We've Moved!

Dear Architectural Products Blog Reader,

Our posts have found a new home on our brand new Kane Innovations website.  All future posts can be found on our blog via this link: http://www.kaneinnovations.com/blog.

Thanks for sticking with us!

-Kane Innovations Bloggers

Wrought Iron or Aluminum: Can You Tell the Difference?

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

Flashback Friday: Kane Manufacturing in 1961

We dusted off our 1960s-era photo album to share this great vintage snapshot of Kane Manufacturing's trade show display with our readers.

Marvin Goldman, former Owner of Kane Manufacturing and Vice President of Sales, is pictured on the left.  Goldman and close friend, the late Richard Singer, purchased Kane Manufacturing Corporation in 1959 and operated the metal fabrication company until it was purchased by current ownership in 1988.  

Kane Manufacturing was founded in 1890.

To learn more about Kane Manufacturing, CLICK HERE.

INFOGRAPHIC: Infamous Architectural Failures

"BIM"- FOGRAPHIC: Improving Healthcare Buildings with BIM

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is changing the way architects conceptualize, plan and design.  BIM extends beyond typical 3-D modeling to prevent potential design problems and improve safety, all while saving the building owner/customer both money and time.

A number of Kane Screens and Kane Detention products can be found in BIM format, which are available here and here.  But before you go, be sure check out Autodesk's infographic, "Improving Healthcare Buildings with BIM" to learn more about what this technology is doing for hospital construction.

VIDEO: Chicago - 5 Great Buildings

From Lincoln Park 2550 to 235 Van Buren and the Contemporaine, Sterling Dula Architectural Railings has done quite a bit of work on Chicago highrises over the years.

Below, we pay homage the windy city's more well-known architecture with this repost created by Al Boardman.

Chicago - 5 Great Buildings infographic by alboardman.

To learn more about architectural railings for condominiums, high rise hotels, resorts, apartment buildings and more, CLICK HERE.

6 Things To Expect (& Require) from Your Railing Installer

The architectural railing has been designed, professional engineering calculations have been performed, and the system has been fabricated.

Now comes the next, final and most crucial step of the process - the installation.

Below are 6 things every general contractor should expect from their railing installer:

1.  Skills & Experience - From education and training, to impeccable problem solving skills and the ability to effectively interpret specifications, an experienced railing installer is always a necessity, especially when dealing with tight deadlines and the expectation of flawless, finished work.

2.  Safety - It's imperative that a railing installer be familiar with both building codes and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.  For example, OSHA requires the use of a "tie-off" anytime an installer is working 6 feet or more above the ground.  Workers should always secure themselves to either an interior steel column or via other approved means of fall prevention.

3.  Cleanliness - Since there will be other subcontractors on the job site, it's important that railing installers respect the space and keep their areas tidy to make it easy for others to work around them.

4.  Great Communication Skills - An installer must be able to communicate effectively and respectfully with other sub-contractors as well as the customer.  Anything less than a professional attitude on the jobsite should be deemed unacceptable.

5.  Correct Tools & Equipment - Installers may encounter some minor problems while out in the field. The right installer for the job will be armed with the correct tools and equipment in order to make any necessary, on-the-spot adjustments. 

6.  Attention to Detail - Whether it's a little ding or a big dent, the railing installer should be expected to document any damaged items and alert the customer and the manufacturer immediately.  This will ensure the timely replacement of any posts, panels or components. 

To learn more about architectural railings, CLICK HERE.

INFOGRAPHIC: How a Living Building Comes to Life

How a Living Building Comes to Life infographic