Maintaining Your Deck Or Stair Railing System
You’ve installed a brand new railing system, but the work doesn’t stop there. Just like buying a car, a railing system is an investment. With regular maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your system in beautiful condition for years to come.
Maintaining Deck Railing
There are two main types of railing systems. Cable railing systems rely on tensioning wires or rods, while glass railing systems use large panels of glass. Both systems are safe for indoor or outdoor use. Whether you have a deck or stair railing system, here are the best ways to maintain your railing system.
Preserve Your Tensioning Wire, Cable, or Rods
Cable railing, no matter what infill you choose, is designed for safety – and you want to keep it that way! The best way to keep your tensioning wire in good condition is to check the tension every couple of months. With cables, start by taking a look at your railing. Are the cables loose and sagging? This means you have let it go for too long.
Use your tightening tool to re-tighten your cable railing fittings, using the same steps that you used during the installation process. For rod infill, simply turn the Double Threaded Fitting counterclockwise to re-tighten your rods. Keeping your tensioning wire taut is important for the code and safety of your system.
Check Your Post Integrity
Next, you’ll want to examine your posts to make sure they are sturdy and level. Take a look at the handrail. Does it appear to be on a slant? If so, it’s possible that the integrity of your posts has been compromised. You’ll also want to check to make sure nothing has happened to your deck. Look below the deck to make sure the blocking is sturdy, and check for exposed screws. Making sure that your deck is level and sturdy will greatly help to extend the lifetime of your posts.
How to Clean a Powder Coated Post
The amount of times you clean your posts is really up to you. It depends on where you live and how dirty your system gets. As long as you keep an eye on your posts and clean them with gentle soap and water, they will remain in pristine condition. Just make sure not to use harsh chemical cleaners, because they will harm the finish on your posts.
How to Clean Glass Railing
The best way to keep your deck glass railing looking great is by cleaning it once a week or every other week. Use a microfiber cleaning cloth and a small amount of glass cleaner. You can use the same cleaner that you use on your windows. If, for some reason, you skip several cleanings, you might need to do a deep power wash to get it back to prime condition. Simply use a pressure washer to remove all the collected dirt, then finish with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner.
If your deck stands very far off the ground, it might be difficult to clean the outside of your glass panels. In this case, look for an extendable squeegee that will allow you to reach the outside of your railing with cleaner. You might be tempted to skip this step and just lean over your railing: resist this urge. It’s very dangerous, and you will be much better off investing in an extendable squeegee.
Coastal Environment
If your deck railing is in a coastal environment, it may require more regular cleaning. However, it will not be prone to rust. All our posts, railing, and components are made from the highest quality stainless steel, so they do not rust or corrode even under salt water spray. That being said, it’s still important to keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance for your system.
Maintaining Stair Railing
Your stair railing maintenance routine will be very similar to those for deck railing systems. If your stair railing is inside, you won’t have to clean it as often as you clean outdoor deck railing. Still, make sure to follow the best practices for each type of railing. Keeping up with regular, routine cleaning is the best way to keep your railing system looking great for years to come.