If you want to add gorgeous architectural detail to your indoor or outdoor space, aluminum balustrade extrusions must be on your material list. These long structural panels of balusters, top rails, and bottom rails, make a seriously sleek statement. Beyond looks, they also provide protective barriers keeping people safe.
But what exactly are balustrade extrusions and how do they work? We will break this down in this article, so you can elevate your space like an expert.
The Basics of Aluminum Balustrade Extrusions
First things first. We’ve got to get our terminology straight. Balustrade refers to the entire rail system including panels, support posts, and components. The word originated from baluster, which describes vertical supports. Now balustrade extrusions refer to panels made from aluminum stock materials pushed through a shaped die to create lengthy rails and balusters. The extrusion process allows the consistent forming of intricate shapes fast and in bulk. This makes the production of long balustrade frame pieces easier.
These extruded aluminum parts then get assembled into balustrade section frames. You end up with panelized barrier railings delivering form, function, and major visual appeal.
Benefits of Building with Aluminum Balustrade Extrusions
There are some reasons why aluminum is making waves when it comes to balustrade materials. Here are the few benefits you can expect:
Durability: Aluminum brings the brawn standing up to the sun, rain, salt, and harsh weather without rust, rot, or decay/ Powder coating adds extra protection too. They are in it for the long haul.
Strength: Exceptionally strong yet lightweight makes aluminum perfect for balustrades needing to withstand the force applied by people leaning or bumping against them.
Design: From basic shapes to intricate moldings, extrusions allow for almost any style. Curves, arches, mesh panels? No problem.
Ease of Installation: Channel and rail pieces fit together quickly with minimal use of fasteners or hardware.
Low Maintenance: Save your sanity without constant repairs and upkeep. Just occasionally clean and touch up any scratches on powder-coated pieces.
Affordability: Aluminum costs less than premium wood, steel, or cable railings. But it still looks like with value that can’t be beat.
Where to Use Aluminum Balustrade Extrusions?
You’ll spot balustrades all over the place anytime guard rails or decorative barriers are needed. Here are the common spots:
Stair Railings: Protect open stair sides by mounting balustrade sections to stringers. Essential for safety and code compliance.
Balconies: Enclosed balconies on upper levels of buildings for security and architectural detail. Regionally, it may be called verandas or galleries.
Bridges: Install along the edge of pedestrian footbridges to prevent falling off sides into rivers or valleys below.
Patios: Add around ground-level patios when situated close to drops or water. Prevents accidents and enhances the setting.
Rooftop Decks: Rooftop gathering areas often require balustrades by code to keep folks from getting near the roof edge.
Porches: Both front and back porches utilize balustrades to corral people away from steps and edges. They add beauty too.
Pools: Surround above-ground pools with balustrade panels to keep out unsupervised young people. Also prevents diving injuries.
Platforms: Contain the edges of raised platforms for equipment access, docks, trailers, temporary stages, and landscape structure elevation changes.
Anywhere danger lies on an open edge, you’ll probably find balcony railings in the mix. They elegantly solved safety and security concerns in style.
Parts of Aluminum Balustrade Extrusions
By now, you’re probably excited imagining how balustrades can elevate your property visually and functionally. But what exactly goes into these barrier systems?
Balusters
The vertical support pieces span between the top and bottom rails. Also referred to as pickets, spindles, or palisades. They may have simple slim profiles or decorative shapes.
Top (Hand) Rail
The uppermost horizontal rail that people grasp when using stairways or accessing areas protected by balustrades. It’s mounted directly to posts or walls.
Bottom (Base) Rail
A rail fastened near the floor level to anchor the lower ends of balusters. Usually, it has vertical grooves to insert balusters.
Infill
Decorative materials like glass, mesh, or cable inserts are fitted between balusters to enhance visual appeal while maintaining safety.
Newel Posts
Large terminating posts at the ends or corners of balustrade sections. They have structural reinforcing to handle tension loads.
Joining Hardware
Specialized fittings like screws, bolts, railing anchors, and adhesives that hold the system components together.
Those are basically the ingredients that assemble together to produce balustrades.
Conclusions
Looking back on everything we just covered, I hope you’ve realized aluminum balustrade extrusions are a great choice, taking space’s curb appeal and protection to the next level. With the scoop on what they are, why they shine, and how to put them together, you’re ready to start envisioning how to make them work for your stairways, porches, balconies, and anywhere else needing some architectural admiration.
Whether renovating an outdated house needing some exterior elevating or constructing a new building needing detail, aluminum balustrade extrusions have something to offer.