3 Ways Minor Changes to Standard Architectural Railing Designs Can Impact Your Total Cost

In many cases, a manufacturer's standard railing design has the ability to look almost identical to the system a particular project requires.  However, despite the similarity in appearance, making even minor tweaks to the standard system's components or structural members, can increase or decrease the price significantly.

Here are some points to keep in mind when opting for modified versions of a manufacturer's standard railing system design:

1.   RADIUSING/SEGMENTING - Radiusing and segmenting (fusing "straight" railing sections to simulate a curve) may increase the shop labor and finishing prices.  The same is true for tight bends, as they require special tooling.

2.   MATERIAL WEIGHT - If a building owner or architect requires a standard system, but with a heavier look/feel, the profile might look the same, but the amount of material will increase (i.e. hollow pickets vs. solid pickets). This increase in material will likely cause an increase in price.

3.  INFILL SELECTION - The most obvious way changes can affect your total cost is to switch to a different infill style.  For instance, if at first you choose a system with custom, waterjet-cut infill panels, then decide to opt for a more simple, streamlined picket railing, your cost will noticeably decrease.

For more information on architectural railing systems, CLICK HERE. 

5 Ways to Prevent Balcony Railing Vibrations, Rattling & Whistling in Windy Regions

In a recent article published by The Construction Specifier, author Mahmod Samman discusses the importance of ensuring that balcony railings meet wind loading requirements for the comfort (and safety) of guests and/or residents.  Samman also analyzes the wind-induced, noisy rattling of certain types of balcony railing systems most commonly found in coastal regions.

Below are a few tips (from a railing manufacturer's perspective) to prevent such vibrations:

1.  Make sure the railing manufacturer always performs project-specific engineering calculations.

2.  Since vibration can occur on systems with longer structural members, make sure your post spacing is 48" on center or closer.

3.  Consider strongly-welded systems in lieu of mechanically fastened railing to reduce or eliminate rattling.

4.  Rethink systems with pass-through pickets.  Even if the railing system's pickets are welded to the top and bottom rail, rattling or vibrations may still occur if the pickets are not welded to the "pass through" component.

5. Minimize whistling on mechanically fastened systems by placing snap-on covers on the bottom of vertical components (i.e. posts & pickets).  Be sure a weep hole is present when these covers are used, in order to allow excess moisture to escape.

To learn more about balcony railings for high-rise hotels, condos and more, CLICK HERE.

Architectural Railing Applications (PART 4)

Handrails and wall rails installed near a pool area at an apartment
complex in Washington, DC.

The fourth and final post in this series offers general information regarding handrails and deck railings.

To view this series from the beginning, visit the previous three posts Architectural Railing Applications (PART 1), Architectural Railing Applications (PART 2) and Architectural Railing Applications (PART 3). 

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

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.