Balco, Inc.

Balco, Inc. Balco offers worldwide service and distribution for the commercial construction industry. Proudly made in Wichita, Kansas, U.S.A.

Leading manufacturer of pre-engineered and custom architectural products such as expansion joints, stair nosings and photoluminecent egress for the construction industry. Balco is the renowned manufacturer of pre-engineered and custom architectural building components such as expansion joint systems, fire barriers, stair nosings and IllumiTread™ (photoluminescent egress systems).

Firestop submittals are easier to build when the listed system, application and rated assembly are all aligned. For cont...
05/28/2026

Firestop submittals are easier to build when the listed system, application and rated assembly are all aligned. For contractors, finding that information can take time when documentation is spread across multiple sources.

In this Coop’s Corner video, Balco’s Steve Cooper walks through how to use the MetaCaulk® Firestop Submittal Builder to search UL-listed firestop systems and build project-ready submittal packages.

The tool helps users find pe*******on systems, joint systems and fire-rated assemblies while selecting the right solution for the application.

Watch the Coop’s Corner video on building firestop submittals at https://www.balcousa.com/coops-corner/ or on YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knLqAlP0hcs

How do fire-rated joints account for movement in wood-frame construction?In wood-frame buildings, linear joints can be a...
05/27/2026

How do fire-rated joints account for movement in wood-frame construction?

In wood-frame buildings, linear joints can be affected by thermal cycling, moisture changes, material shrinkage, wind loading, and seismic activity. For rated assemblies, those joints require fire-resistive solutions that accommodate movement while maintaining fire-resistance continuity.

In this Coop’s Corner video, Balco’s Steve Cooper explains how MetaBlock® Fire-Rated Expansion Joint Assemblies support wood-frame construction where fire-rated movement joints are required.

MetaBlock® provides UL-listed fire-rated barriers for wood-frame floor and wall joint conditions, with assemblies tested to UL 2079 and ASTM E1966. Available configurations include 1-hour floor assemblies and 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-hour wall assemblies.

Watch Steve Cooper’s Coop’s Corner video on fire-resistive wood-frame construction at https://www.balcousa.com/coops-corner/ or on YouTube at ,

In commercial buildings, plumbing, electrical and other buried services may need to remain accessible for maintenance, r...
05/21/2026

In commercial buildings, plumbing, electrical and other buried services may need to remain accessible for maintenance, repair or future modifications. Balco’s trench and access covers provide access to subfloor utilities and services in hospitals, schools, laboratories, supermarket refrigeration areas, warehouses and other commercial settings.

The systems can be configured around the utility layout, including linear runs, corners, tee conditions and four-way junctions. For direct service points, individual access covers provide entry to maintenance valves, junctions and controls.

Learn more here: https://www.balcousa.com/product-category/trench-and-access-covers/

Balco’s new SPEC-Center gives architects, specifiers and contractors a more direct way to access downloadable CSI 3-Part...
05/19/2026

Balco’s new SPEC-Center gives architects, specifiers and contractors a more direct way to access downloadable CSI 3-Part Specifications in Word format for project manuals and master specifications.

The page organizes specification documents by product category, including expansion joints, firestop systems, mats and grids, photoluminescent egress markings, trench and access covers, and stair nosings.

With current, editable specification content in one place, project teams can reduce uncertainty and incorporate Balco product information into their standard specification workflow.

Visit Balco’s SPEC-Center: https://www.balcousa.com/spec-center/.

Balco just joined SSI in Springdale, Arkansas, for an interactive Fire-Rated Expansion Joint training with local waterpr...
05/14/2026

Balco just joined SSI in Springdale, Arkansas, for an interactive Fire-Rated Expansion Joint training with local waterproofing and roofing contractors.
,
Steve Cooper led the hands-on session, walking through fire-rated expansion joint systems, installation details, field conditions, and common questions contractors face on the job.

Thank you to SSI and everyone who took part in the training. We appreciate the questions, discussion, and time with the local contractor community.

Firestop Materials Are Not One-Size-Fits-AllThe right choice depends on the penetrant, pipe material, rated assembly, an...
05/14/2026

Firestop Materials Are Not One-Size-Fits-All

The right choice depends on the penetrant, pipe material, rated assembly, and tested system. Some materials are designed to expand, some stay flexible, and others help absorb heat under fire conditions.

In this Coop’s Corner video, Balco’s Steve Cooper breaks down the differences between intumescent, elastomeric, and endothermic firestop materials and where each one is commonly used.

