Pro Welds Blog about stainless steel and glass railings in Toronto

Is TIG Welding Right for My Project?

June 13, 2018 By Pro Weld

TIG-welding-toronto Welding is not one size fits all. There are numerous techniques and different types of welding, and it can be extremely difficult and confusing to narrow down which type you need for your project. One of the more common types of welding is TIG welding. TIG stands for tungsten inert gas, and it is also known as gas tungsten arc welding, or GTAW. We know that probably just made things even more confusing, but don’t worry, Pro Weld LTD takes all of the guesswork out of finding the right type of welding for your project needs! Learn more about TIG welding below.

What is So Special About TIG Welding?

The thing that really sets TIG welding apart from other welding techniques is the tool used this type of welding requires. Like we mentioned, the ‘T’ in TIG stands for tungsten, which is the type of electrode used in this form of welding. The tungsten electrode has a very high melting point and therefore won’t melt when you are working on your base metal. With many other types of welding techniques, like MIG welding, the electrode melts and becomes “filler metal,” which means that the melted electrode becomes part of the piece of base metal that is being welded. Unlike other types of welding techniques, the TIG equipment melts only the base metal, and therefore, the electrode in the TIG welding equipment will not melt onto the piece of base metal being worked on. However, there is an option to add a filler rod into the TIG equipment, in which a certain metal will melt and join with the base metal. This is why the TIG technique is great for making both small arcs or detailed designs.

What is TIG Welding Used for?

TIG welding is used to join two small pieces of metal together. This special welding technique is especially useful for precise welds or small area welds. Since the welder has the ability to accurately control the temperature and movement on the TIG welding equipment, detailed designs, and clean lines can be made with this technique.

When Can it Be Used?

The TIG welding process works best on thin metals, as it is a very precise technique. Also, only nonferrous metals can be used in TIG welding. This means that TIG cannot be used for projects consisting of materials like alloy steel or carbon steel. However, TIG welding works just fine with metals like copper, aluminum, or brass.

What Else Should I Consider?

Since the TIG welding process is so accurate, it is usually a timely project. Also, if you are looking to weld large, or thick pieces of metal, you may want to consider MIG welding.

The great thing about TIG welding is how much control there is. If you are looking for sleek, crisp, clean welding lines, TIG is the way to go. This technique is used commercially for car parts, especially bumpers.

No matter how large, small, intricate or simple your project is, Pro Weld can help you decide which type of welding technique is best fit for your needs.

5 Reasons to Choose Stainless Steel Railings

September 27, 2017 By Pro Weld

Whether it’s purely for aesthetic reasons or for practicality and ease of use, railings are a great accompaniment to stairs and other features in the home, which more often than not look bare without them. However, different types of railings perform different functions, and it can be tricky deciding which type to pick for your stairs with so many options and choices. Here are five reasons why stainless steel railings in Toronto are the best choice.

Why You Should Pick Stainless Steel Railings in Toronto

Because of How they Look

Whilst wooden rails may look rustic, few railing types are as timelessly beautiful and fit in quite as well as stainless steel railing in Toronto. You can learn a lot about a person from their home, and stainless steel railing are bound to make a great first impression. They’re also versatile in that they can work with any type of home; quite often, wooden and other types of railing don’t complement a home’s features like stainless steel ones do and can look out of place. But not only do they look great, they look strong – making them an effective deterrent of crime.

They’re Low Maintenance

If you buy wooden railings, you’ll face a constant battle to stay on top of the upkeep. They’ll undoubtedly look good at first, but over time they’ll need treating and staining several times to make sure they’re at their best, and can deteriorate due to weathering and pests. With stainless steel railings in Toronto, this isn’t something you have to worry about. They’ll look as great as the day you bought them for years, saving you time, effort and keeping your home looking beautiful.

They Have Plenty of Options

With wood, quite often what you see is what you get. With stainless steel, however, there are plenty of options in terms of design. From round to square, patterned to plain, there’s bound to be a choice that can complement the style of your building, which is more than you can say for other types of railing.

They’re Cheap

There’s an abundance of stainless steel available and it’s easy to join and install, making it a surprisingly cheap option for railings in the home. Not only that, but the low-maintenance costs means that you’ll be saving a small fortune for each year that you have them.

It’s Strong

Stainless steel is a strong product that won’t buckle under and pressure or suffer greatly from the elements. Unlike other railing materials, it won’t get weaker over time and won’t degrade or suffer rust, meaning you won’t have to go and replace it every few years.

