Case Study: STRONGRAIL® Handrail Incorporated Into Hurricane-Proof Homes!
A hurricane resistant model home on Topsail Island in North Carolina has been fitted with Strongwell’s new architectural handrail system, STRONGRAIL®.
The home was designed by 1st Class Homes NC, with the help of three engineering firms, to withstand hurricane force wind to Category 4 (140 MPH). 1st Class Homes selected STRONGRAIL® because of fiberglass handrail’s engineered wind-load strength, durability of finish and attractive appeal to homeowners, designers and builders. Potential customers can purchase the entire home package from 1st Class Homes or may select STRONGRAIL® to renovate and upgrade existing homes, docks, piers, condominiums and commercial structures.
Over 500 linear feet of the composite handrail complements the home in Topsail. Square pickets with rounded handrail in 36" and 48" heights were selected to outline the wrap-around porch, sun-deck and entrance stair ways. The lightweight handrail sections were prefabricated by Strongwell and shipped ready to install. The installation only required three men and three days! 1st Class Homes expects the handrail will have a full return on investment in less than three years.
| TECHNICAL DATA |
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| Product: Architectural Handrail System |
| Process: Pultrusion |
| Materials: STRONGRAIL® fiberglass architectural handrail system |
Sizes:
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| For: 1st Class Homes NC High Point, NC |
The low-maintenance STRONGRAIL® handrail is cost-competitive with traditional railing materials. STRONGRAIL® is a better choice than PVC, which has no comparable strength or durability to fiberglass and degrades rapidly in coastal environments. When compared to lumber, the high quality pultruded shapes that comprise STRONGRAIL® will not splinter, stain, warp or require repainting for the next 10 years or longer. Advantages over competing aluminum and steel systems include resistance to oxidation, discoloration and pitting. In the highly corrosive salt-water environment, STRONGRAIL®, with molded-in color, will outlast aluminum and steel systems with virtually no maintenance.
A Managing Partner of 1st Class Homes NC, said, "Strongwell’s STRONGRAIL® is a long-term, cost-effective solution for our coastal-designed decks and porches. We will include this product in every home we custom build. Our integrity & reputation is safe-guarded and certainty like this comes but once in a lifetime. Thank you, Strongwell."