Repairing Wrought Iron Railings

By Mr.Andrew Caxtonthis could lead to accidents. Supporting the interior of
Old wrought iron railings in disrepair can often bethe metal can be a better alternative to simply
restored. Know when do-it-yourself applies and whenre-welding it. While you can use metal cement,
it’s better to call in a pro. If you have an oldstabilizing the entire post or pole is a better solution.
wrought iron railing that needs repair, this canIf you are unsure, call in a professional Many qualified
sometimes be done with minor repairs. It’scraftsmen will allow you to bring in a piece that
not always necessary to replace it. Other times,needs supporting if you are not comfortable doing
it’s a good idea to call in a professional. Verythis yourself. Do-it-yourself stores often will provide
old railings can become brittle and unsafe as well ashelpful advice if you do wish to carry out the repairs
unsightly but they can often be repaired andon your own. Some procedures include steel or
restored. Wrought iron railings date way back in time.wooden inserts into the post or pipe. The repair
There are many examples from the sixteenprocess of supporting brittle or broken railings can
hundreds. There’s also evidence that evenresult in it looking like new again. The supporting
back then, when a railing was constructed ofprocess is important especially when a railing is meant
wrought iron, it was considered to be very artisticfor safety purposes. Stability of the posts is
and valuable. Older railings might need restoration andextremely critical to the safety and integrity of the
repair if they have been neglected. While wroughtstructure. When fixing other parts of the railing, there
iron is very durable, years of neglect can take theirare some aspects of repairs that you can complete
toll and lead to rust, corrosion or brittle joints. Repairon your own but other elements are best left to
tips for wrought iron rails With caution, care and a bitprofessionals. It’s a good idea to consult with
of knowledge, repairs can be made to restore oldera professional if you are a little uneasy about the
wrought iron rails, fencing or staircases. You will needstability of a structure, especially when the railing is
tools such as a drill, saw, metal cement, a tool toused for safety purposes.
smooth and basic woodworking tools. AlthoughAndrew Caxton is the editor of many articles on
welding a railing made of iron can appear to correctstairs railings published at . You can find more
the problem, a broken piece of iron may remaininformation and resources on wrought iron railings at
weak. If it’s for a supportive rail or staircase,his website.