Railings on stairs provide various benefits for your home or business, including enhanced curb appeal and unique design elements. Recognizing issues with your railings helps you determine if you need repairs or replacements. Maintaining these structures can enhance safety, and the team at Capitol Iron Works provides stair railing installation services that support structural integrity. Here is more information on knowing when to replace or reinforce your stair railings:
Recognize Signs of Damage
Inspecting railings allows you to identify areas that show signs of damage or deterioration. Exterior railings may need additional attention, but interior ones should also be inspected. Look for issues that include:
Corrosion and Rust: Railings in areas that are wet, humid, or are exposed to road salt are susceptible to corrosion; this includes rust on metal components. Water may collect at joints between metal parts, causing corrosion.
Loose Fasteners: Consistent use of railings and exposure to weather sometimes cause fasteners, such as screws, to come loose. This can result in creaking sounds or unstable railings.
Damaged Mounting Points: Railings need to be properly secured to mounting surfaces to help prevent large structural issues. Damaged walls or floors may cause the railing to become unstable and potentially lead to broken pieces.
Cracks: Some wood railings develop cracks, and this potentially reduces their structural integrity. Metal railings can experience fractures, allowing water to enter the interior and cause deep rust issues.
Inspect your railings regularly and closely; this helps to identify issues before they require extensive repairs or replacements. Some railings may not need repairs, but they require updates or reinforcements to be compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. To meet these standards, make sure your stairs have structural support, such as railings along unprotected sides and on spiral staircases.
Know When to Reinforce Versus Replace
After identifying issues, stair railing installation services help you know if you need reinforcements or replacements. They correct issues that are surface-level or localized in one area with simple reinforcements or repairs. This includes minor adjustments to level the railing or tighten loose components.
Welding small sections of broken or corroded metal helps improve structural stability. Reinforcements allow installers to avoid replacing large or entire sections, and this helps increase the lifespan of the railing. Some railings have extensive damage, so they require replacement. This may fix issues such as widespread rust or railings that are broken in several areas.
Perform Preventive Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps to prevent damage. Professional railing installers can conduct yearly inspections, and this allows them to identify areas that need upkeep. Consistent cleaning is a preventative measure that removes salt or dirt buildup. Applying protective coatings, such as galvanized finishes, on exterior metal helps prevent rust. Some railings, like those made of iron, need only minimal maintenance. Painted railings may require repainting every few years, particularly those constantly exposed to harsh conditions. As you inspect the railings, look for chips or scratches. Applying fresh paint or coating to those areas helps to maintain a seamless appearance.
Find Stair Railing Installation Services
Maintaining or updating your railings allows you to enhance the appearance of your house or business. At Capitol Iron Works, we provide custom installations so that your railing can have personalized reinforcements or replacements. Professional installers also verify that your railing is stable and aesthetically pleasing. Work with us to properly reinforce your railings and find replacements that match the existing structure.
