Wire balustrades

[vk2003]

Has anyone any experience with wire balustrades? We are thinking of doing them on our decking, and wondering whether there are any pitfalls. Also would welcome recommendations of suppliers!

 

V

[ProDave]

I know building control failed them in a house up here for internal use, because you could push the wires apart.

[Mr Punter]

Small children getting their heads between the wires is the risk.

[vk2003]

I understand that the wires need to be <= 100mm apart to prevent heads getting stuck.

 

[ProDave]

The wording in building regs here is "a 100mm diameter sphere will not pass through" But even if the wires are say 90mm apart, it does not take much force to push them apart and the sphere will go through.

 

The case I mentioned, they wove sheets of polycarbonate between the wires to make a solid barrier and got past completion. I am sure the sheets of polycarb are no longer there. So you might be able to wing it if you are determined.

[vivienz]

I'm using Balustrades UK Ltd at the moment.  Competitive pricing and good service.  Not sure if they do wires, but as they are fabricators it would be worth giving them a call.

[the_r_sole]

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Edited September 26, 2019 by the_r_sole

[Roundtuit]

How high's the decking?  I think 600mm is the point that building regs kick in, so if it's under that then no need to worry about the 100mm rule.

[AliMcLeod]

We were looking at some horizontal balustrades and feedback we were getting is that building control often don't like them as they are a "climb risk" for children. This was for internal "top-of-stair" balcony however and in Scotland. And it was for fixed metal balustrades, not wires.

Edited October 22, 2018 by AliMcLeod