Fittings Vs. Welding

Modular Railing Systems engineers and designs systems that will allow for easy installation, longevity, and consistent accuracy for compliance. Welded railing solutions seem cost effective at first but once you look deeper, the systems are normally burdened with the expensive task of hiring expensive skilled welders.

Welded systems typically have lower initial cost when it comes to upfront material price compared to the modular railing systems. However our Modular Railing systems can save customers 20%-30% in overall cost. The savings happens when you factor in the cost and labor needed to design, engineer, handle, weld, ship to coating and back, and install a welded railing system.

Below is a great side by side comparison displaying what makes our modular railing system superior to conventional welded systems when it comes to saving you money and time.

Modular Railing System vs Conventional Welded Systems

Installation

Design

Quality

Tolerance

Errors

Fabrication Time

Lead Times

Safety Risk

Cost

Damage

Durability

Compliance

Work Permit

Repurpose

Materials

Shipping and Handling

Fittings Railing

Simple to install no specialized skills

Basic configuration only

Consistent, Tested and Proven

Infinite Adjustability, Pipe Lengths can be +/- 1/2"

Easy to rework and virtually error free by design

No Fabrication Time, Install 120' in 16 man hours

In Stock ready to install in 24 hours

Simple tools - Allen Wrench and Drill

Higher Material Cost - Overall Lower Cost

Modular design allows for easy replacement of broken fittings or pipe

Hot dipped galvanized fittings and pipe for over 20 years of service

Pre designed and engineered to meet OSHA and ADA requirements

None

Railing and Fittings can be reconfigured and reused

Available in Hot Dipped Galvanized, Powder Coat over Galv and Aluminum 

Compact - Fit in boxes, pallets and bundles, easy to handle and transport even in elevators

Welded Railing

Certified Welders and Inspection Required  to AWS D1.1

Detail fabrication drawings required

Handrail welding is considered low to no value welding

Per AISC tolerances should be 1/16" over 30'

Field welding and rework costly, time consuming and produces and low quality result

Fittng and Welding 120' Railing 40 man hours plus installation

4-6 weeks for design, fabrication and coating

Fumes and Gases, Fire and Electric Shock

Higher Labor Cost - Overal Higher Cost up to 50%

Requires field welding, grinding and cutting

Any field welds after galvanizing will show rust in under 2 years

Must be designed to meet OSHA and ADA and often overlooked by fabricators

Field Welding requires hot work permits

Scrap value only

Any steel or alloy but may requires special welding equipment and post fabrication coating

Flat Bed Truck loads and may require cranes or lifting equipment

Handrail System Comparison Chart

Type of Railing

Welded Plain Steel Railing With Paint

Welded Plain Steel Railing With Powder Coat

Welded Hot Dipped Galvanized Railing with Cold Galvanized Touchups

Welded Hot Dipped Galv No Field Welding or Repair

Modular Railing Systems

Avg. Years Before Maintenance

2

5

5

20+

20+

Abrasion Resistant

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

100% Recyclable

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Interior Coating

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Corrosion Resistance as Good After Repair?

No

No

No

No

Yes

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • How Can We Help?

    Our fall protection experts are available to answer your questions. Complete this form or call 1-800-353-9425.

Modular Railing Systems Solutions

We offer comprehensive modular railing system solutions applicable across a wide range of industries. 

Guardrails

Guardrails

Instant, OSHA-compliant protection. This permanent, free-standing system provides a robust safety barrier without drilling or penetrating your roof membrane.

Learn More

Handrails

Handrails

Exceeding all safety standards. Guard workers, pedestrians, and equipment with our fully tested, ADA-compliant railing systems.

Learn More

Skylight Guardrails

Skylight Guardrails

Fall protection made simple. Our freestanding system is the quick, effective way to address all your skylight safety concerns and compliance needs.

Learn More

Safety Gates

Safety Gates

Modular Railing Systems has safety gate solutions for customers who are in need of providing an easy to install entrance into an area that maybe hazardous at times.

Learn More

Pallet and Mezzanine Gates

Pallet and Mezzanine Gates

Modular Railing Systems has developed a system specifically for customers looking to protect their employees while pallets are being positioned.

Learn More

Platforms & Crossovers

Platforms

Seamlessly cross any rooftop obstruction. Our modular crossover platforms provide the customizable, safe access solution your workers need.

Learn More

 

Hatch Railing

Hatch Kits

Secure rooftop access, guaranteed. Promote safe, worry-free entry and exit while actively preventing dangerous falls into open hatches.

Learn More

Walkway

Rooftop Walkway

The clear path to rooftop safety. Optimize worker safety with our preferred fall protection system, available with or without integrated guardrail.

Learn More

Warning Line

Warning Line

An OSHA-compliant warning line that serves as a visual indication of a fall hazard or to control access to hazardous areas.

Learn More

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • How Can We Help?

    Our fall protection experts are available to answer your questions. Complete this form or call 1-800-353-9425.