Stylish and Practical

Some railing types are stylish, some are practical, and some – such as stainless steel – are both. For a strong product that’s cheap to buy, cheaper to maintain and undoubtedly beautiful, you can’t go far wrong if you choose stainless steel for your railing at your property.

4 Benefits of Glass Railings You Might Not Have Thought Of

September 20, 2017 By Pro Weld

glass railings in Toronto Railings in your home provide a number of functions; whether it’s for security, safety or just to make your home look beautiful, railings are a great addition to any property. Some railing types are better than others, and one such type that’s growing in popularity are glass railings in Toronto. Here are some benefits of glass railings that you might not have thought of.

Glass Railings in Toronto – 4 Benefits

They’re Undeniably Beautiful

Having glass railings on your property is a great wait to instantly up the “wow” factor. Whilst wooden railings may have a rustic charm, and metallic railings might look strong, their beauty pales in comparison to the beauty of a glass railing. Whether it’s a railing with a clear glass panel, an opaque panel or even a coloured panel, adding a glass railing to your property is a great way to improve the curb appeal. Their beauty will help set your home aside from others if you ever think about selling it, and it could see your property attracting more bids.

Easy to Maintain

It’s true that wooden railings are beautiful, but they’re also a lot of work. From sanding to prevent splinters, to curing and painting every few months to ensure they still look good, it’s a lot of work that could otherwise be spent doing something you enjoy. With glass railings, this isn’t a problem. There’s no painting or curing needed with glass windows, and it order to keep them looking as beautiful as the day you bought them all they need is a quick clean to make them shine again. Not only will this save you money, it will save you precious time on your weekends and holidays.

Customizable

Glass railings are perhaps more customizable than any other type of railing on the market. If you want to keep an eye on your children playing, you can opt for clear glass to ensure they’re never out of your sight. With wooden and metal railings, they’ve always obstructed the view from your deck, meaning it can be hard to see your garden or onto the street. However, if privacy is something you’re worried about, you can opt for opaque or frosted glass so nobody can see what you’re up to. With so many choices available, you’ll find the right type for you.

They’re Strong

Whilst you might think that glass is easily breakable, you’d be wrong. The glass used in glass railings in Toronto is strong enough to withstand extreme force applied to them and then some – which is more than you could say for wooden railings and some metal types.

A Popular Choice for a Reason

Glass railings in Toronto are growing in popularity and it’s easy to see why. Beautiful, strong, cheap to maintain and versatile, they have a large number of benefits when compared with other railing types, with just a few drawbacks– making them a great choice for your home.

Factors to Consider When Buying Stainless Steel Railings

September 13, 2017 By Pro Weld

Stainless steel railings

With people keen to make their own property look as beautiful as possible before even thinking of moving to another one, it seems every feature of the home is coming in for scrutiny and improvement. A great way to improve the look of your home that you might not have thought of is railings. Stainless steel railings are a popular choice in many homes, so here’s what to consider if you’re going down that route.

Stainless Steel Railings – Factors to Consider Before Purchase

What Style Do You Want?

Fortunately enough, stainless steel railings tend to match with the outside appearance of any home, but the style of your railings is still important. Available in several styles, there are a few things to consider before purchasing, such as:

Square or circular beams?
Solid beams or cables?
Light and reflective or dark?
Patterned or plain?

You’ll know your property and your tastes better than anyone, so make sure you’re heading into the shop with a good idea of what you want, and don’t let the salesperson sell you something you don’t want or need.

All Steel – or Partial Steel?

In today’s world, it’s common to see a mix of styles coming together to make one railing. Whether it’s wooden posts with stainless steel railing cables or a mixture of steel and glass, that choice is up to you – but be careful. Whilst it has the potential to look great, if done poorly it can be quite an eyesore, so tread carefully if this is something you’re thinking of doing, and make sure you get a second opinion.

Security, Practically or Aesthetics?

Depending on the intended use of your railings, you might want to approach the design of them a little differently. If you’re buying them as an added security feature or deterrent, then you may want to consider a taller or more solid railing design. If you want them to be practical, such as for a hand rail accompanying stairs, then you’re going to want to make sure that the top of the railing is at least comfortable to grip. If the appearance is all you’re worried about, then that comes down to individual taste.

Do You Want Privacy?

If you want to keep a high level of privacy in your home, then you’re want to have either a solid or thicker-barred railing in your home. Whilst they look good, cables won’t do much to keep nosy neighbours from peaking in.

Can You Install them Yourself?

If you’re a contractor or handy with DIY, then self-installation is a great way to save money. However, if it’s out of your skill level, then you’d be better off leaving it for professionals.

