How to install vertical timber slats on concrete handrails?

[Beginner20]

Hello,

I want to replace the concrete balustrades with aluminium balustrades but I am unable to do so because the concrete balustrades are bolted into asbestos columns

The only thing I could do is "dress" the concrete balustrades up a bit to make them less dated by installing vertical timber slats on top of the concrete handrails and hanging some faux plants and flowers to improve their aesthetics in a Hampton style.

Are there anything I could use to fix/glue the vertical timber slats on top of the concrete handrails without touching the asbestos columns?

I've attached an inspo pic (vertical timber slats were installed below the balustrades which is opposite of what I want to achieve) and current balustrades.

Current balustrades are only 900mm which arent compliant so installing some vertical timber slats on top of the handrails will make it compliant

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @Beginner20 

Im glad the balustrade dosnt contain abspestos, The columns we can work with for sure and I would probarly go with a painted texture column at that point. 

I am not real keen on attaching anything to that style of balustrade 😕 I know it should be solid but always have concerns about attachments and cracks that exist compared to a timber/metal/ glass styled one. If you go the route then I would foolw a mix of @EricL and @Nailbag's suggestions as I would be thinking that way to attach without compromising the existing structure.

If you remove the balustrade, leaving the concrete pillars and install a new hampton style one it may be worth the effort and added cost to get the style you want? Plus you can then make it the correct height without any issues of the balustrade being able to be climbed/mounted. Overall costs might make it comparable to building somethinga round those concrete handrails.

Dave

[Beginner20]

Good morning @Dave-1 @Nailbag @EricL @MitchellMc 

Thank you all for your recommendations

I thought about the sandwich method last night and emailed the council to check their rules and regulations re the balustrades. Hopefully, it'll meet the council's requirements. I'll park this for now until I hear back from the council.

Have an awesome day guys!

[Beginner20]

Good morning @Dave-1 @EricL @Nailbag @MitchellMc 

The Council is OK with the vertical timber slats to be installed on the balcony.

How do I install the timber slats to cover the balcony like the last photo? The eaves and columns have asbestos and I am going to paint the bricks and everything white. The front door will be replaced with a French aluminum door and the window will be replaced too. An entire house will be renovated.

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @Beginner20 

Mmm I would suggest two horizontal rails maybe a foot off the floor and a foot below the eve. 

With the pillars, as we dont wont to drill them or modify them it becomes a little harder. 

I have used a stainless steel strapping system to secure high voltage cables externally 100kg + and am thinking of strapps around the pillar and over a vertical piece of timber so the vertical is attached to the pillar with no screws. (Think big hose clamp look) That way you will get the vertical support for the two horizontal supports (or three, have a low, a balacony level one and then a high)

GRADE 316 Stainless Steel Strapping 19mm x .7mm REEL 

Stainless Steel Strapping Tool 

My only concern is if its ok to carry the load. If you had 4 or 5 straps securing down a pillar a vertical piece of timber. The problem being that you dont know if the pillar is rated to carry the load. I would be tempted to install 2 or 3 new posts between floor to ceiling to support the weight of the slats or at least seek an engineers approval before attempting it.

Dave

[Beginner20]

Thanks @Dave-1 

It sounds too complicated! Would it be a lot easier if I just install the timber slats on the frames like a "sandwich" system like before but install it to the ceiling/eaves?

Maybe I'll check Domain to see if any houses near me that are selling and have that design so I can come to check it out how they built it haha

[EricL]

Hello @Beginner20 

As your project is now gaining momentum, size and complexity, I suggest engaging the services of a builder who can creatively build you a frame that can anchor onto the pillars without drilling into them. Another option would be to engage the services of an asbestos specialist and finding out how much it will cost to strip the asbestos off so that you can properly anchor onto the pillars without having to worry about asbestos.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Beginner20]

Thank you @EricL 

I'll contact the builder and the asbestos removalist.

[Dave-1]

Morning @Beginner20 

I think the forces that could be on the higher end of the slat if someone pushed them would reef out or move the concrete banister. Definently it needs more supporting points.

Dave

[Beginner20]

Good morning @Dave-1 

Yeah, it's too risky and a lot more work required to install the timber slats up to the ceiling.

I'll go back to the simple sandwich method and keep it at 1m - 1.2m height