Galvanized Balcony Railing
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Looking for a low maintenance, attractive and long-lasting balcony or Juliet balcony? There are several options available to you such as a galvanised balcony railing, an anodised aluminium balcony railing and a frameless glass balcony railing.
The best option for your project depends on what you want your balcony railing to do for you and your property. Here’s our rundown of the difference between galvanised balcony railings, anodised aluminium railings and frameless glass balcony railings.
Galvanised balcony railing?
Galvanised balcony railings are made with zinc coated steel. Unlike stainless steel which is a blend of steel and chromium, galvanized steel get its protection from the layer of zinc which shields the surface against the surrounding environment.
Easy care – The zinc coating makes these balcony railings easy to maintain – there’s no need to paint, oil or sand these railings to keep them at their best.
Rugged, industrial appearance - Galvanised steel has a rugged, industrial look which can suit some properties, especially those with an industrial history or design, such as renovated factory apartments or old warehouses. Galvanised steel can be painted with specialist paint, but this will then need to be maintained – adding to the upkeep involved in keeping a galvanised balcony looking at its best.
Heavy – Steel is 2.5 times denser than aluminium. Unless you are installing especially small balcony railings, you will need help from someone – or something – else.
What is an anodised aluminium balcony railing?
Anodised aluminium balcony railings are made with aluminium that has been treated to prevent it from corroding. To anodise aluminium, it is submerged into an acid electrolyte bath. Once submerged, an electric current is passed through the tank – and the aluminium. The electric current causes the aluminium to oxidise – in turn anodising the aluminium.
Easy care – The anodised coating protects the aluminium from oxidisation, meaning it is easy to keep looking good.
Upmarket appearance - Anodised aluminium can be coated to suit a range of building styles – one of our most popular finishes is Royal Chrome which has a luxurious brushed stainless steel appearance without the on-going maintenance.
Adaptable – Anodised aluminium is very flexible meaning it can be shaped to suit a range of profiles. To add extra strength, some anodised aluminium balustrades – such as our Hybrid® balcony systems – have structural posts made of galvanised steel welded to a base plate for extra strength and stability. The posts are then covered with an anodised aluminium sleeve for a more attractive appearance.
Lightweight - anodised aluminium balcony railings are considerably lighter than steel railings. This makes them easier and more cost-effective to transport and install. Their light weight makes them an excellent choice for DIY projects and small building projects where only one or two people are on site.
Frameless glass balcony railing
The final low-maintenance balcony railing option is the frameless glass balcony. Made without visible posts or handrails, a frameless glass balcony is kept in place by fixing the toughened glass panels with glazing wedges into a base shoe, also known as a ‘U’ channel or base track.
Easy care – Choose glass that’s been treated with a self-cleaning coating such as BalcoNano® and it will be simplicity itself to keep looking good. Your regular window cleaner can include the glass panels in their rounds, or you could wipe with a wet cloth or sponge to keep them looking good. There’s no oiling, painting or sanding involved, and you get a clear, unrestricted view from your balcony or window.
Sleek, modern appearance – the lack of handrails makes glass railings look elegant and inconspicuous. Surprisingly, they look as effective on older properties as they do on ultra-modern builds because of the way the glass allows the original architecture to shine through.
More light in, a better view out - Because a frameless glass balcony has no posts or handrails, you get the benefit of a clear, unrestricted view out of your window or balcony. What’s more, you’ll get extra light into your property as well.
Ready to find out more?
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