolute and dosnt need  breaching, The tiles  can be cut around the  legs too.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @damon99,

The best approach for installing the balustrade will depend on the manufacturer's specifications, as different systems have different requirements for securing posts over various substrates. The installation manual for your chosen balustrade should outline the correct method for fixing it to a tiled surface over compressed cement flooring. Some systems may allow for fixing directly through the tiles and flooring into the joists, while others might require cutting out sections to secure posts directly to the wooden structure beneath.

If the manual doesn’t provide specific details on installing over a tiled and waterproofed surface, it would be best to reach out to the manufacturer for clarification. They will be able to advise on the most secure and compliant installation method for their product. If it's our balustrading you plan to use, I'd be happy to contact the manufacturer on your behalf to get their recommendations. Ensuring the posts are installed correctly is important for both safety and long-term durability, particularly in an outdoor environment where exposure to the elements can affect the integrity of the installation.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[damon99]

Thanks MitchellMc,
I was thinking of using the PEAK Aluminium Balustrade system.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/brands/p/peak-aluminium-balustrade
Could it be secured directly over James Hardy Secura flooring after applying a membrane?
https://www.bunnings.com.au/james-hardie-2700-x-600-x-19mm-secura-exterior-flooring_p0710430

[MitchellMc]

Hi @damon99,

I'm just waiting to hear back from Peak to see if there is a specific installation method that would suit your project. So far, discussions are suggesting that the mounting bracket should be installed on top of the tiles and fixed down through them into the timber framing.

I'll update you when I have some more information.

Mitchell

[MitchellMc · Accepted solution]

Hi @damon99,

Many thanks for your patience.

The installation process is quite similar to installing the balustrade on a deck. Once the waterproofing membrane is done, you'll need to drill through it and the cement sheeting. The attachment screws for the brackets should then be fixed securely down into the timber joists beneath.

To protect the membrane layer from water ingress, apply an internal bead of Sikaflex 11FC around the base of the post brackets where they meet the membrane. This will seal the the area and prevent water from seeping under them and potentially reaching the membrane layer.

You can then tile around the base and lower the cap down onto the tiles. Peak has advised it would be best not to install the post brackets onto the tiles as when they are tightened, there's a risk of cracking the tiles.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[seanepic]

Hi mitchell we have a similar situation our balcony is also tiled 16mm + concrete screed 30mm + ontop of cement external 19mm james harder external floor board total thickness 65mm, we want to install the protectorA1 balustrade post https://www.bunnings.com.au/protectoral-1010mm-black-aluminium-flanged-end-balustrade-post_p0441095?... . With 4 post evenly spaced out as recommended panel balustrades span, where the post might or might not line up the with joist spacing. Can we use recommended 8mm dynobolts with length 80mm which when  tighten will grip from bottom of the jame hardy floor board? Or the RamPlug LONG

8mm x 80mm + silicon adhesive with 8mm galvanised screws to secure the post where it doesn't screw into the joist?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @seanepic,

Installation details of the ProtectorAl balustrade system are outside the scope of this Product Technical Statement. Each State in Australia has its own regulations regarding balustrades, and they must be installed in accordance with the relevant Structural/ Civil Engineers specifications, Building Codes, Australian/ New Zealand Standards, Regulations and Legislation. It is recommended that this product be installed by a suitably qualified tradesperson or competent DIY Persons. The finished balustrade must be inspected and approved by a certified Building Inspector/ Surveyor or Building Authority. 

James Hardie compressed flooring sheets are not designed for use with Dynabolts or Ramplugs. It would be best to directly reach out to ProtectAl, with details of your installation for specific advice on fixing. Alternatively, you might wish to speak directly with an engineer who can assist with a compliant installation.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell