Guidelines of metal railings given by fabricators in Singapore

When it comes to railings, metal railings are an excellent solution for your home and office in Singapore. There are several options for the metal railings- aluminum, bronze, brass, steel, stainless steel, and wrought iron. The choice of the materials used for the railings varies based on the budget, interior vs. exterior, product availability, structural requirements and finish.

Most people assume that stainless steel is the better option for the exteriors railings, but it is not true. If the stainless steel railings are not maintained well, it shows stains and sign of corrosion. Instead, aluminum is the best option for the exterior railings. Contact the metal fabricator to know what might work best for your application. Understand the building code and standards of size, strength requirements and height of the metal railings.

Choosing the right material for the metal handrails in Singapore

There are varieties of metals available in the market at Singapore- aluminum, brass, bronze, steel, stainless steel, and wrought iron. With all these options, choosing the right material becomes confusing. Aluminum railings are generally anodized or powder coated. This metal requires less maintenance and provides corrosion resistance. The aluminum railings are an ideal choice for industrial applications. These are less expensive than steel. Steel railings can be painted, but it gets worn out due to rust and leads to structural damage. Later, you have to strip and repaint after a few years. Steel is heavier and more expensive to transport and install.

Also Read: Qualities of metal railing detailed by fabricators in Singapore

The great choices for decorative and functional railings are brass and stainless steel. They are used in high-end residential, entertainment and commercial projects. The brass gives the traditional and classic look used in ultra-modern architecture. Brass is the favorite choice for marine architecture due to its wear-resistance and anti-microbial properties. This metal requires regular maintenance; otherwise, it will tarnish. Stainless steel is strong metal which is durable and corrosion-resistant. It has low maintenance requirements. Wrought iron is used for hundreds of years and matches to the architectural style of any building. There are lots of varieties of patterns, shapes, and supplies available to create any design. The drawback of wrought iron is heavyweight, harder to handle and difficult to install.

Categories in metal finishing done in Singapore

There are three categories in metal finishing, and these are

• Mechanical
• Chemical
• Organic

The mechanical finishes are done using the abrasive. Depending on the visual appearance, you can use a satin finish or bright polish finish. Different mechanical finishes perform differently depending on the environment. The satin finish creates more surface area and allows dirt and contaminants to settle in the surface. This makes the stainless steel to corrode when not cleaned properly. In the bright polish finish, contaminants will not retain but show fingerprints. In the chemical finish, the aluminum has to undergo the chemical process called anodizing. It seals the surface and adds hardness to protect from the scratches.

The wax or paint comes under organic finishes. Steel and aluminum are good metals to use for coloring the metal railings. Wax finish is suggested for brass or bronze railings. They need a type of sealant to keep the metal from tarnishing. When installing the metal railings, regular inspections and cleaning are required to maintain the railings.

Advantages of metal railings suggested by fabricators in Singapore

Metal railings are the popular style of fences for residential and parks. They provide perimeter security with low maintenance. Metals are very versatile so it beneficial for metal railings. There are extensive selections available to match your application. Since they do not splinter and corrode like wood, metal railings are durable. Personalized designs are possible with metal railings. Metal railings are the better choice over wood, especially in outdoor conditions.

The most significant advantage of metal railings is the low cost of maintenance. Wiping the railings with a wet cloth is all it needs for cleaning. The metal facilitates construction of small and lightweight section. Depending on one’s lifestyle and budget, they can be made from flat product or casting. To ensure a long life of the metal railings, powder coat the metals. This helps to increase its life span up to 25-30 years. Therefore, it can be concluded that out of all the metals, stainless steel is in the trend and hence preferred metal for railings manufacturers.