Cladco Balustrade Installation Guide

Cladco powder coated aluminium balustrade systems can be painted in any colour you like, to complement or contrast your property.

Balustrades are corrosion resistant and do not need to be painted, sealed or varnished like traditional timber balustrades. Cladco balustrades require less maintenance overall than alternatives such as glass.

If you're pairing the balustrade to your composite or Nordeck decking, the balustrade material offers a superior look and finish off the decking area to a high-end standard. the low maintenance material means there is no need to constantly clean or maintain it as you would with a glass balustrade.

Airflow can travel freely with this balustrade unlike solid sections of glass or timber. the design of the balustrade ensures high winds will not affect integrity. The powder-coated aluminium balustrades sections are simple to install, with a full fixing and installation guide available. Unlike glass materials, aluminium is easy to cut to size, any competent DIYer should be able to fix and install the balustrade with relative ease.

Unlike timber where the colours can vary and fade over time, aluminium colours stay uniformed and will not fade over time. Glass balustrades, will show smudges, finger marks, and dirt easily.

Cladco aluminium balustrade is stronger than timber or composite options available on the market, as it is not subjected to rot, warping or splinters. Toughened glass and aluminium balustrade are made with equal strengths however require ongoing care and maintenance. Cladco balustrade is a superior strength choice of balustrade offering peace of mind when installed on any project.

Aluminium balustrades are less likely to scratch or rust. Aluminium is a durable and highly resistant material which will not corrode or rust over time. The perfect material for outdoor installations. Should any damage occur to the material, this may damage the exterior surface integrity and should be painted at first chance.

Repainting powder-coated aluminium can help refresh the appearance or match your balustrade to a new design scheme. Follow the steps below to ensure the best results:

1. Clean the Substrate

   Remove any grease or dirt which could inhibit the subsequent coating from attaching. Ensure all dirt particles are removed. This can be done either by hand with a sponge and soap, or if the surface has a lot of dirt, pressure washing with an alkaline-based degreasing detergent can be used. Ensure all washing products are thoroughly rinsed off leave the Balustrade to dry.

2. Remove Corrosion

   If the Balustrade is older, the powder coating on the material may have started to corrode, leaving a small number of corrosion deposits. Ensure your powder coating does not show signs of breaking down, otherwise the coating will need to be stripped off. A chalky, white residue over the powder coating is a form of rust and must be removed. A nylon scouring pad will work or a power sander will remove any red or white residue and corrosion, leaving a plain metal surface. Once all rust and corrosive coating has been removed, ensure any dust is cleared thoroughly.

3. Abrade the Metal Surface

   One of the most difficult obstacles in painting over the powder coating is ensuring the new coating bonds to the aluminium. Sanding the substrate removes the gloss from the original powder coating so that the fresh coating will stick. If parts of the powder coating remain it is important to feather the edges, so that there aren’t any bumps or ridges on the surface. Once this is done, ensure any dust or residue is removed.

4. Mask Off Adjacent Surfaces

   Some areas may need to be protected from the primer or paint. Areas can be covered with decorators’ tape, masking paper or sheeting, preventing the surfaces becoming resprayed or over-sprayed.

5. Prime the Substrate

   As soon as the metalwork is cleaned, removed of any rust and thoroughly dried, the areas can be primed and left to cure. It is best to do this as soon as possible, so the exposed areas do not get dirty or oxidised. Certain primers are appropriate for different alloys, so ensure the correct primer is used for the different alloys and aluminium. To check if you’re using the correct primer, apply to a small area if the primer smears or can be wiped off

6. Spray Apply the Top Coat

   There are many top coats available on the market, ensure you purchase the top coat designed for the material you wish to paint. A top coat can be selected in a choice of colours and gloss levels appropriate for painting over powder-coated aluminium, but it is crucial to select the right one. The top layer needs to be chosen to adhere to the primer or directly on to the aluminium if a primer hasn’t been used. Again, a professional spray-painting company will ensure the most appropriate product is used.

The word, balustrade has 17th-century Italian origins, when the word ‘balusters’ referred to the columns used in traditional Italian architecture. Today, balustrade means a row of balusters (posts) topped by a rail or a low parapet or barrier, designed for safety around areas such as raised decking, patios or balconies.

The required spacing between balustrade posts depends on the length of the area to be covered, balustrade handrail systems are available in various lengths and the posts must be installed between. See all available balustrade handrail systems here.

A balustrade system is made using vertical posts which are installed between handrail balustrade sections.

Balustrades are often supplied with a handrail section at the top for a comfortable design when using the balustrade for support. Handrails are often a section of material that can be used for support or guides, along corridors or upstairs, designed as a curved section that can comfortably be gripped by a hand.

Cladco balustrade system incorporates an easy-to-hold handrail across the top of the balustrade system matched to the same powder-coated material.