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deck railing code requirements

Deck Railing Code Requirements

Understanding Railing Codes for Decks and Stairs As a general rule all decks higher than 30″ above grade are required to have a guardrail. If a property owner or contractor elects to install railings on any deck lower than 30″, the railings must still meet code. Deck railing height standards can vary from state to state but typically require a 36″ or 42″ railing. In California, deck railings are required to be a minimum of 42″ tall measured from the deck surface to the top of the guardrail. In addition, this measurement should be calculated from native grade; meaning adding loose fill to change grade elevation would not satisfy this requirement.  Typical loading requirements dictate that guardrails should be strong enough to withstand 200 pounds of force applied anywhere along the top rail. A variety of infill options are allowed as long as the openings do not allow the passage of a 4″ sphere through the infill. Posts should be spaced no more than 6 feet apart for picket railings, and no more than 4 feet apart for cable style railings. Post spacing for glass panel railings is recommended at a maximum of 5 feet spacing. Any space between the deck surface and bottom rail member (sweep space) should not exceed 4″. Deck Railing Code Requirements for Stairways Guardrails are also required for stairways. The railing height for stairs is measured from the nose of the stair treads and must be installed between 34″ and 38″. Guard rails are different from graspable rails (grab rails) and one or both may be needed in order to satisfy code requirements. For example: a flat 2×4″ top rail will satisfy a guardrail requirement but is not acceptable for a graspable rail. Installers should be mindful of clear spacing rules for graspable rails which must allow 1.5″ of space between the guardrail or any wall surface. Additionally, the ends of graspable rails must be returned and/or terminated at railing posts. The bottom rail on any stair railing should not allow passage of a sphere greater than 6″ in diameter to pass through the triangular opening created by the stair riser. San Diego Cable Railings offers nationwide shipping and code compliant products designed for deck railings and stairs. Visit the quote request page or give us a call at 844-277-7327 to learn more about deck railing code requirements.    

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Retrofitting Existing Railings

Professional Tips and Infill Options for Retrofitting Existing Railings     If the structural components on your existing deck are still sound it may be a good candidate for a retrofit vs. a complete rebuild. Retrofit railings utilize existing structural members combined with new railing infill for an updated look. Below are some suggestions provided by our railing pros to help you decide if your railings are suitable for a retrofit vs. a rebuild: Evaluate Posts and Railing Members- 4″x4″ wood posts are most commonly encountered on wooden decks. Using existing wood posts is feasible for glass panels or stainless cable infill if the members are in good shape and will meet current codes. In California, the net railing height needs to be 42″ tall for barrier railings. Glass railing panels can be added to existing posts by utilizing steel clips or by picture framing the glass with wood trim. Stainless steel cable assemblies can be added to existing railing posts as long as the post spacing does not exceed 4 feet and the connections are suitable for railing tension. Inspect the railing members for signs of rot and insect damage prior to performing any retrofit work. Evaluating the age and exposure levels can also be helpful when deciding whether to retrofit or rebuild. If minor (aesthetic) blemishes are present, perform any patch work, painting or staining prior to installing new railing infill. Railing posts need to withstand a lateral pressure load of 200-250 lbs. A drilling template can be used to drill existing wooden posts for stainless cable infill. When dealing with existing structures, consulting a professional prior to performing any work is always recommended. San Diego Cable Railings can provide all necessary hardware, glass panels and/or cable infill options for retrofitting existing railings. We also offer turn key installation services by our licensed and insured preferred contractors. To find out more information, or to get an estimate on railing products please visit the quote request page.

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pool fencing, Feeney Design Rail

Code Compliant Pool Fencing

California Requirements for Safe and Code Compliant Pool Fencing Pool fencing requirements in California cover any type of pool, in ground or portable that contains over 18 inches of water. Home owners are required to construct barriers between their home and pool as a required safety measure. Technically a jacuzzi or even a portable pool purchased at a box store can fall under these guidelines. Pool fencing requirements in California are attempting to save lives; but at times this can come at the expense of aesthetics.  Can I use cable railings for pool fencing in California? Stainless steel cable gates and fences can both be a viable option for pool barriers in California. Cable fences are attractive and nearly transparent; they will not cause the visible obstructions of standard pool fences. Pool barriers do have some specific requirements to note that include one or more of the following safety measures: The height of the fence has to be a minimum of 60 inches The gaps in between members cannot allow a 4″ sphere to pass through the fence Gates should be self latching and/or self closing Pools and/or spas should have approved safety covers Doors that give direct access to the pool should have exit alarms Additional requirements can be found at your local county websites like the one cited HERE. San Diego Cable Railings offers a wide variety of products to satisfy pool fencing requirements. Our durable stainless steel product line works great for coastal fencing projects as well as saline pools with salt air exposure. Additionally, we are an authorized dealer of all Feeney aluminum cable rail and design rail systems. Our preferred installers have performed code compliant cable fencing installations up and down the coast of California. If you would like to learn more about pool fencing, or to get an estimate for products and installation please visit the quote request page or call 844-277-7327.        

