While part of the appeal of metal railings, such as aluminum, is that they don’t require much maintenance, they still need a reliable upkeep program to keep them looking pristine. With the right system of tasks in place, you’ll have all visitors commenting on the beauty of your handrails. Here’s a guide to what you need to do.

Looking After Your Metal Railings

1. Schedule Regular Inspections

Aluminum railings are known for their durability, but when structures are exposed to both weather and people on a regular basis, you never quite know exactly how they’re going to wear. Inspect the railings every six months or each year, noting any crookedness, dents, or wobbly stretches. With the right metal shop, you can have the railing repaired quickly. 

2. Learn the Right Cleaning Method

While you can rely on the rain to give your metal railings a nice rinse once in a while, that isn’t always enough on its own to keep them looking spotless. After enough time passes, they can accumulate grime from hands as well as bird droppings or other animal debris. For a typical cleaning, you can rely on a wet rag to remove most of the grime. But if you’re noticing stains or larger spots, apply soap to increase the effectiveness of the scrub. 

3. Attend to the Fasteners

One of the advantages of aluminum railings is that they are not very susceptible to rust. However, the fasteners that keep them in place are vulnerable to corrosion. Over time, screws tend to become looser, and due to the constant exposure to the elements, can start to rust. By occasionally applying wax to the fasteners, you should be able to avoid this problem.

If there’s been some damage done to your metal railings, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nadler Welding & Repair Shop, a veteran metal shop in St. Charles County with over six decades of experience. To set up a consultation, just call (636) 327-4404 or visit the website for more information.