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Architectural Fiberglass (FRP) Balustrades

Fiberglass Balusters

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A baluster is a shaft that is usually molded or from a lathe-turned form, from one of various materials including wood, stone, concrete, fiberglass, plaster, and other composite materials standing usually on a bottom rail with a top handrail. Multiple balusters and rails form a balustrade system.

Advantages of AFI's Fiberglass (FRP) Balusters and Balustrades

Architectural Fiberglass, Inc’s Fiberglass balustrades and balusters are very practical when compared with the material, maintenance, and installation cost of other traditional materials. Our balusters will not rust, rot, or corrode, and are impervious to mold and insects making our baluster system a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. One should not assume that the material cost of fiberglass is low, but the installation methods and procedures boast lower installed costs and lower life cycle costs.Architectural Fiberglass, Inc., can manufacture individual fiberglass balusters or the entire balustrade systems which usually includes a top and bottom rail and intermittent newel posts that are usually for additional structural support and aesthetic balance.

Newel posts are usually accessorized with caps, finials, or urns for a more finished and completed look. Our baluster systems are usually factory finished, assembled, and delivered to the job site in the required lengths with the top and bottom rails assembled to the balusters. Other manufacturers send out individual balusters requiring time consuming and labor intensive installations and tedious field painting after the components are installed. Our balustrade collection includes multiple balusters, newel posts, and rails that are interchangeable for an endless amount of combinations. In addition our artisans and molding capabilities make it possible to reproduce any existing baluster or new custom designs including radius rails, stair conditions, or any other unique requirements. Our balusters can also be engineered to meet commercial and residential building code regulations and fire ratings. Commercial construction requires a minimum height of 42″ and residential requires a minimum height of 36″. Both commercial and residential usually abide to the 4″ sphere rule meaning that individual balusters must be spaced no greater than to allow a 4″ ball to pass through any part of the baluster assembly. In addition to new construction, fiberglass balusters and balustrades are widely used for restoration of old baluster systems made from wood, terra cotta, and cast stone. Fiberglass balusters can be manufactured at a fraction of the weight of these other materials eliminating a robust framing system or structural rehabilitation of the existing structures.

Finish Appearance of Fiberglass (FRP) Balusters and Balustrades

Architectural Fiberglass, Inc’s balustrade systems are usually prefinished and can be manufactured to replicate most finishes including cast iron, terra cotta, limestone, sandstone, marble, granite, copper, steel, wood, sheet metal and other popular building materials. Finishes can range from a smooth dull matte to a high gloss polished look, or a slight texture to a rough stone texture. The most commonly used gel coat for exterior architectural applications is UV-inhibited NPG (neopentaglycol) isophthalic gel coat, which gives the best resistance to weather and UV light. Gel coat can be customized to match any color, or other decorative elements on the building. Architectural Fiberglass, Inc., balustrades are manufactured seamless from only the finest maintenance free materials with uncompromising quality setting a new industry standard.