Five Questions to Determine if You’re Getting The Best Value For Your Railing Dollar
When a Condominium Association, Hotel, Motel, or private owner must repair or replace weathered or deteriorated railing, they are faced with taking action on possibly several thousand linear feet of material. With such quantities of material at issue, price shopping is a logical temptation… and appropriately so. In the final analysis, however, the cheapest railing systems may not be the cheapest or most intelligent alternative. Value trumps cheap.
Before selecting a railing system, consider the following questions:
- Will the railing system meet all relevant building codes? More importantly, will it maintain its performance standards over time or will it diminish under the pressure of environmental conditions?
Organizations whose developments are in coastal regions should be particularly concerned about the deleterious effects of salt air and water. The structural components of the railing system are compromised very quickly in these climates. Safety must be a top priority.
- It the railing system requires maintenance, how much will it cost? How often will it have to be maintained? How long will it take to complete?
If you can answer this question before purchasing, your organization may include itself in a growing number of associations who purchase systems with maintenance-free finish.
- Is the railing system’s appearance consistent with the image you wish to present?
Railing systems provide a necessary service, but that does not mean they have to be an eyesore. For architects and designers, railing is often used to complement their aesthetic themes. Consider utilizing a railing’s finish, color, or style to create architectural accents.
- Why the fuss about railing?
Despite its proliferation on condominium complexes, hotels, motels, and other structures throughout the country, railing has proven to be one of the most problematic exterior building products. Since most railing is forged from traditional railing materials such as concrete, steel, aluminum, wrought iron, and wood, building and property managers fight a perennial battle against the degenerative effects of weather and time. More often than not, it is a battle that consumes money and rarely restores original appearance or performance.
Fortunately, consumer demand for greater value and higher quality has redefined manufacturing objectives and inspired the research and development race, which drives all industries. The building materials industry is no exception. Consumers want products to be stronger, more durable, more attractive, and, with regard to exterior building products, maintenance free. Increasingly, plastic technology is fulfilling this demand.
- But why plastic railing??
For decades plastic applications have emerged with thermoplastic technological innovations to shatter preconceived notions of plastics and redefine user expectations. Thermoplastic railing attributes establish a yardstick that is difficult for other materials to match.
- Maintenance-free.
- Corrosion resistant.
- Does not fade, crack, or peel.
- Complies with all national building codes.
- Flexible design.
- Smooth, high-gloss finish.
Do Some Homework: Consider Thermoplastic Railings
Walt Disney and other major theme parks, almost every recognizable Hotel chain, Condominiums, Entertainment Coliseums, Sports Stadiums, Public Transportation, and Commercial Facilities are part of the rapidly growing number of buildings that are utilizing thermoplastic railings in areas where safety and control are real concerns. Thermoplastic railing satisfies their expectations for appearance, strength, and safety more completely than any railing product on the market.
Once an organization has decided to purchase thermoplastic railing, it should take the time to learn about both the manufacturer’s compound and design details. Ensure yourself that appropriate outdoor compounds are being used, and investigate the methods used by the manufacturer to assemble all the components that make up the “system.” Enlist architectural and engineering professionals to assist in specifying the products and company that can ensure you getting all the benefits thermoplastic railing can offer.
Interested in learning more about thermoplastic railings? Click here to learn more about our common railing systems.
