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.

The Importance of Engineering Calculations for Architectural Railing

What are engineering calculations?

Guardrail calculations should always be stamped
by a licensed, professional engineer.

Engineering calculations (or "calcs") are a series of advanced calculations used to determine worst case scenario(s) and possible risk factors for a particular railing system.  By working out the calculations, engineers can determine what will and won't work in the way of loading requirements.


What is the purpose of engineering calculations?
Below are four of the top reasons engineering calcs for architectural railings are beneficial for everyone involved in a construction project.

Engineering calculations ensure:

1. The safety of the railing
2. Code and spec compliance and that loading requirements are met
3. That the correct fasteners and structural members (top rails/posts/infill) are being used 
4. Peace of mind for the customer

Ordering Architectural Railing: 3 Tips for Minimizing Change Orders

Sterling Dula Railing on Skybridge Residential Tower
Chicago, IL

It's no secret that clear communication on all sides - beginning with the building owner, followed by the architect, contractor, manufacturer and, lastly, the installer - improves the speed of a project and cuts down significantly on unnecessary costs.

Below are 3 key ways that architects and contractors can minimize change orders for architectural railing systems.

The 12 Days of Building Product Terms: DAY 10 - Cane Rail

Click "Read More" to get started on day 10's term,

Cane Rail.

The 12 Days of Building Product Terms: DAY 8 - Powder Coat Paint

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Powder Coat Paint.

The 12 Days of Building Product Terms: DAY 6 - Picket

Click "Read More" to get started on day 6's term,
Picket.

The 12 Days of Building Product Terms: DAY 5 - Post

Click "Read More" to get started on day 5's term,
Post.

The 12 Days of Building Product Terms: DAY 2 - Splice

Click "Read More" to get started on Day 2's term, Splice.

5 Important Reasons Architects, Building Owners and/or GCs Should Never Wait to Finalize a Railing System

Since railing systems are usually one of the last elements added to a building during construction, timing and planning are especially crucial, as costly adjustments and delays could occur. Therefore, all trades must be on the same page.

Below are 5 railing issues architects, building owners and/or general contractors should consider and address prior to the construction of a building project.

Sterling Dula's cable railing at Baltimore's National Harbor in Maryland.

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 3)

In this third installment, we'll be discussing pool railings, entrance railings and guardrails. 

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

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.