4 Ways to Prevent Your Handrails Joints from Opening Up

The number one question we receive from customers is “How do I prevent the joints from opening up?” The secret to preventing unsightly spaces between joints relies on a number of factors.

1. Quality of the timber

It may seem obvious but the quality of the timber will have a huge impact on the finished product. If the timber hasn’t been suitably dried the moisture content will be higher than required.

Once this is in situ, the timber will dry out, shrink and cause joints to open up.

2. Storage of Timber Upon Delivery

Controlling the timber’s moisture content is critical throughout the manufacturing and installation process. The timber must be stored in a dry environment which maintains a steady temperature.

Storing the timber outside or unprotected will cause serious issues with the timber and the ability to control its finished state will be almost impossible.

3. Quality of jointing system

It goes without saying that the likelihood of the joint opening up is going to highly dependent on the quality of the jointing system used in the installation process.

We only recommend the use of metal jointing systems such as male and female connectors or worktop bolts, which allow the joints to be tightened to perfection.

The use of dowels or indeed simply gluing the ends of the handrail may be quicker and easier but will almost certainly lead to problems and therefore additional costs further down the line.

4. On site conditions

One of the most difficult elements to control is the onsite conditions during the project but most importantly after the timber handrails have been installed.

As part of our installation guidelines, we insist that the temperature is risen steadily over a period of time to enable the timber to slowly accommodate to the new conditions.

The worst thing that can be done is the main contractor or indeed the client suddenly turning up the heat to ‘speed up’ the drying procedure or to meet certain deadlines.

Any dramatic changes in conditions will have an impact on the moisture content of the handrail and therefore the joints.

To find out more or to discuss your requirements, contact us now