6 Benefits of Stainless Steel Wire Rope Balustrades
When choosing a material for a balustrade or barrier, it’s important to consider not only appearance and performance, but also the potential impact on surrounding views.
Another major consideration is how much maintenance the balustrade will require to keep it clean and in good condition – particularly in commercial settings.
Glass is often a preferred material for balustrades due to its transparency, low maintenance needs and contemporary looks. However, stainless steel wire rope balustrades offer a viable alternative – and in some ways even perform better!
Here’s how.
Features of stainless steel wire rope balustrades
- Transparency
Stainless steel wire rope can be used to create sleek, unobtrusive balustrades that frame a view rather than obstruct it, and that also allow for natural light and airflow.
- Robustness and longevity
While stainless steel wire rope might appear light and airy, it is actually extremely robust. For example, Jakob’s marine-grade wire rope can last for as much as 25 years in a commercial installation.
- Low maintenance needs
Stainless steel wire rope balustrades have very low requirements when it comes to maintenance, often just requiring an annual inspection to check tensioning and for any problems.
The material requires little if any cleaning, unlike glass which tends to attract dirt and smudges. Glass needs far more frequent cleaning when used in balustrades than wire rope.
- Design versatility and flexibility
Wire rope balustrades can be configured horizontally or vertically, creating a contemporary minimalist look. The wire rope can also be formed into flexible mesh material.
Another design possibility is a green barrier, where wire rope or mesh materials are used to support climbing plants.
Both wire rope cabling and mesh can accommodate very large spans, especially compared to more solid materials such as glass or timber.
- Ease of installation
Stainless steel wire rope is relatively light in weight and easy to handle, making for a quicker and easier installation than in the case of heavier, more solid materials.
- Non-climbability
Wire rope for balustrades can be configured to prevent climbing.
In the case of horizontal wires this involves applying the correct spacings and tensioning to prevent footholds. Vertical wires by their nature cannot be climbed but do need to be spaced correctly to prevent falls from height.
Case examples of stainless steel wire rope balustrades
- Taronga Zoo, Sydney – vertical cable balustrades that double-up as green facades were installed on the guest balconies at the accommodation centre. These green barriers provide shading and privacy while still allowing for views across the harbour.
- Carlton House, Melbourne – Webnet mesh formed from wire rope and painted white was used in this historic house upgrade to create a near-transparent balustrade.
- Monash University, Melbourne – 1,500 vertical cables made from 5mm wire rope form the three-level continuous barrier for the building’s central atrium.
- RFW Children’s Charity, Sydney – a uniquely-shaped Webnet balustrade forms the safety barrier for the spiral staircase at the charity’s building in Manly.
To find out more on wire rope balustrades get in touch with our team.
