Retrofit Perforated Flat Bar Balustrade Cover
Think Perforation, Think Graepels. Precision Perforation for Perfect Results
A flat bar balustrade at an apartment development in Cherrywood, Dublin had gaps wide enough for children to get their feet wedged between the vertical bars. Graepels worked with the fabricator on a perforated cover that fits over the balustrade already in place.
A double folded top flange hooks over the handrail and the bottom flange tucks underneath, closing the gaps without taking anything out.
Why Choose Graepels?
We have almost 70 years of experience across the UK and Ireland, with expertise in perforated metal, woven wire, metal fabrication, laser cutting, and ISO 9001 certified manufacturing.
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The Project at a Glance
The Client
Name: Cherrywood Apartments Balustrade Retrofit
Location: Cherrywood, Dublin
Industry: Construction
Contractor: Knife Edge Fencing
Date: TBC
The Project
Product: Perforated, Pre-Galvanised and Powder Coated Folded Balustrade Cladding
Material: Pre-Galvanised Powder Coated Perforated Mild Steel
Specification: Bespoke balustrade covers with 13mm round perforations on a 19mm staggered pitch, cut and folded to profile then polyester powder coated
Finish: Black Polyester Powder Coat
Use Case: Closing the large openings in an existing balustrade
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The Brief
What Do You Do With a Balustrade That Is Too Open?
The architects looked for a way to deal with a flat bar balustrade at Cherrywood where children were repeatedly getting their feet caught between the vertical bars.
Replacing the balustrade outright would have meant cost, disruption and a long programme on an occupied development. Whatever went in had to fit over the existing structure, install quickly, and still look like it belonged there.
The Solution
Graepels worked with the fabricator on a folded perforated panel that slips over the existing flat bar balustrade.
The top flange is a double fold that hooks over the top of the balustrade. The bottom flange tucks in underneath. Between them the panel closes the open gaps and holds its own position, so fitting is quick and none of the original structure has to be removed.
Panels were made in pre-galvanised perforated mild steel with 13mm round holes on a 19mm staggered pitch, cut and folded to profile, then finished in black polyester powder coat.
The Outcome
A neat, strong retrofit that closes a balustrade which was far too open, fitted over the existing structure rather than replacing it.
The perforated cover reads as part of the original balustrade rather than something bolted on afterwards, keeps the sightlines open, and removes the hazard that prompted the job in the first place.
Why Choose Graepels?
We have almost 70 years of experience across the UK and Ireland, with expertise in perforated metal, woven wire, metal fabrication, laser cutting, and ISO 9001 certified manufacturing.