If you have any balustrades on your premises, it is crucial that you conduct regular checks to ensure you are meeting building code requirements and that your property is safe. Whether you own a commercial or residential building, it is your responsibility to carry out these frequent examinations. Minor damage or loose fittings can be easily repaired, but, if the damage is serious, if may be time to consider installing a new system.
If your balusters were fitted many years ago, they may not comply with current regulations. When conducting a safety check, the first problem signs to look out for are rust or corrosion in metal parts. If you have concrete uprights, you should also check for ‘concrete cancer’, where the steel reinforcement within the concrete corrodes, weakening the structure. If you have steel or timber balusters connected by tensioned wire, it is essential that your system adheres to the building code regulations regarding the size and tension of the cable and the distance between cables and supports. You should also check that the steel or wood has remained strong and is able to still support the tensioning.
If you discover a serious problem with your system, it will almost certainly need replacing. However, this should be looked upon as a positive opportunity, not only to increase the safety of your property, but also to enhance its appearance. You are no longer limited to bulky wood, steel or concrete when choosing a new system, there are now many attractive custom-made options, which can be designed especially to fit your property and that will be incredibly stylish as well as hard-wearing and practical. Frameless glass is now a very popular choice and looks great on stairways and balconies whilst a stainless steel flat-baluster system can look very attractive in a business environment. With companies offering consultations to help find the right system for you along with complete installations services, there really is no excuse for putting up with unattractive or old balustrading that may, if tested, not comply with safety regulations. Installing smart new systems is easy and will greatly improve the appearance of your property at the same time.