Architectural Railing Applications (PART 2)

Sterling Dula shopping mall railing

In part two of our Architectural Railing Applications series, we'll discuss commercial building railings, industrial railings and shopping mall railings.

To view this series from the beginning, please refer to the previous post, Architectural Railing Applications (PART 1). 

Architectural Railing Applications (PART 1)

Architectural railings can be fabricated from a wide variety of materials and are available in a number of different styles.

In this 4-part series, we'll discuss various types of railings for different architectural applications.

PART 1:

• Balcony Railings
• Stair Railings
• Patio Railings

PART 2:

• Commercial Building Railings
• Industrial Railings
• Shopping Mall Railings

PART 3:

• Pool Railings
• Entrance Railings
• Guardrail

PART 4:

• Handrail
• Deck Railings

Railings & Concrete Balconies: Deterioration Warning Signs, Solutions & Prevention Methods

Old balconies on an apartment building

POP QUIZ

1.  You know you have a problem with your balcony(ies) when you see:

    a.  Rust stains dripping down
          the concrete slab
    b.  Cracked concrete
    c.  Corroded railings
    d.  All of the above




The correct answer is...

INFOGRAPHIC: Women in Architecture

"Why has the number of women in architecture decreased over the years?"  

That's the question Megan Jett of ArchDaily.com asked - then answered - in her infographic, "Women in Architecture." Also illustrated is an abridged history of female architects, beginning in 1869.

In her educational piece, Jett featured data from The Architect's Journal's Women in Architecture Survey, the Association for Women in Architecture and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). 

Click the image to view the complete "Women in Architecture" infographic:

Choosing the Right Aluminum Fence

Sterling Aluminum Fence defines the perimeter of a residential pool area

Few things make a pool or protected area look better than a solidly built, aluminum picket fence.  However, there is much to consider before settling on a particular brand or style.

Learn more about selecting the right fence for your property with this handy guide.

INFOGRAPHIC: Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, our American readers are observing the Thanksgiving holiday.

We hope you'll all enjoy this special, fact-filled, "turkey-day" infographic,
courtesy of Viewpoints.com:

Infographic by: Viewpoints.com

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving from the team at KaneSterling Architectural Metal Products!

Public School Safety Series (PART 3: DRAWBACKS OF PLASTIC WINDOW GLAZING)

Polycarbonate plastic glazing is no substitute
for a well-made security screen

A common question asked by many public school facility managers is:

"SHOULD I USE PLASTIC WINDOW GLAZING?"

Some school systems are replacing the glass in their windows with polycarbonate plastic glazing to prevent glass breakage.  This may seem fine in the short run, but there are some serious drawbacks to using “plastic glass” in window openings. 

Public School Safety Series (PART 2: VANDALISM & FORCED ENTRY)

In this post, you'll learn more about how security screens can guard against specific types of public school window vandalism and forced entry attempts.


 To read this series from the beginning, please refer to Public School Safety Series (PART 1:  SECURITY LEVELS)

Public School Safety Series (PART 1: SECURITY LEVELS)

Kane Security Screens on a public school building

From vandalism and forced entry, to bullying and violence, public school personnel agree that student safety as a whole is the number one concern at their facility(ies).

The frequency and severity of criminal activity such as window break-ins are dependent upon the location of the school and the type of security measures that have been put in place.  Most inner-city schools aware of these problems will take action by installing perimeter fencing & new outdoor lighting, creating guarded entrances, and adding security screens to ground floor windows.

INFOGRAPHIC: Lean Manufacturing Explained

Many architectural product manufacturers utilize the "Lean Manufacturing Process" to eliminate waste, create better efficiency within their manufacturing facility(ies) and optimize work flow.

Below is an infographic outlining the particulars of Lean created by Unitherm Insulation Systems.  Please click the image below to explore in greater depth.

Source: Unitherm Insulation Systems

To learn more about architectural metal products, CLICK HERE. 

FAQ: All About Exterior Sunshades

Sterling Dula sunshades adorn a new apartment complex
in Washington, DC

Exterior sunshades not only look great, they serve many important functions, too.

Read more about sunshades and their benefits after the jump.

INFOGRAPHIC: The Power of Aluminum

The following infographic illustrates the environmental benefits of aluminum 

and aluminum recycling: 

Infographic via Pinterest. 

Jails vs. Prisons: (PART 2 of 2) Facility Differences & Suggested Products

Kane Detention's Vantage Wall & Vantage Wall Door

In part two of Jails vs. Prisons, we'll continue our list of specific criminal justice facility areas and the products that are best suited for each. 

To view this series from the beginning, please refer to Jails vs. Prisons: (PART 1 of 2) Facility Differences & Suggested Products. 

Jails vs. Prisons: (PART 1 of 2) Facility Differences & Suggested Detention Products

Kane Detention's Vantage Wall Woven Rod Barrier

When specifying detention products for a criminal justice application, it's important to understand where these products should be placed within each facility.

Below is a short list of prison and jail areas and their differences, along with suggested products that would be most appropriate for each.

Detention Window Screens & Psychiatric Patients

Detention screens are used in psychiatric hospitals
for patient safety and detention

Prior to the 1940's, steel bars placed over hospital windows were the standard means of confining psychiatric patients.  However, since that time, detention screens have been used almost exclusively.  These special screens offer a homelike atmosphere, allowing for the infiltration of fresh air and light.

Detention screens are designed to meet different security levels depending on the strength of the frames and their type of hardware.  By choosing the proper security level, health care institutions can satisfy their specific needs at the least possible cost.

Public Housing HUD Requirements for Window Screens

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in conjunction with the Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) has developed a testing and certification program to ensure security screens meet certain minimum performance standards.

The certification program defines three levels of screens.  Learn more about these levels after the jump.

Made in the USA: 4 Benefits of American-Made Architectural Products

For US citizens, purchasing American-made products is beneficial for a number of reasons.

In keeping with the patriotic spirit of this election week, here are some reminders as to why USA-made goods - both architectural and otherwise - are a smart choice:

Welding & Aluminum Railings: FAQ's

Is a human weld better than a robotic weld? 

The welding process is one of the most utilized fastening techniques when fabricating architectural aluminum railing.

So, which types of welds are the best?  Below are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding aluminum railing welds:

Higher Ed Window Safety Series (PART 3): Benefits of Security Screens

Protector Security Screen
Schreyer Honors College 

In part 3 of this window safety series, you'll learn how...

• ...security screens can protect windows even when window air conditioner units are in use. 

• ...security screens on high rise residence halls can be be safer for students. 

• ...natural light filtrates through properly made security screens, with help from the right type of infill.

KaneSterling Erie, PA Plant: 2,000 Days Without a Lost Time Accident

Congratulations to KaneSterling's Erie, PA shop employees for 2,000 consecutive days without a lost time accident!

KaneSterling's Shop Employees - Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
(Sterling Dula Architectural Railings / Kane Screens)

Higher Ed Window Safety Series (PART 2): Benefits of Security Screens

In part two of the Higher Ed Window Safety Series, we'll discuss security screens in relation to insect protection, fire codes and historic architecture.

Kane's Narrowline security screens on Denis Edward Hall
at the University of Scranton