Railings are not only practical, but they can also add some depth and character to your home. However, these pieces require regular care and maintenance, and sometimes, you have to undergo a complete railing replacement.
Whether you have railings on your stairs, deck or yard, here are four signs that they need to be replaced.
Rust or Other Wear
If you have metal railings, they should come with a powder coating or something similar to prevent rust. However, over time, this coating can wear off, letting oxygen seep into the material. Fortunately, you can clean and wipe away most small rust spots. If they’re taking over the railing, though, it’s time for a new set.
For wooden railings, you may notice signs of rot – small holes where the wood is decaying. Unlike rust, you can’t just “clean” wood rot. Even worse, it will spread throughout the railing, so you have to replace it sooner than later.
Bending or Warping
Metal railings can make your home look classic and regal, but only if they’re in good condition. There are a few reasons why they might get bent or warped. For example, perhaps the concrete foundation is crumbling, causing a section to limp. Or, maybe someone hit the railing by accident, bending it in the process. Unfortunately, you can’t just unbend these sections and call it a day. Instead, you’ll have to replace them.
Loose Railings
The railing’s foundation is crucial for ensuring that it stays in pristine condition. If the foundation sinks, cracks, or crumbles, the entire section can become hazardous. Since railings provide stability when climbing stairs, or standing on a deck, loose ones can be highly dangerous.
It’s often pretty easy to tell when a railing is loose. Also, the damage can worsen over time after repeated use. If there are cracks and holes in the foundation, water can seep inside and wear down the concrete further.
In worst-case scenarios, a loose railing can cause serious injuries. If you try to grab onto it and it comes loose, you could wind up falling and hurting yourself. If this happens to a visitor, they might wind up suing you for damages.
Missing Pieces
Finally, one easy way to tell if your railings need replacing is if they’re missing spindles. As with bent and warped railings, there are several reasons why a spindle might come out. Usually, what happens is that the piece rusts or wears off, causing the spindle to detach from the rail. In other cases, the part might get damaged by someone kicking or hitting it by accident.
How to Prevent Railing Damage
While we at Forever Iron Doors can replace your railing, the best option is to prevent damage in the first place. Here are some tips on how to keep your railing (old or new) in good shape:
- Clean It Regularly – Wiping the railing down can prevent dirt and grime from settling in.
- Inspect the Bolts – Checking these elements can tell you if they’re wearing down or rusting so that you can act sooner.
- Check for Signs of Damage – Now that you know what a damaged railing looks like, you can inspect it regularly to see if it’s time to act.
Contact Forever Iron Doors for a New Railing
Fortunately, once you spot one of these signs, all you have to do is call Forever Iron Doors, and we’ll come out to replace the section. We can also help you design a new railing if you want to upgrade to wrought iron railings. Stylized railings can add class and elegance to your home, and we guarantee our work.
If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s railing, we use 3D imaging software to develop your new design. Our technicians can customize your railing however you want it for a truly unique and stunning piece. We can also match the design of your current railing and replace the damaged section.