While stainless steel railings have a great modern look and flexibility of design, for Toronto industries, the metal’s durability and sanitation are far more important. Many buildings require a clean and safe working environment, and they greatly benefit from the strength of stainless steel, its easy-to-clean properties, and the intrinsic hygienic quality that this specific combination of metals can provide.
What Exactly is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a steel alloy that contains a minimum of 10.5% of an element called chromium. Chromium is what helps the steel repair itself when it is exposed to oxygen. At that point the chromium and oxygen combine to form a layer of chromium oxide, which prevents corrosion by blocking water and air from reaching and damaging the actual steel surface. It is also not affected by acidic, alkaline, or heavily chlorinated products. What results is steel that will nor rust or tarnish. Also, the layer quickly reforms when the metal is subjected to any kind of abrasion.
The greater the amount of chromium, the more corrosive resistant the stainless steel becomes. The addition of nickel also increases its resistance. Other metals may also be present in the stainless steel, such as titanium or copper, all to improve various properties of the material.
All this to say, stainless steel is one of the more durable materials used in construction and building applications today. Its unique surface also makes it incredibly sanitary. And for these reasons, many industries prefer to use stainless steel railings wherever possible.
How Commercial Industries Utilize Stainless Steel Railings
Stainless steel is not only durable, it is also extremely hygienic. This is due to the fact that the surface of stainless steel has no pores in which dirt, grime, or bacteria can live and flourish. It is one of the most hygienic surfaces available.
It is a perfect complement to a wide variety of other materials. Stainless steel railings can easily be incorporated into most design schemes, due to its flexibility and finish options. Therefore, it can easily be included in the décor of most commercial or industrial buildings. Here’s how some industries employ these railings:
- Medical Facilities – Railings of stainless steel are necessary in hospitals, retirement centers, and other medical facilities. Stainless steel railings are used as balcony and staircase railings, but are also employed as handrails along walls, so that anyone who requires additional assistance walking down a long hallway may do so anywhere in a facility. You can find these kinds of rails often in retirement centers, as well as hospitals.
- Food Industries – Not only helpful in restaurants and commercial kitchens, stainless steel railings are also required for use in food processing plants so as to meet requirements for sanitation and food safety. They are used in stairwells as well as on balconies overlooking any areas for food production or preparation.
- Marine Environments – Due to the amount of water that stainless steel railings can withstand without rusting, they are extremely useful on decks and any waterfront properties. Lake- or ocean-facing industrial buildings have to deal with a number of harsh environmental factors due to their location, and experience has shown that stainless steel’s durability comes in exceedingly helpful.
- Educational Institutions – From preschools to universities, it is important to ensure the health and safety of students. Interior and exterior railings can be kept clean with little effort, saving the janitorial staff time and energy.
In general, using stainless steel railings are preferred in all buildings where a safe and clean environment is required. It allows for interior and exterior railings to be kept clean without the use of expensive or harsh chemicals, saving your employees from any harmful exposure.
The Beauty and Versatility of Stainless Steel Railings
As mentioned above, stainless steel railings can be seamlessly integrated into most design aesthetics. Most often cylindrical, they are also available square or rectangular, and can be bent or curved in nearly any configuration you need. They are easily used both indoors and outdoors, as they are less susceptible to rust or corrosion, and resist damage due to very high temperatures or those below freezing. No matter the weather conditions, the railings will maintain their attractiveness and durability for generations to come.
If there are any safety concerns when using the stainless steel railings on balconies, the steel can be combined with glass panels or else with cables strung or wove through the open areas between the rails. Toronto Railings offers a range of brackets and fittings for stainless steel railings and provide options for finishes, including a chrome finish or brushed steel.
Utilizing these stainless steel railings in your décor can help create a striking, modern look. The material itself implies strength and stability, an image that your customers will connect with your business. From the emergency stairwells to a grand foyer, stainless steel railings will provide an impression of permanence, all the while giving your employees a sanitary place to work.
This is not to say that stainless steel railings are not also a good option for your home. In fact, all the reasons to use the railings in your business are the same for your home; you are looking for a surface that is easy to clean, safe for your family to use and touch on a daily basis, and when used outside, will withstand any environmental factors. Its ability to bear up under heavily chlorinated products make it an ideal railing to be used around pools. The railings will also withstand potential damage inflicted by children or pets.
It is a relatively inexpensive material that offers a versatility and attractiveness not always available in other options at the same price point. Safe for your business and your family, stainless steel railings are an inexpensive and beautiful choice that will never rust, and never go out of style.
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