When it comes to your home or place of business, safety is one of your primary concerns at all times. This means that if you have a deck or balcony on the second floor or higher, you definitely want some kind of barrier to keep people from having an accident. You can install fences, but they can block the view and make your space feel smaller. Clear barriers let you keep the view, but they get dirty very quickly, so need constant cleaning to avoid looking dingy. Tubular balustrades, however, need very little maintenance, let you keep your view, and open up the space so it feels roomy and light.
Balustrades are, at their core, barriers. They are used mostly for security and safety, to keep strangers off your property, and to ensure people who live on your property do not get hurt. Some prime examples of where they are used is at the edge of properties as a fence. They are also frequently installed as a gate that opens to let cars onto your land, and are sometimes placed along the entire driveway. Swimming pools are another common area where they get put, since this ensures that little kids who do not yet know how to swim do not end up accidentally falling into the pool.
The main benefit is security and the peace of mind that comes with it, especially when you have small children and a pool. However, there are other benefits that you should consider For one, having balustrades can actually increase the value of the land, so that you may be able to net a bigger price if you sell in the future. Some insurance companies may also give you a discount on your homeowner policy if you have them, since it makes your house safer.
They are often made of one of three materials. Steel is a popular one because it is super strong and lasts pretty much forever. The same thing can be said about wrought iron, as it is both heavy duty and durable. These are kind of heavy though, so if you want a more lightweight option, aluminum is another popular material that is light, yet still strong and durable.
You can also get them in a variety of shapes, no matter which material you choose. The square and rounded varieties are the most popular, but consider twisted balustrades to put a fun spin on these fences and set your home apart.
Color is another thing you have to consider. Most manufacturers can use a colored powder coating on the outside, depending on which material you choose. If you want to add a little color to your house, ask about which hues are offered and see which one might work for you.
There is likely a balustrade type for you, no matter what your budget. If money is no object, you can get top of the line ones, but if you need to save money, then there are value options as well.
To find out which ones fit your price range, call your local dealer for an estimate. They can come out, measure your property, and sit down and consult with you about colors, materials and other options that suit your needs.