In Sapphire’s Cassette® system, the balcony underside is typically finished with soffit panels, which not only enhance the visual appearance but also help with rainwater control, fire performance, and protection of structural components. Soffits are integrated as part of the offsite-manufactured Cassette®, ensuring a clean, consistent finish across every balcony.
Soffits form the underside of a balcony and play a role in both visual appeal and water management. Common options include:
PPC Aluminium Soffits:
The most common solution, offering a sleek, panelled finish with concealed fixings. Made from non-combustible Class A2 aluminium, they support edge-drained systems where rainwater is directed to integrated RWPs via the soffit, ensuring controlled discharge and a clean appearance.
Open Soffits / Drained-Through:
A budget-friendly option with no soffit cladding—rainwater drains directly through the deck. Not recommended under BS8579:2020 due to safety and nuisance concerns. These setups typically lack RWPs, allowing water to fall freely to lower levels.
Decking Soffits:
Uses matching boards on the underside for visual consistency. Now rarely used due to combustibility restrictions, and like open soffits, typically functions without RWPs, relying on open drainage.