railing safety

Building Safer Railings Railing safety and railing inspections start with safe decks. More than 50% of outdoor decks in America are in need of repair or deemed “unsafe.” Homeowners should consider performing professional deck inspections on a periodic basis to ensure their railings and structures are safe. New railings on old decks are subject to railing inspections and issues like soft wood, dry rot, and corrosion can affect rigidity and safety.  In this post we will share some ways to improve the safety and security of your railings and prepare your job site for safety inspections: PERFORM AN ANNUAL RAILING INSPECTION: An annual walk around inspection of your support structure, deck planks and railings is easy to perform.  Minor inspections start by visually inspecting your railing frame, connection points, cables or other infill types for damage, flimsiness, or corrosion. Inspect highly trafficked areas like stairways for compromised members. Wet areas on decks like drip edges and overhanging eaves can be high risk locations. High risk spots on the deck surface are good locations to look first. Apply force to different parts of the railing system. Check bolt heads for rust and corrosion. Increasing Railing Frame Corrosion Resistance Wooden railings will require more upkeep than steel or stainless steel frames. Even hardwoods will require tune ups and possible refinish work. Minimalist railing systems like cable and glass railings should be inspected often and cleaned periodically to maintain beauty and corrosion resistance. Picket style railings with top and bottom rails should be inspected where wooden members intersect for dry rot. If railing posts are easily deflected or do not offer sturdy lateral resistance; consider replacing the entire deck railing. Wooden railings can be replaced with newer more modern railings like steel powder coated posts and stainless cables that offer a much longer lifespan. As long as the structural deck frame is sound, a new railing system can be installed with ease.   SDCR modular cable railing kits, and glass railing systems offer extreme corrosion resistance when compared to traditional wooden picket railing systems. Maintenance is minimal and strength is high. Both systems easily pass railing safety inspections. Only minor maintenance is required to keep these railings in prime condition. PROFESSIONAL RAILING INSPECTIONS: A professional deck railing evaluation is a good idea for older structures or consumers without building experience. Depending on outdoor exposure and material types a railing system can last from 10-20 years before major repair is necessary. New stainless railings can last 30-50 years if properly maintained. Local railing pro’s have worked on hundreds of projects, both new and old; and have the specialized experience to evaluate for structural issues that may arise. In some cases a “retrofit” to an existing railing is done by repairing only integral parts of the railing system in need of repair.. Railing Retrofit vs. Replacement While a retrofit of an existing railing can increase strength and safety; some railings will require total replacement. Our professional contractors and preferred installers at SDCR perform railing replacements with new and modern systems  like stainless steel cable and frameless glass panel railings. Composite cap rails, powder coated frames, and t316 stainless steel offer our customers the ultimate in railing longevity. The up front cost of a railing replacement can be a substantial, but the peace of mind and enjoyment often outweighs the cost.  A well designed outdoor deck or patio railing that lasts for decades is worth the investment; especially if the railing needs to pass a safety inspection. DIY Railing Repair vs. Hiring a Contractor Simple repairs like a top rail replacement or swapping out some bolts can be pretty simple for DIY enthusiasts. Structural issues, full railing construction, stairway railings, and curves can be more suited for professionals. Our preferred contractors at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of modern railings and fences in the harshest environmental conditions. SDCR railing kits offer a multitude of solutions for simple DIY railing repairs; from hand crimp cable hardware to swageless cable railing  products. If you have questions about railing inspections or repairs vs. installing new railings, feel free to give us a call or visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular railing and glass railing systems. Our sales pro’s and preferred contractors build safer deck railings for customers all over California. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! 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