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save money on cable railings

Save Money on Cable Railings

Pro Tips to Cut Your Hardware Cost and Save Money on Cable Railings If you’re looking to lower your cost on a deck railing this summer, check out the tips from our cable railing pros. Cable rail construction doesn’t have do be expensive nor do you need to sacrifice professional results to lower your cost. Anybody can save money on cable railings with a little pre-planning, proper layout and the right material choices: Use wooden posts and railing members- Wood timbers will almost always be less expensive than aluminum, steel and stainless steel. Exotic hardwoods can be an exception in certain cases however using cable railing frames made from Cedar, Fir or Redwood can cut the cost of your cable railing considerably. Pre-made wooden cable railing posts can be up to 50% less expensive than steel post alternatives. Maximize the useable spans of the hardware- Read up on the manufacturers recommendations for post spans and cable hardware. Extra fittings can greatly increase your cable cost so keep the hardware counts down whenever possible. Certain types of fittings like turnbuckles can increase your cable cost. Let the functionality of the project dictate the hardware application vs. focusing on the look of individual fittings. Use a wood top rail with steel posts- Even an exotic hardwood top rail will come at a lower premium than many steel top rail options. Additionally, the combination of steel posts and wood top rail can be made to conform to several different design styles. For example, a weathered wood top rail on steel posts can give rustic appeal with clean lines. Wooden top rails are versatile and readily available as well as DIY friendly. Consider a 2 post corner design- Using double posts at a 90 degree corner can cut your cable cost considerably. Cable cost is primarily in the fittings so running your cable the maximum recommended distance is a must. Turning the corner allows you to maximize the distance of the cable run and minimize the amount of necessary fittings. If you’re looking to save time and money on a cable railing project, visit the quote request or give our pros a call @ 844-277-7327     

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powder coated finishes

Are Powder Coated Finishes Better Than Paint?

Benefits of Powder Coated Finishes for Aluminum and Stainless Steel For more than 50 years powder coating has been a popular process for enhanced aesthetics and protection of metal surfaces. Powder coated finishes are used in almost every major manufacturing industry; most commonly furniture, architecture and automotive industries to name a few. The popularity of powder coating is largely credited to the durability as well as the wide range of colors and textures available. The powder coating process begins with surface preparation that involves cleaning the metal pieces to remove any grease or contaminants. The surfaces are then lightly sandblasted or etched in order to bond with the powder during the curing process. Powder coating is applied to the desired surfaces and then cured by baking at high temperature. The end result is a smooth coating that resembles a hard protective shell that is superior to paint. Examples listed below:  -Durability- Because powder coated finishes utilize a thermal bonding process, they are more resistant to chemicals, cleaners, scratching and chipping. Powders do not drip or run, resulting in a more even finish than those provided by paint. -Versatility- There are literally hundreds if not thousands of options for powder coat colors and textures. At SDCR we use state of the art coatings by companies like Tiger and Cardinal in order to offer our customers the best that the industry has to offer. -Safety- Powder coated finishes do not contain solvents and are generally free of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). Many of the fire and health hazards that exist with paint are not associated with powder. San Diego Cable Railings offers powder coated finishes on all of our most popular railing posts and top rails. Our company offers galvanized, stainless steel, and aluminum framing systems that can be coated for interior or exterior use. If you have questions about our stock powder coated colors would like an estimate for a custom color please visit the quote request page.  

