Window grilles: security and beauty for the house frontage

A decorative item with an important role in the security of a house, the main function of window and door grilles is to keep strangers from entering the property and to protect animals, children, or even adults from leaving in certain special situations.

Besides this, according to architects Pilar Hernandez and Andreia Hernandes from AHPH Arquitetura, they can also have other added functions, such as serving as a brise, blocking the entrance of the sun, as long as an adequate project for such a function is thought out, or even be a decorative element, with special and different designs.

According to architect Avner Posner, the most commonly found sizes are 120cm x 120cm for windows, 210cm x 80cm for doors, and 60cm x 60cm for dumpers.

Architect Thiago Papadopoli reveals that these sizes can vary, measuring from 100cm x 100cm, 100cm x 200cm, 100cm x 150cm, 120cm x 100cm, 120cm x 200cm, 120cm x 120cm, to 150cm x 120cm, which are the sizes established for standard frames.

In relation to cost, the professionals from AHPH Architecture reveal that "ready-made grids have the advantage of reducing the execution and installation time, but because they are standardized they will not have an added aesthetic value, they will be commonplace.

According to the architects, the sizes of the grids follow the window patterns, and can be a little larger when they are fixed on the outside, or "exactly the same size, when they are fixed inside the same window opening, following the market standards, and can even present some models with built-in grids.

There is also the possibility of having a pre-made railing made, or even adapting one, "so we can get more appropriate sizes for use and more interesting aesthetic results. In the case of remodeling a pre-existing railing, in most cases it is possible, especially in the case of iron, but depending on the need it may cost more than a new one, warns Thiago".

Still according to the architect, the pre-fabricated aluminum railings are priced around R$200.00 to R$300.00, while custom-made ones can cost from R$300.00 to R$500.00, in the most traditional sizes.

The main materials used to manufacture gratings

"The materials most commonly used for the manufacture of gratings are iron, aluminum, and metalon," says Avner. As for iron, it is considered the cheapest, with good resistance, but it is not very durable, since it can oxidize, besides being heavy, which can become a problem in some cases.

For the architects at AHPH Architecture, aluminum is the lightest, is moderately priced, is durable, and does not oxidize, but is not the best in terms of strength, since it can deform or dent, not having the best performance for the function.

"The metalon, on the other hand, is composed of square or rectangular shaped steel pipes, made of galvanized iron, allowing greater safety and durability, besides being a stainless material," clarifies Thiago.

In relation to painting, the architect also informs that the iron and metalon railings can be painted without problems, where the iron must be painted frequently for its better conservation. In the case of aluminum, although it is possible, it requires a special painting called electrostatic, which must be applied with a compressor. This, besides having a high cost, still has few color options.

"In the case of iron it is not necessary to use sealant, just a prime material to remove the rust, or even when it is new, to protect it better and avoid it. In the case of metalon, the prime will only serve to make the paint more efficient", explains Thiago. To paint the railings, synthetic enamel is the best option.

Grids for doors and windows

In the case of windows and doors, it is possible to choose between fixed or movable grids. pantographic grids, also known as camarão, are an option that, besides being hollow, are articulated and retractable, and can be used on windows and doors, with the advantage that they can be retracted on the sides, allowing the gap to be totally free, unlike the fixed grids.

For the architect Thiago, these were once widely used in the decoration of residences, but "nowadays they have lost a little of their presence in the market, for several reasons, including aesthetics". Because of this, this type of railing is found only in residences with an older style, or in commercial establishments, providing security to them.

Usually custom-made, they are often made with a wide variety of designs and colors, adding personality and beauty, as well as safety to the site.

Models of grilles for doors and windows

Forming incredible designs, these can be fixed or movable, remaining fully or partially open, allowing or not allowing the passage of people, or separating environments:

Railings to enclose houses

This type of fence, when used instead of a wall to enclose the house, ensures security, but maintains the beauty of the property, allowing visibility, both from the inside and the outside.

For Avner, in addition to greater visibility, this type of grid also "improves lighting, ventilation, and makes the environment lighter. Among some of the models available, it is possible to find designed grids or even vertical and horizontal bars.

"For example, models with horizontal bars can work as stairs, which is dangerous when you have children, but they can also serve as support for hanging plant pots, which doesn't happen with vertical bars," says Thiago.that a child or animal runs the risk of getting caught between the bars.

This type of fence is currently considered to be safer than walls. Although walls offer more privacy to the residents, they make it difficult to see inside the residence, thus favoring the action of criminals.

"The ideal recommended height varies according to the place where it will be implemented and its current regulations, but it stays around 190cm to 220cm.

It is still possible to mix the two possibilities, to use half walls and half railings, thus providing both visibility and maintaining the privacy of the residents.

"In the case of aluminum, it can only be screwed, but care must be taken to make it very firm", warns Thiago.

If you are looking to use railings as a decorative element, know that they can be a great option to make your home more charming. As architects Pilar and Andreia reveal, any design is capable of enriching a project: "In the case of railings, if they are thought of in conjunction with the windows, doors and other elements of the facade, they will certainly bring sophistication and beauty to theproject, even being a highlight element, for its color, shape and graphics".

Home Fence Models

If you want to decorate your home from the outside, check out the following beautiful designs using railings to enclose homes, either replacing walls or merging with them:

Railings for balconies

This type of railing is known as a guardrail, and its function is protection, avoiding possible falls and the safe and quiet use of the space. According to the professionals at AHPH Arquitetura, the recommended standard height "is between 90cm and 120cm, varying according to the legislation in effect for the type of building.

The possibilities of materials to be used for making this type of protection are varied, ranging from iron, aluminum, metalon, glass, wood, alone or in compositions, "as long as the safety issues are observed, in this case with respect to resistance, they will have the function of a guardrail," the professionals point out.

Balcony railing models

As the balconies provide the idea of decoration to the interior of the residence, it is important that it has visibility, but without forgetting safety. Check out some examples of beautiful guardrails, and get inspired to choose yours:

If you are looking for greater protection for your home, using railings is a great option. They help prevent possible theft or accidents in case of heights, and bar unwanted people or animals from entering your residence.

Choose the model you like the most, use colors that harmonize with the rest of the exterior of your house, and get more visibility, with a lot of style and security. Take advantage and also see models of doors to choose the best ones for your home.