Intumescent materials are often used around plastic pipes because they expand under heat. Elastomeric sealants can support applications where movement is part of the assembly. Endothermic materials are used in conditions involving heat-conducting metal pipes.

Watch the Coop’s Corner video on choosing the right firestop sealant at: https://www.balcousa.com/coops-corner/ or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7JCETnuN3Q

Base-isolated buildings are designed to move during seismic activity. That movement can create wide perimeter gaps betwe...
05/13/2026

Base-isolated buildings are designed to move during seismic activity. That movement can create wide perimeter gaps between the building and surrounding structures, including at plazas, sidewalks, and interior transitions. Expansion joint systems help accommodate that displacement while keeping the surface accessible and integrated with the surrounding design.

Balco’s QuakeSpan™ base isolation moat systems are engineered to span wide seismic gaps and allow movement in multiple directions. The systems support clean transitions across large openings where the finished surface still needs to perform as part of the building.

For projects in high seismic zones, the right expansion joint system helps support movement, performance, and design continuity.

Click here to learn more: https://www.balcousa.com/product-category/expansion-joint-covers/large-seismic-joint-systems/base-isolation-moat-systems/

On busy stairs, the front edge of each step takes a lot of daily wear. Over time, that edge can become worn, chipped, or...
05/12/2026

On busy stairs, the front edge of each step takes a lot of daily wear. Over time, that edge can become worn, chipped, or harder to see, which can affect traction, visibility, and the overall condition of the stairway.

Stair nosings help address that issue by reinforcing the front edge of the tread, creating a more defined walking surface, and improving slip resistance. In commercial buildings, they can also support code-compliant egress design when used with photoluminescent options.

Balco offers stair nosing systems for both retrofit and new construction applications, including options designed for visibility, durability, and slip resistance in demanding stair environments.

Balco stair nosing options can support:

• Improved step-edge visibility
• Slip-resistant walking surfaces
• Protection for stair tread edges
• Retrofit and new construction applications
• Photoluminescent egress marking options
• IBC-compliant and ADA-compliant stair design

Read more here: https://www.balcousa.com/product/rs/

Balco’s IllumiTread™ egress markings help create an intuitive evacuation path in tall buildings during power outages and...
05/07/2026

Balco’s IllumiTread™ egress markings help create an intuitive evacuation path in tall buildings during power outages and other emergencies.

In high-rise buildings, hospitals, stadiums and arenas, stairwells become the primary path out during an emergency. When visibility drops, IllumiTread™ photoluminescent markings help guide occupants along stairs, landings, handrails, doorways and exit routes.

The system meets IBC requirements and provides a glow-in-the-dark path without relying on electricity.

IllumiTread™ options include:
• Handrail markings
• Demarcation lines
• Obstruction markings
• Stair nosings
• Exit and directional signage

Learn more about Balco IllumiTread™ Photoluminescent Egress Markings at: www.balcousa.com/product-category/illumitread-egress/.

What does entrance flooring need to handle at the front door?Commercial entrances collect more than foot traffic. Rollin...
05/06/2026

What does entrance flooring need to handle at the front door?

Commercial entrances collect more than foot traffic. Rolling loads, moisture, dirt, and daily wear all affect how the entry performs and how well interior flooring is protected.

Balco’s Floor Grid Low Profile (FGLP) entrance floor grid is a recessed, heavy-duty, low-profile system designed for commercial applications where durability, maintenance access, and a clean finished look all matter. Available with abrasive or carpet tread options, the roll-up grid helps capture dirt and moisture at the entry while allowing access below for cleaning and maintenance.

FGLP entrance grid options include:

• FGLP-A abrasive tread
• FGLP-C carpet tread
• Recessed, low-profile design
• Roll-up access for sub-surface cleaning
• 1-inch depth, excluding anchors
• Rolling load performance of 1,000 passes at 1,500 pounds

Learn more about Balco entrance grids at: https://www.balcousa.com/product-category/mats-and-grids/entrance-floor-grids/

Contractor training improves effectiveness when it moves from the classroom to the field.Balco will be at RectorSeal hea...
05/06/2026

Contractor training improves effectiveness when it moves from the classroom to the field.

Balco will be at RectorSeal headquarters in Houston this week for contractor training focused on Metacaulk® firestop and fire-rated expansion joint systems.

The training will include classroom sessions and hands-on demonstrations to help contractors better understand product applications, installation practices, and project coordination for fire-rated assemblies.

Address

410 E 37th Street N, Suite A
Wichita, KS
67219

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(316) 945-9328

Website

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