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Standard CableRail Frequently Asked Questions
1. How strong does the frame need to be to support the tension loads of the CableRail infill? To minimize cable deflection, each cable, when properly installed, will have a tension load of at least 300 lbs. Therefore, it’s important that frames are designed and built strong enough to support these loads. Review frame requirements & details to help you prepare the railing for cable infill. Give us a call if you need assistance, 1-800-888-2418.
2. What happens if the railing frame does not have access for drilling through an end post? In this case, the installer may not be able to use a Standard CableRail Assembly. However, we do carry a wide variety of Custom Cable fittings that can be used to fabricate assemblies to meet almost any attachment condition. Visit our Custom Cable & Hardware web pages to view the hardware options, or simply give us a call for recommendations and assistance, 1-800-888-2418.
3. Can the cables be spaced farther apart than 3 inches? No, we strongly advise against exceeding a 3-inch spacing. The International Building Code states that a 4” sphere cannot pass through any opening in your railing, and since cable is non-rigid, the flex of the cable must be taken into account. Therefore, we recommend spacing the cables no more than 3 inches apart and the posts or vertical members (intermediate pickets) no more than 3 feet apart in order allow for possible cable deflection and meet the intent of the code. Of course, before starting a CableRail project, the installer should always check with their local building department to see if there are any special local requirements for using and installing cable railings.
4. What do you recommend for post spacing? We recommend having a post or vertical member (intermediate picket) at least every 3 feet. With the posts/verticals spaced 3 feet apart and the cables spaced 3 inches apart, you should be able to tension the cables such that they won’t open past the 4-inch sphere code requirement when a reasonable force is applied. Please review the CableRail web pages for installation instructions and complete details on frame design requirements.
5. Why do you use intermediate pickets? Intermediate pickets (also referred to as vertical spacers) are used as a frame design option to replace some of the larger, bulkier intermediate posts in order to achieve a more open railing design. They are non-structural members and are only intended to maintain cable spacing and minimize possible cable deflection. Intermediate pickets are typically made from 1”x 2” or 2”x 2” wood strips, 1" copper water tubing, or 1/4" thick metal flat bar, but other slender materials may be used as well.
6. What tools are needed to install CableRail? The beauty of the Standard Cable Assembly is that you don’t need special crimpers or tensioning tools. See tools needed.
7. What is the cost per foot for Horizontal CableRail?
The cost per foot varies depending on the length and the quantity of the CableRail assemblies used. The main expense is in the end fittings, so the longer the cable assembly, the less expensive it is per foot since all you’re doing is adding additional cable. And, of course, the taller the railing frame the more cables are needed, and this adds to the overall cost of the project, resulting in a higher per-foot cost for the cable infill.
8. What is CableRail made of? All CableRail cables and fittings are made from high grade 316 stainless steel (also referred to as “marine grade”). This high quality stainless steel offers beauty, superior weather durability, high strength, and low-maintenance characteristics that far exceed other traditional railing infill materials.
9. What is your CableRail warranty? CableRail Standard Cable Assemblies are covered by a 10 year limited warranty. The complete text of the warranty is available at www.cablerail.com/warranty.shtml
10. Do you do installations? We don’t do installations, however, the CableRail system is designed to be an easy-to-install, do-it-yourself product. Anyone who is comfortable using tools should have no problem installing the assemblies. If the customer is not installing it themselves, then we recommend they find a local carpenter or contractor with whom they feel comfortable, and we can help the installers with any questions. We’re available for technical assistance at 1-800-888-2418, M-F 5am-5pm Pacific.
11. How accurate do the cable run measurements need to be? While there certainly is room for fudging, it’s always best to measure as accurately as possible. The Standard CableRail Assemblies are sold in pre-fabricated lengths that can be trimmed to exact length in the field, so there is some flexibility. Typically we recommend that you measure from outside face to outside face of the end posts (fitting attachment posts) and then add one foot to that length. Then select an assembly that is at least as long as that augmented dimension. If you’re not sure, just give us a call, and we can help you determine what you’ll need, 1-800-888-2418
12. The installer accidently slid the Quick-Connect® fitting on the wrong cable (or other similar disastrous incident); can it be released? We offer a release tool to unlock the jaws on the Quick-Connect® fitting should this occur. Feeney is available for technical assistance at 1-800-888-2418.
13. Can fittings and cable be purchased separately for fabricating assemblies in the field? Yes, it is an option, but one that is often more expensive, more labor intensive, less attractive, and not as strong. The installer would need to purchase a special CableCrimp™ crimping tool and CableCrimp™ style end fittings to attach by hand in the field. Not only are these hand crimped fittings more expensive and time consuming to use, they are also not as strong as the machine pressed hardware, and the compression marks made by the crimp tool are visually less appealing.
14. Can you pass the lacing needle through the Quick-Connect® fitting? No! The diameter of the lacing needle is too large, and it will become wedged, rendering the Quick-Connect® fitting useless. So be sure to remove the lacing needle and cleanly trim the end of the cable before inserting the bare cable into the Quick-Connect® fitting. |
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