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Framing Considerations for Cable Railings

Structural Framing Considerations for Cable Railings A successful deck installation is dependent on quality materials and good planning . Creating a detailed design and thorough material take off can cut labor hours and ensure all the parts and pieces are available prior to construction. One important detail that is often left out is how to frame for the railing. Framing considerations for cable railings must take in to account the attachment method/s for the railing posts and the necessary blocking thickness needed to guarantee a proper connection.  Mounting Types-  Two of the most common attachment methods for any type of railing system are “Fascia Mounted” and “Surface Mounted” connections. A fascia mounted post is directly attached to the outside perimeter fascia board using a side mounted position. Alternatively, a surface mounted post is bolted to the deck surface using a deck mounted post position. Cable railing posts must be securely attached to framing members and/or structural blocking in order to provide the lateral load strength and resist heavy tension loads from cables. Joisting and/or Blocking- A double rim joist or solid blocking at each post location can be utilized for proper cable railing post attachment. Fascia mounted posts should be attached to a minimum double 2″x8″ timber or 3″ structural material thickness with a height not less than 7.5″. Surface mounted posts should be attached to a minimum double 2×6″ or  3″ material thickness and a width not less than 5.5″ laid flat beneath the deck surface. All blocking should be directly attached to joisting on all sides of each block. The photo (right) gives us a perfect visual of structural backing for a surface mounted deck post installation. Here a 2″x8″ rim joist is backed by a 4×4″ block and sandwiched by another 1.5″ thick block. The blocking is fastened on all 4 sides and provides enough backing material for adjustment in all directions. If you have questions about framing considerations for your cable railing give our pros a call at 844-277-7327 or submit a quote request via the online form.    

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swageless cable railing,swageless cable rail fittings, cable rail end hardware, fittings for cable railings, best fittings for cable rails

Swageless Cable Railing Hardware

Utilizing Swageless Cable Railing Technology for Fast and Easy Installations A swageless cable railing fitting does not require and type of special tools, crimping or machinery. These fittings have become very popular with DIY installers and professionals for reasons of versatility and ease of installation. Often compared to “compression fittings” used in other industries, swageless fittings use a one way locking mechanism to secure the cable to the fitting. Stainless steel cable is allowed to enter the fitting in one direction while grabbing if pulled in the other direction. In the case that a cable is cut too long or the railing system needs to be dismantled for any reason; the fittings can also be released and re used. Swageless cable railing systems save installers time and money by eliminating the need for expensive machinery or crimping tools. The aesthetics are also improved by offering a wide variety of fitting choices without the visible marring that can be caused by field crimping. The strength of attachment provided by a swageless fitting can exceed the breaking strength of the cable itself, ensuring the safety and durability of the system. If you are a professional or DIY installer looking to construct a cable railing or fence, check out our DIY Cable Assemblies. SDCR do it yourself cable assemblies feature a machine swaged fitting and pre-cut length of cable combined with a swageless fitting for field installation. This combination saves time and cuts your installation cost while including all the necessary hardware. We offer fitting styles for surface mounting or thru post installations; with options for wooden and steel railng posts. SDCR cable assemblies are available in the two popular cable diameters; 1/8″ and 3/16″. They are perfect for deck rails, stairways and fences, as well as a variety of specialty architectural projects. If you have questions or would like pricing for a swageless cable railing system, please visit our quote request page or give us a call at 844-277-7327.    

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aluminum railing

Aluminum Railing Infill

Selecting Alternative Infill Options for Aluminum Railing Systems Occasionally our customers have inquiries about building considerations that may require alternative options to stainless cable railing infill. For these situations our aluminum railing packages can offer versatility and code compliance at cost effective price points. Below is a list of alternative railing infill options as well as possible pros and cons for each option: Glass Panels-  If a windbreak is needed, glass panels are a top choice among professionals. Tempered glass panels are shatter resistant and can be tinted or obscured if privacy is desired. A high quality tempered glass panel that is kept clean can provide a solid barrier with a completely unobstructed view. Pros– clear views, aesthetics, wind break Possible Cons– little fingerprints, maintenance Vertical Pickets-  Preserving or matching existing aesthetics can be a common consideration at large complexes and home owners associations. For customers that need to match an existing look, aluminum picket railings can provide a low maintenance replacement to wood picket railings. Picket railings are easy to install and available in a variety of standard powder coat colors. Pros- widely recognized, availabilty, ease of install Possible Cons- obstructed views, traditional look Vertical Cables-  Vertical cable systems have gained popularity in recent years. Although it is rare, some municipalities still prohibit the use of horizontal railing members. Vertical cables can be a great choice for customers who do not have the option for horizontal cable. Vertical cable railings feature the same clean lines and transparent views as horizontal cables.  Pros– code compliance, aesthetics Possible Cons– cost, availability San Diego Cable Railings is an authorized distributor of Aluminum Design Rail Systems by Feeney. We can provide quotes for aluminum railing systems and installation by our preferred installers across California. If you have questions about any of the infill options discussed in this post, give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.    

