Wire Rope Balustrades – Everything You Need to Know
Stainless steel wire rope balustrades are an ideal design feature when creating borders or zones for either an inside or outside space. They offer a low maintenance solution which allows the rest of your property to shine, whilst acting as a secure barrier and providing safety in outdoor spaces.
Read on to find out about all its uses, everything you need to know before you make a decision, and how Sta-Lok can help.
Why should you use wire rope for balustrading?
Wire rope is a low-profile solution for balustrading, that offers uninterrupted views and a modern, sleek design. When it comes to wire rope, it has an abundance of different properties and benefits, which make it the perfect choice. If you have a residential building or a commercial property with a view you would like to show off, wire rope offers a minimalist, safe solution which isn’t as high-maintenance as glass. The full customisation of balustrade fittings means there’s always an option that works for you, and the wire rope is reliable, sturdy and easily replaceable.
Sta-Lok wire rope and terminals are manufactured from marine-grade stainless steel (A4/316), meaning your balustrade system will be durable in adverse weather conditions.
Wire Rope Fittings – What You Need To Know
Wire rope balustrades are a great solution for indoor and outdoor zoning, but there are installation procedures that you must follow to ensure they are safe. The wire ropes need to be held in place securely, with the correct wire rope fittings, so that they hold tension and act as a true barrier, not a border marker.
Necessary components include swaged terminals, turnbuckles, eye bolts and tensioners, as well as wire rope designed for this purpose. Sta-Lok recommend a 4mm-6mm diameter, 1×19 construction cable for most projects. Larger sizes are also available from stock, and our technical team are happy to offer fitting and installation advice.
Do you require additional support to complete the project?
When installing a balustrade for safety, DIY isn’t always the best option. If you need help with swaging, cutting, testing or fitting, reach out to Sta-Lok, our experts are on hand to help.
Sta-Lok have designed and manufactured a ‘hand-tool-only’ solution to swaging. Our self-fit range of terminals only need hand tools to assemble. This means that the exact wire length accuracy isn’t as important because the wire can be terminated on-site.
A great starting point would be to visit our handy guide – How to Measure & Order Sta-Lok Wire Rope Assemblies
What can Stainless Steel Balustrades be used for?
There are a range of applications for stainless steel balustrades.
In the home, these can include placement on balconies, garden decking areas, dividers, staircases, safety barriers and pathways.
Commercially, you will find balustrade systems used on waterfronts, in hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, offices and mezzanines, often used to help prevent accidents in high-risk locations.
You should note that the gaps between each strand of wire rope should be no larger than 100mm and are large enough for objects, but not people or pets, to pass through. Depending on your specific project, you may want to consider checking building regulations before proceeding.
If you’re looking for a non-invasive, low-profile and modern solution for your project, with the opportunity to benefit from leading technology and fast lead times, contact Sta-Lok today.
01206 390 773
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