Although they are able to make a big difference to the way that a property is perceived, many people tend to pay little attention to the handrails in a building unless they are loose. With this said, they have a variety of different uses so it is very likely that those who regularly use a staircase would notice if they unexpectedly vanished. Read on as we go over three reasons why handrails are important…
Safety
As the most obvious reasoning, many property owners choose to have a handrail installed as a safety precaution. After all, it is important to cater for every member of society and a rail along the edge of a staircase is the most effective way to ensure that those who are vulnerable are not put at risk. For example, pensioners may need to hold onto something secure as they climb a staircase to prevent falls and steady their balance whilst young children are at risk of injury due to their inquisitive nature so a handrail can help encourage safe staircase use.
Aesthetics
Aside from safety, a handrail can also improve the aesthetics of a property too. After all, they are crafted from a variety of different materials such as galvanised metal, wrought iron and even timber which means that there is a design on the market to meet the preferences of every property owner. In addition to this, a handrail can also be adorned with unique and elegant details too which adds to the aesthetic benefit that they are able to provide.
Law
In many places, handrails are required by law and are considered an essential building regulation. In fact, a handrail should be between 900mm and 1000m in height from the pitch line to the top of the rail itself and a 100mm sphere should be able to fit between the openings. In addition to this, a staircase that has two or more step will require a handrail to be installed, however small ones can simply be fitted to the wall in order to provide safety and support without breaking the bank.
Here at Cheshire Metalcraft, we want to encourage our readers to look beyond the basics when it comes to property safety. After all, a handrail can improve the aesthetics of a staircase with ease which will leave architects wondering why they were only ever seen a legality to abide by. As the best gates in Manchester, the Cheshire Metalcraft team are also equipped to deal with each and every handrail query. In fact, we even offer a made to measure service! Get in contact with a member of the team to find out more information today!