Aluminum Railing Systems- Comparison and Things to Consider with Railing Materials

Picking cable railing materials can be a tough thing to do. Every homeowner today wants to bring in Aluminum Railing Systems with an aluminum handrail, because of the popularity and other characteristics that aluminum has to offer.

Things to Consider While Choosing Railing Materials

Aesthetics

Railings have more to offer than just protection. They also play a major role in the aesthetics of the house. Apart from offering protection, they also offer a pleasing appeal to the property. Professionally installed aluminum railings might offer aesthetically appealing material for your own house. The shiny appearance adds an additional aspect to the property, especially when it comes to a modern design.

Costing

The amount of money that you have to take out of your pocket can help determine the type of railing materials that are to be considered for decks and stairs. Aluminum might come across as one of the most affordable materials, while also being one of the most popular. But it is important to make sure to get quality by going the extra mile. In simpler terms, try to balance quality with cost.

Compliance with ADA

ADA, which stands for the Americans with Disability Act is a government regulation that requires all railing materials to be consistent in accordance with the needs of the people suffering from disabilities. ADA compliance is considered to be an important aspect, especially for commercial properties.

But the catch is that with time, the government has also reinforced the standards in residential stairs.

This makes it important to check the materials that are in use to ensure that they are ADA-compliant. Before buying railing materials, make sure to use recently manufactured materials as they are more likely to be compliant in comparison to the materials manufactured years ago.

Longevity and Durability

Aluminum Handrail, cable rail fittings, and aluminum railing systems with fittings are some of the most durable railing materials that can be found in the industry. Every homeowner looks to install materials that can last for years before replacing them. Keeping factors such as longevity and durability should be considered, especially when the handrails are located outdoors.

But even if the railings are indoors, they can get damaged because of rough handling. Scheduled repair and maintenance can play a key role in longevity, but make sure to choose a railing that can withstand time.

Steel Vs Aluminum Railing Systems

Durability

The debate has been raging for a while now. Steel Vs aluminum railing systems. Which one looks more durable? Which can stand up to extreme weather conditions and pest attacks? In reality, both aluminum and steel are known for offering durability and toughness.

Even though technically steel is stronger, aluminum stands out for being more malleable and elastic in comparison to steel, meaning that it is less likely to be pushed to the limits. This is the case, especially for cold temperatures, since steel can be brittle. It could even compromise the whole integrity in case you allow rust to eat away at the railing.

Again, an aluminum handrail gets the upper hand as it stays rust-free because of its protective powder coating.

Beauty

The materials steel and aluminum, both can make up for beautiful railing systems. Both of them have a similar appearance and come off as versatile materials that can be used for making a number of railing systems. Although, with time, the aesthetics might change. Steel can catch rust, which can lead to orange splotches that will be there unless you do something about it. Other than that, the decision of painting steel can come up with the consequences of peeling and flaking as years pass by, further compromising the beauty of the handrail or the system until you buckle up and start repainting. Aluminum is easily available with a powder coating for protecting it through thick and thin. Aluminum wouldn't rust, fade, or flake and will remain as beautiful as it is throughout its life.

Cost

It is important to understand that the costs of steel and aluminum railings systems are constantly fluctuating all across the globe on the basis of demand and supply, cost of fuel, and other external factors. When it comes to the cost of raw materials, it might seem surprising that aluminum costs more than steel, but that doesn't make steel more affordable than aluminum.

In fact, even though railing systems costs vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, aluminum railing systems can still manage to be more expensive than steel railings. On top of that, it is also important to note the costs of maintenance when calculating the total costs of aluminum and steel railings.

It is no secret that an aluminum handrail and system require essentially zero maintenance, which can help save a lot of money. In opposition to that, steel can catch corrosion, and cleaning which would require purchasing products that can help in protecting the material. You might also feel the need to coat steel with a special wax or sealant or paint, which can require repainting with time.

Lastly, the installation cost for steel and aluminum railing systems vary as well with steel coming out as the costlier one out of the two.

Installation

Installing steel can be extremely difficult. The reason is the hefty weight. Handling and transportation of the same might require some hefty lifting, as opposed to aluminum, which is lightweight. On top of that, in case the railing needs to be cut for the installation, which is why aluminum is preferred since it can easily be cut with the use of a simple miter saw. Steel, on the other hand, needs heavy-duty equipment in order to get the job done.

Because of the weight and complexity of the installation, it is important that you hire professionals for the installation of the same. On a brighter note, aluminum is lightweight and available for installation with easy-to-assemble kits. Majority of the homeowners are capable of installing their own aluminum railing, and if they proceed with the same, they can save a respectable amount on the cost of installation.

Maintenance

As for aluminum railing systems, they are offered in a powder-coated finish. This innovation is responsible for protecting the railing and doesn't blister, rust, peel, or crack. Not to mention that virtually, it requires zero maintenance. There will be no need to repaint the railing, reapply the powder coating, or even provide any kind of sealing or staining treatments.

There are chances that you might like to hose down an aluminum handrail every now and then, for removing dirt and debris. Aluminum railings don't need any kind of maintenance for retaining their beauty so they can remain reliable and strong.

On the other end, steel is will rust if you don't take proper care of it. The reason is that it is made of iron, and it gets exposed to both water and oxygen, resulting in a chemical reaction, that further leads to the formation of rust. This makes it important to keep an eye on the railing since if rust happens, it should be removed before it compromises the integrity of the system. Apart from this, you can paint railings if you want, but they should be stripped or even repainted in the prevention of rust.