Did Your Steel Railing Endure a Cold Winter? How to Prepare it for Summer
Posted on: 22 April 2019
Your steel railing just survived a long, brutal winter. Now it will be exposed to a long, hot summer, as well. If you're like most people, you didn't get much yard maintenance done during the winter, which means your railing is going to need a lot of tender loving care now that the weather has warmed up. Proper care is essential to make sure your steel railing is ready for summer. Here are a few steps you can take to provide care for your railing now that winter is over.
Remove the Deicing Chemicals
If your railing was exposed to snow and ice during the winter, chances are good that it was also exposed to some form of deicing agents. Whether you used road salt or a liquid deicing agent, your fence may still have a layer of the chemicals on the surface. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to deicing agents can cause damage to your residential steel railing, especially the areas that received the most exposure, such as the posts. That's why deep cleaning is essential now that winter is over.
Use warm water and a mild detergent to wash each portion of the railing, paying close attention to the posts. For easier application, you can fill a garden sprayer with the cleaning solution. Spray the solution onto the steel and then use a scrub brush to clean the surface of your railing. Rinse with your hose to remove the cleaning solution and the deicing agent.
Clear Away the Winter Debris
If winter left you with a lot of debris around the base of your steel railing, you'll need to clear that away as soon as possible, especially if the debris consists of dead grass or weeds. The moisture that collects under this type of debris can do serious damage. In fact, excess moisture can accelerate the development of rust and corrosion. To protect your investment, keep the area around your fence free of clutter and debris.
Repair the Damaged Surface Areas
If exposure to ice and snow left damaged areas on your steel railing, repairs those areas as soon as you can. Ignoring the damage can wreak havoc to your railing. In fact, continuous exposure to rust and corrosion can undermine the structural integrity of your steel railings. If you have rough spots caused by rust or corrosion, use steel wool or sandpaper to rub out the damage. Once the damage is repaired, apply a fresh coat of rust-proof paint to provide protection against further rust development.
To learn more about taking care of your steel railings, contact local residential steel services.
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