The Importance of Architectural Handrails

Handrails are aesthetically pleasing elements that one can add to any part of their business. Handrails are sometimes used for decoration, but they also have a useful purpose: to help companies meet OSHA requirements, which in turn ensure that the handrails are accessible to all. Here’s what the importance of architectural handrails is all about.

The Importance of Handrails

Handrails play a significant role in providing help for people with mobility issues. They’re also sometimes used as statement pieces, but they’re mainly used to help people get between floors safely, as they offer better balance and prevent falls from occurring.

There are three different practical uses for handrails:

• They allow people to use their hands for better stability while walking up and down stairs.
• They can be used around corners or in hallways, giving people easier transitions for pivoting.
• They offer assistance and support for the elderly in case of a fall.

Handrails are also important because of building codes. Many countries have certain requirements when it comes to constructing stairs to help occupants get to other building levels.

Engineering Calculations for Architectural Handrails

The production of architectural handrails relies heavily on calculations. Engineering calculations ensure an architectural handrail’s safety by determining which fasteners should be used to properly secure it, among other things.

When an engineer produces these calculations, they must keep a few things in mind. One of these things is stable mounting conditions, which determine how the rail should be set, ensure it’s stable enough, and make sure it meets all the requirements.

The engineer also considers the end user. The end user is the person or people who will be ultimately using the handrail and who may modify the rail in some way. For example, if a user plans to hang plants from a balcony railing, the engineer must calculate and account for that potential additional weight.

The location of handrails is another critical aspect. If rails are installed on college campuses, for example, they usually need more maintenance, since students frequently use them. The placement will often determine what type of railing system should be installed.

Benefits of Handrails

They Add Safety

Simply put, handrails prevent accidents from happening. Railings can add beauty, but they add safety as well. Here’s a quick summary of the safety gains you can achieve from architectural handrails:

• Floors can become slippery during bad weather, and rails prevent accidents by helping people maintain their balance as they cross from one area to another. To further improve your building’s safety, put down salt during the winter and shovel areas that are blocked by or covered in snow.
• Architectural handrails help people who are carrying heavy loads. For people who have difficulty climbing stairs with heavy items, a handrail will offer something to grab onto for better balance. For example, a handrailing helps if someone is carrying groceries or a baby.
• A railing system on a deck can prevent furniture and other items, such as toys or umbrellas, from flying away on windy or stormy days.

They’re Aesthetically Pleasing

The aesthetic appeal of architectural handrails enhances any space. If you’re aiming for a sleek style, we highly recommend going with a stainless steel railing or even a crossbar railing post. There’s a ton of options to pick and choose from, no matter the size of your space. Every office, store, and public area can optimize its space with any style of handrail system.

You can receive four additional benefits from using architectural handrails:

• They can provide an unobstructed space with a barrier to prevent any accidents from occurring. These types of railings offer a way to maintain safety without blocking your view of the ocean or lakefront.
• Rails can protect your lawn and landscaping. When you invest time and energy into the landscaping or your lawn, you want to protect it as best as possible. Architectural railings can line your scenic pathway, ensuring that nothing gets messed up and that your garden still catches plenty of attention.
• Architectural handrails are easy to install. No matter what type of handrail you’re after, having a handrail that’s easy to install and has you feeling less stressed out when adding to your property or your infrastructure.
• They’ll add tremendous value to your property. Whether it’s your home or business, you’ll find a tremendous increase in value when you add architectural handrails or update existing handrails to architectural ones.

Architectural handrails add fantastic elements to any business. These benefits and more will influence your decision when you’re considering the importance of architectural handrails for you and your company.

They Offer Accessibility

To maintain OSHA accessibility protocols, it’s a good idea to add a guardrail system to allow employees or customers who use wheelchairs to efficiently access your business. For example, instead of typical steps, you’d install a ramp with easy-to-reach rails for better mobility and access.

During the designing process of your architectural handrails, it’s key to pay attention to the design details and to plan accordingly in order to allow optimal accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities. However, it’s also important to understand the importance of how much more functional a stairwell becomes with architectural handrails. Place safety as a top priority when you’re designing your architectural handrails for different floors of your building. Ensure that windows are at least one meter above the railings’ landing. You should also add handrails to bathrooms and toilets to help with accommodations.

They’re Customizable

As we just mentioned, railings should be accessible to everyone, and you can achieve this by customizing your handrails. You can customize your very own handrail system by purchasing one of our beautiful handrailing kits and utilizing the stainless steel handrail fabricators from Custom Manufacturing & Polishing, Inc. Our products are entirely customizable, making every design unique and lifting the beauty of your property. Here are a few ways to why Custom Manufacturing & Polishing, Inc. can provide the best services when you’re looking for top-quality architectural handrails:

• We create our project plans with simplicity and customers in mind.
• Your designs will come to life with each premade handrail kit.
• Our expertise and experience shine through each of our products and services. We take time to perfect every architectural handrail set to meet your needs.

Architectural handrails are essential to any business, especially if you’re looking to add different aesthetics. When you reach out to buy one of our kits, you can rest assured that all the kits produced at Custom Manufacturing & Polishing, Inc. are curated with care and with the right customer aesthetic in mind.