TOOLS AND HANDLING
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
When handling or carrying the Balustrade System it is advised to wear long sleeves and gloves. If cutting is required, we suggest wearing a protective mask, ear defenders and safety glasses. Always seek the HSE website for further advice before installing.
MEASURE
Measure your Decking area to establish how many Handrail sections you will require. Balustrades are available in widths of 1000mm up to 2600mm. Be sure to measure the length of the Handrail on the Balustrade when positioning the Posts.
POWER DRILL OR IMPACT DRIVER
When installing the Balustrade System, 8mm pilot holes are required when installing into a Bullnose or Solid Board. We recommend using an Impact Driver for ease of drilling, however a normal Power Drill may also work.
SPIRIT LEVEL AND STRING
A spirit level will ensure that the Posts are installed vertically on a sloped Decking area and the Handrail sections are level. String can be used as a guide line to keep the Posts squarely positioned and at equal distances from the edge of your Decking area.
STORAGE AND HANDLING
Before installing your Balustrade System, ensure to store in a cool dry area and nothing is leaning or placed on top of the product.
PAINTING
Cladco Aluminium Powder-Coated Balustrade System can be repainted to complement or contrast your Decking. After applying one coat of primer as a base, spray painting with a solvent-based paint is recommended for an even finish.
BEFORE STARTING YOUR PROJECT
SOLID OR BULLNOSE BOARDS
Please note that we recommend installing the Balustrade System onto a Solid or Bullnose Board supported by Joists underneath.
MEASURE
Measure the width of the area to cover, mark out where the Posts will be installed and ensure the Balustrades are purchased in the correct size for the project. Balustrades can be cut down by up to 80mm on each end for minor adjustments.
INSTALLING THE BALUSTRADE
1
Start by marking out positions of each Post on your Decking area using string as a guide line to ensure the Posts are lined up. It is advised to start at one corner and mark each of the Posts at intervals matching the distance of the Balustrade’s Handrail.
Once marked and checked, pre-drill 8mm pilot holes for the Posts, without installing them at this stage.
2
Install the first Post and ensure it is level, and securely screw into the existing pilot holes. Is it advised to use a Coach Bolt, installed at a minimum of 60mm into the Post for a secure fit.
Please note the Balustrade Post must be installed above the Joist Frame System, as it cannot be installed just into a Decking Board. Ensure all four screws are securely in place.
3
The Fixings will be covered by the Post Foot Caps, which can then be placed over the top to hide them.
The Foot Caps can be installed either as you go along or at the end of the installation. The Caps should snap into place for a secure and concealed finish.
4
Posts are supplied with a Post Cap which simply slots on top of the Post. Once in place, screw the Cap into the Post itself using either a black-coated screw or paint to match the Balustrade System.
5
Ensure the Balustrade is secured against the Post, making sure it is level. Once you are happy with the positioning you will need to mark out the Screws to create pilot holes. Predrill 8mm pilot holes, then place the Balustrade back in place.
6
Ensure the Balustrade is level and pilot holes line up. Make sure to slide the Fixing Bracket onto the Handrail before screwing the Balustrade into place (you will not be able to add this to the Handrail once installed).
Securely screw the Balustrade section into the existing pilot holes in the same way as the Posts using a Coach Bolt method. Cover over the Fixings with the Foot Cap supplied, as shown in the diagram.
7
Install the next Post in place as per the instructions above. Ensure to fit the Fixing Bracket on the Handrail before screwing the Post into place (you will not be able to add this to the Handrail once the Post is installed).
8
Install the Handrail section to the Post by screwing the Fixing Bracket directly into the Post, as shown in the diagram. Hide the screws using the Fixing Bracket Cover supplied.
CORNER INSTALLATION
Corner sections are made by fixing two Balustrade sections at right angles onto two adjacent sides of the corner Post. Install the Balustrade sections as per the above instructions.
INSTALLING THE GATE SECTION
When installing your Gate make sure the height of the Gate and the height of the Handrail are level with each other.
We recommend using the following Latch and Hinge products for installing the Gate section:
Discover our range of Balustrade handrails & gates online today.
