Installing a wire balustrade is an important part of any home improvement project. It’s a relatively easy task, but one that requires some care and consideration to make sure that your new balustrade is installed properly.
Most people choose to use wood or metal as their material for building the balustrade because they believe it will be sturdy enough to support their weight. In fact, most people build their balustrades using either wooden boards or metal beams. However, there are other materials that can also be used including glass, concrete, ceramic tiles, and stone. The best materials to use depend on what you want the balustrade to do.
The type of material you decide to use when installing a wire balustrade has to be strong enough to hold up your weight without showing signs of bending or breaking. That makes metal the best choice since it’s not only durable but also extremely hard and resistant to damage from weather elements such as rain, wind, sun, snow, and ice. If you’re going to use metal then you should definitely consider stainless steel balustrade wires. It’s a great option if you have stairs in your house and need a way to keep them safe from accidents. You can find many different types of balustrades made out of stainless steel. All you need to do is look around and find the one that suits your needs best.
Here are 5 tips that will help you install your wire balustrade correctly so that it doesn’t come crashing down.
1. Check Your Local Building Codes
Before starting the installation process, you should check with your local building codes so that you know exactly how the building inspector sees the job you’re doing. This will ensure that you don’t get into any trouble once the job is completed. Most people who install wire balustrades do it themselves because they think that it’s easy. But this is where most people end up making mistakes like leaving holes open in the wall, not having a proper foundation, not checking the height of the steps, and putting the wrong number of balusters (the pieces that go along each tread).
2. Use Professional Help When Possible
If you don’t have experience working with wire balustrades, then it would be a good idea to hire someone to help you out. Hiring professional help ensures that you won’t mess things up and make your project costlier than it should. Plus, hiring professionals means that the job gets done right the first time. They’ll also tell you about the best materials to use so that you can avoid problems later on.
3. Measure Before Starting Any Project
Before beginning the installation process, you should always measure everything to make sure that it matches perfectly. This includes the length, width, height, and depth of the stairway. Then, use those measurements to create your blueprint. It’s also a good idea to use a tape measure to mark every spot where you want to put your balusters. This will make it easier for you to place them at the right spots.
4. Make Sure There Are No Cracks or Leaks In the Wall Surface
You need to make sure that there aren’t any cracks or leaks in the wall surface before installing your wire balustrade. Otherwise, water could seep in through the gaps and cause mold growth which will eventually result in the rusting of your balustrade wires.
5. Cut the Wood or Metal Material Correctly
When cutting off the wood or metal material, cut straight across the wood or metal material. Never cut in a zigzag pattern. Cutting straight across will give you the perfect angle for placing your balusters. Also, try to keep the cuts small so that you don’t leave big spaces between your balusters.
6. Plumb the Stairs Properly
Plumbing is crucial when installing a wire balustrade. You have to make sure that the balusters are evenly spaced all the way down the stairway. If they’re uneven, then they won’t fit together properly. And, if they’re not plumbed correctly, then they might fall over after you finish installing them.
7. Place the Wire Balusters At the Right Height
Once you’ve finished installing the balusters, you have to make sure that they’re placed at the right height so that everyone can easily walk up and down the stairs without tripping. This is very important if you’re installing your balustrade in an apartment complex. If they’re too low then people will trip easily while walking up and down the stairs.
8. Install Each Baluster Using Brackets
It’s a good idea to install the balusters at regular intervals. This prevents them from moving around and falling over while people walk up and down the stairs. To prevent this, you should use brackets to secure each baluster in its place. These brackets are usually available in packages that include 2-4 brackets per package. You just have to match the number of balusters you have with the number of brackets you buy. After installing each bracket, you should tighten each bolt until it’s tight and snug.
9. Secure Each Baluster With Locking Nuts
Once you’ve tightened each baluster, you’ll still need to secure each baluster with locking nuts. This will prevent them from sliding down the balustrade while someone walks up and down the stairs. You should never lock bolts by hand. Instead, you should always use a locking nut to accomplish this task.
With these simple tips, you should now have no problem installing your wire balustrade. Remember to follow these instructions carefully so that you can avoid any problems later on.
