RESTORE OR REPLACE RAILINGS AND BALCONIES?

They allow you to enjoy an open-air space while ensuring the security of a building's openings. Balcony railings and balconies must be given special attention to prevent any of their elements from breaking point.

On October 15, a balcony supposed to support at least two tones gave way under the weight of eighteen young people in Angers, leaving 4 dead and 14 injured. The co-ownership trustee has decided to install closures at the openings in the apartments where the balconies have given way and to install guardrails in the others to prevent access to the balconies while waiting for the open investigation to determine the causes of the collapse. The company which participated in the construction of the building concerned denounces “a failure linked to abnormal wear”. This sad news demonstrates the importance of ensuring regular maintenance of your guardrails and balconies to prevent their fragilities, and therefore accidental falls.

A guardrail: imperfect notion

It is a set of elements forming a protective barrier placed on the sides of a staircase, a landing, a balcony, a mezzanine, etc. to prevent an accidental, perhaps fatal fall into the void. Its name varies depending on the location where they are installed, and the type of attachment (landing guardrail to secure a balcony, crawling guardrail for the staircase, etc.). It is made up of a framework that allows it to resist the weight of people leaning on it and so-called “filling” elements that have the function of preventing the passage of a person or an object through or below the guardrail. It is made so that a child cannot climb it or slip between its components. It is obligatory to install a barrier whenever there is a risk of falling.

Imperative: maintain regularly and detect weaknesses

No surface corrosion can be avoided. However, regularly maintaining your guardrail as soon as it is installed helps delay the deterioration of the elements that constitute it. It is therefore important to wash and brush the painted ironwork elements regularly and apply a new coat of paint if necessary, at least every five years. For the rest, everything depends on the material of the guardrail (see below). In general, solid concrete guardrails require less maintenance than wooden ones (sensitive to humidity). Those made of anodized or lacquered aluminum essentially require regular washing with soapy water.

During maintenance, it is advisable to check the solidity of the guardrails. It is important to identify possible damage to the protective finish of the steel guardrails, but also to the assembly points of the metal parts (welding, bolting, etc.). The most common problems with aluminum guardrails involve corrosion or loose fitting parts. Detection of fragility can be done with the naked eye, by a simple sound examination, or simply by shaking the guardrail. If a weakness is suspected, you will need to call a professional to review the fixings, whether it is a carpenter or a locksmith-metalworker.

Is it better to repair or replace?

There is no single answer. Repairing railings and balconies remains the most economical solution when it is not too late. However, if the work is being considered for safety concerns, it is best to replace it, as the cost of restoration is usually greater than replacement. In addition, and unlike replacement, restoration does not allow you to benefit from the ten-year guarantee. “It is up to the co-ownership to make the most suitable choice depending on the differential. Balcony Repair in Melbourne offers expert, reliable services dedicated to restoring and enhancing the structural integrity and aesthetics of your balconies.

After a simple examination of the guardrails, the company can establish a diagnosis and determine whether it is preferable to repair or consider replacement. For example, if steel guardrails made of solid profiles can be restored, those made of steel made of tubular (hollow) profiles are difficult to repair, their internal corrosion being inevitable despite regular and careful maintenance. “It will nevertheless be necessary to compare at equivalent overall cost, by totaling the price of the repair solutions to that of the necessary repainting of the existing at regular intervals,” says Didier Rigault. Whatever happens, safety concerns must take precedence over the decision to repair or replace.

Materials: aluminum is on the rise

Wood is less and less popular since it has many disadvantages: rapid degradation, hypersensitivity to humidity, and subject to insect attacks... It can resist over time if, and only if, it is properly and regularly treated (layer of varnish, stain, or putty covered with paint). If you choose this noble and natural material, it is preferable to choose Class 4 certified rot-proof wood such as exotic ipe wood, fir, larch, or autoclave Scots pine - autoclave wood has undergone a deep treatment, thus protecting it from biological attacks (insects or fungi).

Glass is also attractive for its sleek side and its protective screen against UV rays. You can choose it opaque to preserve privacy or transparent. But it is the metal guardrails that are the most successful.

Stainless steel is attractive for its minimalist design - its avant-garde side blends in with both modern and rustic decoration - and its high quality. It can be raw, brushed, or polished. Most are designed in a brushed version. If dust particles from the air settle on the stainless steel and cause its corrosion, thus forming superficial rust, it is easy to eliminate it using suitable products (including Innosoft and Innoprotect products, for example) to avoid permanent rust. “Stainless steel is a quality material but ultimately rarely used in co-ownership because it is very expensive. In addition, there is no choice of color, unlike other materials,” explains Didier Rigault.

The two main materials used, however, remain steel and aluminum. Traditionally, stainless steel is recommended. Its highly secure material allows it to withstand climatic attacks and other shocks. However, aluminum, long considered a soft metal and therefore fragile and unsafe, can become as hard as iron when it is well worked, and then constitute a solid support. “The quality-price ratio of aluminum today surpasses that of steel, which must be regularly maintained with paint. Aluminum lasts longer and requires less maintenance. notes the manager. Aluminum combines the advantages: it better withstands climatic shocks, does not rust, is aesthetic, practical - in the event of an impact, the damaged element can be dismantled and replaced without any difficulty and without welding -, and light (for 15 kilos per linear meter for the steel guardrail, it takes 3 kilos for its aluminum equivalent, with perforated sheet filling).“When it is necessary to replace a guardrail, the aluminum solution is essential in the majority of cases. They are then composed of elements assembled with stainless steel screws. The molded assembly parts receive a lacquering treatment with oven-baked polyester powders. The extruded aluminum profiles can be either anodized or thermo-lacquered: all these advantages for a durable, almost maintenance-free product, offering the best quality/price ratio with ten-year coverage,” explains Didier Rigault.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the recent tragic incident in Angers serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of regular maintenance for balcony railings and structures. It's imperative to conduct routine checks and promptly address any vulnerabilities to prevent accidents. When it comes to materials, while wood and glass have their merits, steel and aluminum emerge as the most reliable options. The decision to repair or replace depends on various factors, with safety considerations taking precedence. Balcony Repair in Melbourne stands ready to offer expert services, ensuring not only structural integrity but also aesthetic appeal for your outdoor spaces. Trust us for reliable, lasting solutions.