Buzon’s E-BRS System: Speeding Up the Installation of Decks on Aluminum Joists

On a raised deck, the substructure determines both the quality of the installation and the long-term durability of the decking. For installation companies, architects, and specifiers, the choice of joists must address several key considerations: layout precision, slab stability, water drainage, and the treatment of edges and corners.

With the E-BRS (Easy – Buzon Rail System), Buzon has further developed its aluminum joist solution, building on the U-BRS. Designed for raised decks with ceramic, natural stone, or concrete slabs, the system combines two rail profiles with dedicated accessories. Its goal: to simplify certain installation steps while giving professionals the tools to handle the technical details of the deck.

E-BRS system improvements for installation

The E-BRS system introduces several improvements designed to make work on site easier.

  1. Factory-fitted EPDM cushioning strips
    E-BRS joists are supplied with factory-fitted EPDM rubber strips. This eliminates an installation step on site and provides a consistent interface between the rails and slabs. The cushioning strips help hold the surface finish in place and reduce impact noise.
  2. Drainage openings integrated into the rails
    The rails have openings that facilitate water drainage. On an outdoor terrace, this detail must be considered alongside the joints in the surface finish, the slope of the substrate and the drainage provisions specified for the project: drainage through the rail does not replace an overall water management design.
  3. Positioning marks for the joists
    Positioning marks on the pedestals make it easier to locate the joists. They help installers align the rails with the layout plan and limit adjustments while assembling the substructure.

Two aluminium joist heights to suit the configuration

The system includes two aluminium profiles, both measuring 2,350 × 60 mm:

  • E-BRS-27: height of 27.2 mm;
  • E-BRS-41: height of 41.2 mm.

The choice of height makes it possible to adapt the substructure to the available build-up height, the required finished level and the terrace’s junction details. It must take into account the surface finish, anticipated loads, pedestal layout and technical requirements applicable to the project.

For professionals, an aluminium framework also provides consistent profiles for accurately setting out the layout, connections and perimeter finishes.

Accessories for connections, corners and edges

The quality of a terrace built on joists often depends on how specific details are handled. Buzon complements the E-BRS-27 and E-BRS-41 profiles with accessories designed for different installation configurations.

  • E-BRS-BRACKET fixing bracket: this stainless steel bracket allows joists to be fixed perpendicular to one another. Its sliding design makes adjustment easier, particularly when creating finishes or steps.
  • E-BRS-CONNECTION connector: this joins two E-BRS-27 or E-BRS-41 joist sections and ensures continuity of their assembly.
  • E-BRS-STOP-ROUND pivoting end stop: this stainless steel component holds the slab at the end of a joist. Its pivoting action makes it possible to address edges forming an angle other than 90°.
  • E-BRS-TOP-LINK cross-bracing link: this stainless steel accessory connects joists and makes it possible to create cross-bracing where the angle between them is up to ± 45°.
  • E-BRS-WALL wall spacer: where the last joist runs parallel to a wall, this stainless steel accessory helps stabilise the edge row of slabs. It maintains a 5 mm gap between the slabs and the wall, supporting water drainage.
  • E-BRS-EPDM cushioning strip: these 3.2 mm thick EPDM rubber strips are factory-fitted to the joists and are also available in 100 m rolls. They contribute to slab stability and reduce impact noise.

These components should be selected according to the installation plan: the location of connections, treatment of corners, restraint of edge slabs and any required access to elements beneath the surface finish. Fixing details and spacing must be checked against the configuration of the structure.

A substructure to include from the terrace design stage

With E-BRS, Buzon offers an evolution of its joist system for raised terraces finished with slabs. The factory-fitted EPDM strips, drainage openings and positioning marks address practical installation needs. The accessories, meanwhile, allow connections and finishes to be planned rather than resolved at the last minute on site.

To make the most of the system, professionals must define the rail height, pedestal layout, slab format, loads and specific details in advance. E-BRS makes it easier to build a precise substructure; its performance also depends on appropriate design and installation in accordance with the project specifications.