Safety is at the top of the list when it comes to stainless cable railings and raised decks. While most municipalities have adapted to the popularity of cable railing systems, some questions still arise. What is the truth about climbable railings? Do horizontal railing members allow children to climb? What is the ladder effect?
The ladder effect is caused by sequential horizontal members that in theory could be easier to climb than vertical railing members because of the orientation and direction. Stainless cable railings were frowned upon and even prohibited years ago because of this possibility; BUT WHAT is the truth and WHERE are the statistics?
The TRUTH about the ladder effect is that horizontal pipe, steel bars, and horizontal wood timber railings have been utilized for years! The TRUTH is that the popularity of cable railings posed a large challenge for other types of railings. The TRUTH is that the “ladder effect” was a cry for help initiated LARGELY for financial reasons.
Think about the impact on a large scale for glass, rod iron, composite, wood, and other “go to” railing options. Examine the facts; horizontal pipes, bars, and timbers are solid surfaces, that are large in diameter; usually 1.5″-3” in width or diameter EASY to grasp and SOLID to stand on. Stainless steel cables are small in diameter 1/8”-3/16” VERY DIFFICULT to grasp and stand on; especially for a toddler or small child.
After performing, providing and witnessing hundreds of successful cable railing installations, and using them in our own homes with our own friends and family we observed the following:
▸ ▸ It is very difficult if not impossible for a small child to even attempt to climb a piece of 1/8” cable. Even under tension cables deflect slightly and flex in different directions with movement. Standing on wire is not pleasant or easy.
▸ ▸ It is virtually impossible for a small child or even house pets to squeeze through properly spaced cables. Remember that cables are spaced at 3” on code compliant installations. Attempting to squeeze soft body parts through steel cable proves to be another very unpleasant and unsuccessful endeavor.
▸ ▸ Stainless cable is sterile; stainless steel is used in the restaurant industry for this reason. It does not harbor bacteria or fungus like wood or composite. The round surface area of cable makes it very difficult for any surface build up. There are no bottom rails on our cable railing systems which means there is nothing for kids to stand on; and nowhere for water and dirt to accumulate.
▸ ▸ Any industry can be resistant to change. Building inspectors, engineers, architects, contractors, and design pros were prompted to learn and experience something new. A properly constructed cable railing system can be a beautiful and sturdy safety railing.
▸ ▸ It’s important to do your homework and the information is out there; but it’s equally important to process the information and examine the logic behind it. In closing we have some great images of baby “Q” on a raised deck with cable railings; were proud to say he’s still pro cable railings, and so are his parents!
Questions about stainless cable railings? Contact us @ 844-277-7327
