Are wire balustrades safe?

The increasing popularity of wire balustrades in both commercial and domestic buildings has created some important questions about their safety. As more property owners in the UK shift towards the minimalist look that wire systems offer, it is vital to appreciate the safety issues. At Rope Services Direct, we have designed and provided balustrading wire systems for over 20 years, which gives us invaluable perspective on this subject.

 

Understanding the Regulatory Framework

As with any construction undertakings in the UK, wire balustrades must meet certain building regulations set to guarantee safety. The first and primary wire balustrade safety regulation is approved document K of the building regulations which includes provisos on protection from falling, collision and impact.

The rules outline several salient points, such as:

-          Openings in fencing wires should prevent a sphere of 100mm in diameter from falling through to avoid horizontal falls by children.

-          Structures should be able to sustain a horizontal load of 0.74kN/m, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of 75kg exerted on it.

-          In residential areas, the most minimum measurements become 900mm pertaining to the height of the stairs and 1100mm in the measurement of landings.

-          More stringent regulations are applied in commercial installations, with minimum heights of 900mm to1100mm depending on the specific use case.

These metrics didn't just come out of nowhere; they are the result of in-depth analysis of how real accidents occur and how they can be prevented. The use of properly installed wire balustrades, which offer exceptional barrier qualities against falls, is visually open meeting these requirements complies with regulations as these standards provide comprehensive in-depth protection.

 

Material Considerations: Not All Wire Has the Same Properties

The safety continuum of a wire balustrade system is heavily reliant on issues of material used. At Rope Services Direct, we use exclusively 316-grade stainless steel for external and poolside fencing because of its superior features of durability, resistance to corrosion, and high tensile strength.

The 7 x 7 and 7 x 19 strand configurations are popular and provide a good combination of strength, lightweight, and flexibility for threaded balustrade construction.

Safety is greatly affected by wire diameter. Although 3mm wire is aesthetically pleasing, it does not have the tensile strength suitable for most installations. Our research indicates 4-5mm wire is the best for residential installations because of its elegant appearance and robust safety features, while 5-6mm wire is more suitable for commercial businesses.

 

Installation Integrity: The Critical Factor

Even the highest quality wires and equipment will not make up for poor installation. The most common issues we see related to safety are:

Sagging wires: With time, wires that are not adequately tensioned will sag over time and create substantial gaps. A professional installation with calibrated tensioning tools ensures that there is always adequate pressure on all the wires.

Insufficient post supports: The entire system is only as secure as the posts. When spaced too far apart or not secured properly to the building, the entire system’s safety is greatly compromised.

 

Maintenance Obligations

Unlike solid balustrades, wire systems must be checked regularly for safety compliance. We suggest the following:

- Every six-month visual examination for sagging or damage

- Annual tension tests for loose wires

- Full comprehensive inspection once every three years for residential systems and once per year for commercial installations

This system would not only keep up the safety standards but also provide service for decades without service to the structure’s aesthetic design.

 

Considerations for Child Safety

A major issue with wire balustrades is child safety, especially with climbing. When the wires are properly installed horizontally and tensioned correctly, climbing becomes virtually impossible because the wires can’t hold weight.

For homes with toddlers, we frequently recommend vertical wire options or hybrid designs where glass panels are used in wire balustrades.

 

Judgment Regarding Safety

Balustrade systems made with wires, when correctly designed, installed, and maintained, exceed all safety standards set by the UK. These systems are becoming gradually more popular due to their aesthetic features too.  The principal concerns that guarantee safety are meet and complied with:

-          Guaranteeing the necessary building regulations are met and followed.

-          Use of proper materials for the intended purpose.

-          Proper professional installation, complete with correct tensioning.

-          Scheduled inspections and scheduled maintenance checks.

Each aspect of our wire balustrade systems, such as the initial design consultation, installations, and maintenance recommendations, is influenced by safety considerations. At Rope Services Direct we understand the importance of these matters and ensure our clients wire balustrades that are durable, visually appealing and safe for both residential and commercial properties.