Wrought Iron or Aluminum: Can You Tell the Difference?

Pop Quiz:  Is the railing below wrought iron, or aluminum railing?

INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Little-Known Facts About Aluminum

Click on the image below to view it larger, or visit THIS LINK.

To learn more about aluminum railings, CLICK HERE.

2 Big Reasons Vinyl Railings May Not Be an Ideal Choice for Your Multi-Story Application

Most would agree that vinyl railings are aesthetically pleasing and look great on a variety of applications, whether commercial or residential.

Although vinyl certainly does have its benefits, there are some points a building designer must consider prior to specifying this type of railing system on a multi-story structure.

Sublimation Powder Coating: Decorative "Tattoos" for Metal Products

A leopard-print, dye sublimated, aluminum top rail

"A leopard print handrail?!" 

As wild as it sounds, this pattern and many others are easy to achieve thanks to a finishing technique called "dye sublimation".

Dye sublimation is a coating process that transfers printed, high-resolution images or wood grain designs to metals such as aluminum and steel, using heat and pressure.  This process allows inks to be permanently embedded, resulting in the display of an eye-catching image on the final product.

Some popular metal products that typically undergo this finishing process are aluminum railings, window frames, appliances, patio furniture, bathroom fixtures and doors.

The Dye Sublimation Process:

1.  The metal is cleaned to be sure there is no dirt or oil present.
2.  A base powder coat is applied to the metal in a light color.
3.  The non-porous sublimation film transfer is wrapped around the metal.
4.  Air is removed; heat and pressure are applied to create a perfect print.
5.  The film is removed once cooled.

To learn more, search the web for dye sublimation companies near you, or CLICK HERE for additional info on metal building products with solid-color powder coat finishes. 

Architectural Windscreens Defined

When designing an outdoor restaurant, bar, pool, or other type of rooftop amenity or establishment, there's no question that windscreens are an architectural essential.

Sterling Dula windscreen pictured on the Cincinnati Banks pool deck.  The mixed-use
complex is an 18-acre development along the banks of the Ohio River.

Aside from the obvious function of protecting visitors from the force of high winds atop multi-story building terraces, there is much more to learn about these important building elements.

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. 

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:

4 Advantages of Waterjet Cutting Aluminum

The idea that dense, heavy materials such as aluminum, granite, marble and stainless steel could be cut or engraved using only water pressure, is a relatively foreign concept to the layperson.  However, a variety of business owners - from machine shop managers to engraving professionals - have already learned that utilizing the versatility of a waterjet cutting machine for their custom projects, saves both time and money.

An aluminum balcony railing with custom waterjet cut infill

The same can be said for manufacturers who fabricate metal building products.  Aluminum railing manufacturers, for example, find waterjet cutting machines to be extremely beneficial when filling customer requests for ornate infill panels.

Here are some advantages of cutting aluminum with a waterjet system:

VIDEO: Balcony Railing Slideshow

Take a look at this 2-minute slideshow featuring balcony railings on a variety of commercial applications.

To learn more about the balconies featured in this presentation, CLICK HERE.

4 Facts About Aluminum Railings

Aluminum Sterling Dula Custom Raiilng 

A common question asked within the architecture, engineering and construction field is:

"Why should we use aluminum railings on this project in lieu of another metal, such as steel?"

There are several reasons why aluminum is superior, for both new and retrofit projects. 

Below are four key facts about aluminum railings that every design-build firm, concrete restoration company and consulting engineering group needs to know:

Flat Top Rails: Attractive Option or Design Danger?

This balcony system's flat top rail looks great - but is it safe?

Balcony railings have the distinct ability to allow us the freedom to experience our world outdoors - in full panorama - from a higher-than-normal altitude.  From seascapes and landscapes to cityscapes and more, balconies offer a secure place to rest our arms while taking a picture, or while simply taking in the view.

Although attractive in appearance, many top rails on balcony railing systems are flat, not curved.  This variation in design shouldn't be a problem, but in reality, it holds a hidden danger - even if the railing is structurally sound and up to code.