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Ornamental Metal Railings
Ornamental metal railings are used on the
exterior and interior of buildings to surround
balconies, serve as staircase banisters,
and make up balustrades. They are also used
to construct decorative fences. When first introduced, metal railings were
far more expensive than those made from timber,
so they rapidly became a way of demonstrating
the superior wealth and taste of the property
owner. Since metal can be worked into a wide
variety of beautiful shapes, these railings
are still the first choice of those who are
looking to add a distinctive statement to
their buildings. Specialty manufacturers
make metal railings, which are generally
constructed at their factories and installed
on site with little or no welding required.
If you are thinking of buying
metal railings,
consider the following:
- Wrought iron is older than cast iron. It
is produced by heating the metal to red heat
and then hammering it on an anvil. This process
strengthens the metal. Wrought iron requires
treatment for rust by galvanizing it or keeping
it painted.
- For cast iron railings, metal is heated until
it melts into a liquid, and then the molten
iron is poured into moulds and allowed to
cool and set. Cast iron will rust on the
surface unless it is treated with a rust
resistant product, but the rust does not
go deep enough to affect the performance
of the railing, unless the cast iron is in
contact with another metal.
- Traditional ornamental metal railings are
often reproduced in aluminum.
These require
less maintenance, as they do
not rust. They
also weigh less than wrought
or cast iron,
but you will not achieve the
same authentic
look if you choose aluminum
railings.
Finally, while manufacturers make a wide
range of ornamental metal railings in stock
patterns, it is also possible to order custom
made railings that can include decorative
symbols or initials. |
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