Taking Care Of Your Aluminum Deck Railing
Posted by kelvin smith on May 5th, 2017
Once you have the best quality aluminum railing installed, it would last for many years. However, it is important to give them the attention that they deserve in order to boost their longevity and to keep them looking as good as new. Proper care and maintenance helps the railings to be in top condition even for decades. Here is how you can keep a check on its upkeep.
- Inspecting the fasteners - Ideally, the fasteners holding the aluminum deck railing together should be inspected at least once every year. This is very important because with time, the fasteners tend to loosen up and if you find them, you should tighten them immediately.
It is normal for the surface of the fasteners to start rusting. But that does not really affect the strength of it. You can apply a light coat of car wax or floor wax every three to six months to help prevent the process of oxidation.
- Dealing with the natural aging process of the railings - Powder coated aluminum handrail may start to show a distinct layer on top. This is a part of the railing’s natural aging process and you would be able to notice the layer that resembles chalk dust on the surface. This can be simply wiped off and polished to get the metal’s original sheen back.
- General cleaning - While you can wipe off the loose dust as often as possible, it is important to thoroughly clean the railings at least twice a year. Use a mild, non-abrasive soap solution and a soft sponge for the cleaning. In case there are more than the usual amount of pollutants in the atmosphere, you may have to consider cleaning more often in order to prevent the buildup of stubborn dust and grime.
As important as it is to regularly carry out the cleaning processes for the deck railing, you shouldn’t forget the initial treatment that it deserves right when it is installed. A thorough clear up is necessary once all the work is done if you want to prevent the construction residue to form a permanent problem on the rails. Concrete, plaster and paint tend to cling and become impossible to remove with the passage of time. So, remove them the same day the railing is installed.
The frequency of cleaning and inspection of the railing depends on your personal standard and preference for cleaning but a couple of times in a year is most recommended.