A Great Product – If Well Thought Out

Stainless steel railings are a great product, but only if they are thoroughly considered and thought out before buying. Don’t run the risk of buying something you don’t like or that doesn’t work how you wanted it to – make sure to do your homework first.

Things to Consider When Choosing Wrought Iron Railings

June 29, 2013 By Pro Weld

Wrought iron railings are a very popular product, particularly amongst homeowners who want that sophisticated, individualized touch for their homes. At Pro Weld we have been fabricating wrought iron railings for over two decades, and have technical and design expertise that is unmatched in the industry. We are proud to serve communities all over the Greater Toronto Area, from Burlington and Oakville to Newmarket and Aurora.

Perhaps you have already made the decision to replace your old, uninspired railings with new wrought iron ones, or perhaps you are moving into a new place and finally have the chance to implement your very own design. Either way, there are a number of important factors to keep in mind when making an investment such as this one. Wrought iron railings are already an excellent choice; our hope is that this informative article will be useful and help guide your decision in the best direction possible.

Budget & Goals

Before embarking on any project, it is always best to get at least two things clear at the beginning: How much do you want to spend on the project? Further, what exactly do you want to achieve with this investment? Too many times, people will dream big and conceive plans that are far too elaborate, only to discover that the project will completely exceed their financial means. It is not that we do not encourage clients and potential clients to dream big; often with sound advice and efficient planning a lot can be accomplished within a modest budget.

This is why it helps, when planning for your new wrought iron railings, to know upfront exactly how much you are willing to spend, first and foremost. Then, once you come up with your immediate goals and requirements, you can consult with experts like Pro Weld who will help you figure out the best way to achieve those goals with the financial resources you have available. Some of those goals will involve specific details of the project, which we are going to talk about in the following section.

Materials & Design

Wrought iron railings serve, primarily, at least one clear purpose – safety. If you work with a reliable, trustworthy fabricator like Pro Weld, the safety function and security of your railings will be assured. What else do you hope to achieve, beyond that? Are your new railings an integral part of a home renovation? Would you like your wrought iron railings to really stand out and make a beautiful statement all on their own, or would you like them to blend perfectly into the décor of the rest of your home? What was less-than-ideal about your old railings, that you would like to change with their replacements?

Depending on the answers to these questions, you can then proceed to make important decisions regarding the materials and design. Wrought iron can of course be used on its own to create a huge variety of inspired designs, but you may also be interested in having wrought iron railings combined with other materials such as glass, in order to create an alternative visual signature.

Furthermore, what type of style and designs inspire you? This is of course a crucial factor; are you looking for something contemporary or classic, intricate or simple, abstract or floral? Consider carefully also, how your new wrought iron railings will complement and fit into the rest of your home. It is especially wise to compare the potential design(s) with existing fixtures such as fences, gates, doors, and lighting.

Find Professional Specialists in Wrought Iron Railings

If you had not already begun to do so before this point, now is the time to find the right professionals to handle the job. The worst thing you could do would be to come up with the perfect plan and budget, only to have your investment go to waste by an unskilled laborer doing a bad job. How do you go about finding quality professional welders to bring your ideas to life?

There are a number of things that you should check off the list when looking for professional metalworkers. First of all, try to get recommendations from people that you know – friends, family, and colleagues. This way you will get to hear about their experience and their satisfaction with the results, first-hand. Find out how they felt about the whole process and the final outcome. Were the company and workers pleasant and easy to work with? Were they meticulous, and did they clean up after themselves? Inspect your friend’s finished wrought iron railings, if at all possible.

You will also want to make sure that the company is fully licensed to operate, bonded, and insured. Affiliation with professional associations in the industry is also a good sign. How many years of experience in the business do they have? Can they give you a set timeline, or are they working on too many projects at once? It is also important to ask to see examples of their previous work; if they are reluctant to provide references that is probably a sign that you should start looking elsewhere for a quality welder.

The Welding Experts

If you are serious about finding a quality metalworker to fabricate your wrought iron railings, consider consulting with Pro Weld. With our extensive experience in the industry, we are the experts when it comes to stainless steel railings, wrought iron railings, and custom steelwork design, welding, and fabrication.

At Pro Weld we are committed to quality from start to finish. This means that we pay close attention to detail at each stage of the process and work with care – from the initial consulting, planning, and design stages, to the fabrication, installation, finishing, and clean up. If you choose to work with Pro Weld, our experts will collaborate closely with you to ensure that the outcome of the project will meet your goals. Our clients always come first, and this is how we have built an incredibly successful business over the years; by simply providing quality products and excellent customer service. Give us a call today to set up a consultation.

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