Steel Railings

What to look for before buying a steel railing?

When it comes to purchasing railings there are a variety of factors one must take into consideration.

Servgroup Ltd provides you with all the details you would need. Our Steel works team has a vast extent of proficiency and experience in the sector. They are able to provide consumers with different options as well as cater to consumers’ requests and ideas.

Servgroup provides a variety of options for creating railings. One of these options is the choice of what material to use. A consumer may choose to use:

·       Iron

·       Galvanized Iron

·       Stainless steel grade 304

·       Stainless steel grade 316

Each material provides its own benefits and downfalls. Iron, for example, is the cheapest option. However, due to the fact that it is not galvanized it would require regular repainting to prevent rust. On the other hand, Stainless steel is more expensive yet it is more aesthetically appealing and also more durable than galvanized iron.

The 304 grade is the most commonly used stainless steel with the 316 grade following. The difference between the two grades is that grade 316 steel has a superior resistance to chemical corrodents such as sea water. 

Stainless steel also has two different finish styles; Brushed or Polished. The brushed finish gives the metal a pattern of fine lines parallel to the brushing direction. It would retain some of its inherent metallic lustre yet it would no longer be reflective. Despite this, the surface would still be smooth to the touch. The polished finish creates a smooth, clear, mirror-like finish and is done by wearing down the metal with progressively finer grades of grit paper then polishing it to a high shine with the use of buffing compounds.

When deciding whether to use polished or brushed it is important to note that the brushed finish retains more dirt and would be harder to keep clean than the polished finish. It is therefore suggested that polished finish be used when designing railings for external purposes. When designing for internal purposes either finishes are suitable as the railing is not exposed to the elements.

All of these materials are durable and easy to fabricate, weld, finish and mould into any shape or design. In the case of the iron materials, they may also come in any colour. The railing could also be level or inclined for elevating areas such as ramps or stairs. The end result would also be simple to keep clean.

A consumer should also note that there are certain criteria one must meet when designing railings. Domestic railings must be at least 1 metre high whereas railings for commercial use must be a minimum of 1.1 metres high. If the building is over 8 stories tall the railings on the 8^th floor and above must be at least 1.2 metres high.

If the railing design creates a “ladder affect” then the railing design must be slightly altered to prevent the railing from being easily climbed over. This can be done by utilising various designs such as;

•          Pregnant Railings
•          Indenting the top rung inwards
•         An inwardly indented rung in between the two top rungs

In closing, Servgroup is able to provide consumers with a completely custom design specifically tailored to each person’s taste, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Mark Vassallo - Managing Director

Aluserv Building, Triq in-Negozju
Mriehel Industrial Estate, Mriehel

Tel: 21449878 | Fax: 21449877
www.servgroupmalta.com