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cable railing gates

Cable Railing Gates

Custom Stainless Steel Gates With T316 Cable Infill If you’re looking for an alternative to standard wooden and iron gates; a stainless cable gate may be the answer. Cable railing gates provide the ability to create transparent access points for railings and fencing without drawing attention to the opening. A properly designed cable gate will blend into the existing framework and carry the same lines as the railing itself. Below are some frequently asked questions about our gates: Do cable railing gates sag? -No. Steel cable gates are extremely durable and they should never sag. Customers will not need extra brackets, wheels or wires in order to keep their gate hanging true. Our gates feature strength and dependability with welded stainless steel frames and high tension cable infill. Are cable gates code compliant? -Yes. Cable gates can be fabricated to code compliant height and width dimensions for standard 36″ and 42″ railings. For pool fencing applications, 60″ gates are also available. A 3″ cable spacing is used to assure that a 4″ sphere cannot pass through the cable infill.  Can cable gates be mounted to walls or columns? -Yes. A cable gate can be mounted anywhere a standard gate would be used. Custom hardware is available for a wide variety of mounting applications. Questions about custom considerations can be submitted via the quote request page. Are cable gates available with wooden frames? -Yes. We have fabricated our gates from Ipe’, cedar and redwood with great success. Due to the tension cables a wooden cable gate is much sturdier than a standard wooden gate.  Cable Railing Gates Will Keep Your Family and Pets Safe Safety is a top priority at San Diego Cable Railings and we are constantly working with our customers and installers to provide safety and beauty on all of our projects. If you have questions about cable gates or any of our products please give our pros a call at 844-277-7327.  

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maximizing corrosion resistance

Maximizing Corrosion Resistance

Selecting the Best Materials and Finishes For Extreme Durability There are several terms used in the steel fabrication industry to describe corrosion. We receive a few common questions from consumers about “oxidation”, “contamination” and the possibility or resistance our products will provide against “rust”. Maximizing corrosion resistance is about understanding the different terminologies and taking preventative measures to protect your investment. All metals have the potential to “oxidize”; while certain metals like t316 stainless steel provide a much greater resistance to all types of corrosion and oxidation. Surface Contamination- Probably one of the leading causes of staining and/or oxidation is surface contamination. Contamination is not rust.  This term is used to describe the build up of some sort of debris on the surface of metal.  Animals, trees, bushes and irrigation are some possible causes of surface contamination. Attempting to clean metal with the wrong chemicals, or using steel wool on stainless steel or aluminum can also cause contamination. Stains from these sources are often confused with corrosion or “rust” however this is not always the case. Any build up of contaminants on the surface of exterior metal can cause staining. Prevention- Maximizing corrosion resistance is about preparation. There are several good ways to prevent contamination and maximize the life of your exterior structures. Coatings are a great way to add longevity to stainless steel and aluminum railings, while providing a protective layer that cleans easily. Exterior grade paints, epoxies and powder coating are all good examples of coatings. Selecting marine grade stainless steel for your project is another excellent preventative measure. All of the cable assemblies and fittings we provide are made using T316 stainless steel. Cleaning and protecting- Cleaning is probably the easiest way to extend the life of exterior metal; just keep it clean. A periodic wipe down and the use of a surface protectant or light oil can work wonders. When needed; a soft scotch-brite (non metal) pad works great with stainless steel cleaner to remove stubborn stains. A light film of oil on the surface of the metal will prevent surface contaminants from sticking or pitting, and make future cleanings easier. Stainless steel cable railings can last 30-50 years even in the most extreme conditions. Periodic cleaning will preserve the beauty of the metal and protect your investment for the long haul.  

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About SDCR

San Diego Cable Railings provides high quality cable railing systems to contractors and DIY installers nationwide. Our products are made in house based in San Diego, CA. – built to withstand harsh conditions and coastal environments.

What We Do

Cable Railing
Glass Railing
Gates and Fencing
Hardware Products
Installation Services

Contact Info

1365 N JOHNSON AVE #117 EL CAJON, CA 92020 (Visits by appointment only)

Shop@sandiegocablerailings.com

(888) 389-0003

Gallery

stair railings, stair railing height
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