Stainless Wire Rope Balustrade
Why....errr....Ropes?
Stainless steel wire rope balustrades are an excellent choice for your deck or balcony as it is simple to install and a beautiful asset to your home. There are some things you will want to know beforehand when dealing with stainless steel as a material.
Regulations
Even though stainless steel is often used for the appearance, balustrades are meant for safety, and safety should always be first in mind. There will be many regulations you will need to follow and you should check your local laws to make sure you have not missed anything. This is especially important if you are planning to install the stainless steel balustrades yourself.
Some general rules include the height of the balustrade and the gaps allowed between each section. If the balustrades have a fall of less than 600mm to the area below, the regulations are usually more lenient or do not apply. If the fall is higher or for example a first or second-floor balcony, then you will need to make sure the range is closer to prevent any accidents. Horizontal wires are usually excellent for use on lower patios or commercial projects, as a general rule in domestic buildings they are deemed to create a ladder for which children may climb and therefore unsuitable.
Design
Stainless steel wire balustrades are simple yet work nicely to provide the protection you need. They are an excellent material as they are thin enough to not obstruct the view to the outside. You will be able to enjoy the sun and the gentle winds. The material is also durable enough to withhold strong weather conditions by the nature of stainless steel.
Whether you decide to go for vertical or horizontal wires, stainless steel wire balustrades are simplistic but modern and provide an attractive safety barrier. They are simple to install and can be done by yourself with reasonable skills. You can pair the wire with a different material for the frame. Wood is commonly used as it is easy to drill the holes into, but other materials include vinyl or composite.
Maintenance
Stainless steel requires minimal care and is long-lasting. Using a stainless steel wire material offers a clean, fresh look to your home.
If you routinely clean the cables, they will be less likely to build up in dirt or discolour/ weather. To clean stainless steel wires, you simply need soap and water. How frequently you will need to clean it will depend on other factors such as weather conditions and location – for example coastal regions would need more attention due to airborne salt. If it does begin to discolour, you may want to find a specialist cleaner, however, for other situations soap and a washcloth will be sufficient. To prevent long-term build up, you can apply a coating of Stainless Steel Sentry Oil or some wax. By putting this on the wire around every six months, the wires will not rust or build up dirt as quickly. As a budget tip, DioMet recommend baby oil for this application.
At DioMet, we offer a wide variety of options of stainless steel balustrades. You can choose what size and thickness you want and all systems will be made to order. We seek to make your building process simple for the utmost convenience. Call now at 0114 243 9009 or check out our website for more information.
