The popularity of stainless steel continues to grow for its clean, polished and sophisticated appearance which suits modern residential and commercial architecture.
Stainless steel is both stunning in look and also practical in application when it comes to choosing a balustrading system that can last a lifetime. If you live in a coastal environment, all types of balustrade materials, be it stainless steel or alternative metals, will be subject to salt and wind exposure, industrial pollution and temperature fluctuation. However, if properly cared for and maintained, stainless steel will keep its ‘as new’ look for many years to come, far outperforming alternative metals.
Stainless steel is a corrosion resistant alloy steel that contains 10.5% or more chromium. By varying the quantities of elements added to stainless steel, a range of stainless steel grades, each with different properties, are produced. When nickel is added to stainless steel in sufficient amounts the crystal structure changes to “austenite”. Austenitic grades are the most commonly used stainless steels accounting for more than 70% of production and are identified by their ‘300’ series designation.
Grade ‘304’ (18% chromium, 8% nickel) is the most common stainless steel produced, however it is inadequate for many exterior coastal applications.
Grade ‘316’ (17% chromium, 10% nickel, 2% molybdenum) offers the best corrosion resistance among standard stainless steels. It resists pitting and corrosion by most chemicals, and is particularly resistant to salt water corrosion.
Grade 316 with a smooth surface finish should be selected as the minimum quality within 5km of a surf coast. Further protection can be obtained by a process called pickling (removes surface contaminants but dulls the finish) or electropolishing (removes surface contaminants and brightens the finish)
Upgrade the look of your home or office with custom-made stainless steel balustrades,fence gates, gatehouse gates, driveway gates, privacy screens or door handles. This is just a sample of what GOLEMAS can design & manufacture for your home or business. Whether you are looking for something modern and contemporary, or something completely out of the ordinary, our team will work closely with you to create that perfect custom piece of architectural stainless steel that will not only add value but will complement the look & style of your home or office.
