subject: Wire Rope Balustrades And Their App In Wood Sun Decks Constructed In Durban [print this page] Wire rope balustrades are really common nowadays in particular if a contemporary and sophisticated appearance is wanted.
You'll find 2 types of wire rope balasters readily available. The first is a 5mm stainless steel cable or rope fixed to the uprights of the balustrade which should be balau of approximately 60mm x 60mm. This is connected using a turnbuckle and can be tightened as time goes by and the wire rope stretches somewhat. The tension of this rope needs to be taught but not very tight. This 5mm cable or rope can normally turn corners and hence not as much turnbuckles are necessary per length of wire rope.
The 2nd technique, and my favored one, is a 4mm marine grade stainless steel wire rope with button heads on both end. The 4mm wire rope is normally of a better standard than the 5mm rope and tends to tarnish significantly less over time. I have found the 5mm rope to regularly include 1 rouge strand which will tarnish and spoil the look of your balustrade. This technique requires button heads on either end however the 4mm rope commonly can't turn corners and more button heads are therefore essential. Each length of rope should run in one regular straight run and a new length began once a corner is encountered. A hole is basically drilled in to the balau uprights, the button head inserted and the wire rope threaded through and crimped. It too can then be tightened and again it must be taught rather than too tight.
Care really should be taken to drill level holes that are equidistant as the slightest difference will be noticeable. Specific consideration must also be taken when drilling holes on uprights which are on diagonal stairs. A trick is always to snap a chalk line the entire length of the wanted wire rope and then drill the balau upright from each ends with the holes meeting in the center. One cannot see any kink in the wire rope inside the timber but it is more noticeable where it enters and exits the balau upright.
It is normally better to install the wire rope balustrade after the balau has been sealed or coated as this will eliminate the chance of accidentally coating or sealing the button heads or turnbuckles.
Both methods require a crimping tool to crimp the button heads or turnbuckles on either end. This can be purchased often at a considerable price or one can be made using a large bolt cutter and adapting the head. However, only attempt making one yourself if you have the skills and the correct tools, as the correct crimping is vital to ensure that the wire rope does not pull out of the button head or turnbuckle, resulting in a fresh length of wire rope having to be used.
The capping on top depends on choice but I have mostly used a 30 x 102 balau capping which is fastened using kalgard screws to the top of the uprights. Again use as long a length as possible in any one straight run and if a join is necessary ensure that a 45 angle is cut to reduce lifting on the join.
