Every balcony needs a clean edge finish. The only question is whether water should drip freely from a drip edge or be collected in a balcony gutter and drained via a downpipe.
The difference at a glance
| Profile with drip edge | Profile with R50 balcony gutter | |
|---|---|---|
| Drainage | drips freely at the edge | collected and drained via downpipe |
| Suitable when | garden, lawn or gravel is below | an entrance, terrace, footpath or another balcony is below |
| Material for tiled balconies | K102 – €47.49 per 2 m | K35 – €67.28 per 2 m + R50 gutter – €47.49 per 2 m |
| Installation | simple, few parts | additional gutter hooks, corners, outlet and downpipe |
| Maintenance | maintenance-free | clear leaves from the gutter occasionally |
When is a drip edge enough?
For most balconies on detached houses a profile with drip edge is enough. It keeps the front face dry, protects render and concrete and is the most economical solution.
When is a balcony gutter worth it?
If there is an entrance, terrace, parking space or a neighbouring balcony below, the gutter ensures nobody gets wet and no puddles or ice form. In apartment buildings the gutter is therefore often the better choice.
Systems with gutter
All gutter parts – gutter, corners, end pieces, outlet and downpipe – are in Gutters & drainage. The material calculator calculates both variants so you can compare costs directly.
Frequently asked questions
Is a balcony gutter mandatory?
No. A gutter makes sense when dripping water would be a nuisance or cause damage below, e.g. above entrances, terraces or other balconies.
Can I add a gutter later?
Only with a profile prepared for the gutter (e.g. K35, K100R, W35+, K10R, K20R). So plan the gutter in during the renovation.
How many downpipes do I need?
At least one outlet with downpipe per gutter run. On long balconies two outlets are sensible.