If you have metal staircases in your home or business, you rely on the durability these structures. Metal is perfect for staircases due to the strength it provides, especially in industrial applications. However, even metal or steel needs regular maintenance to ensure that it does not corrode, rust or breakdown. Here are few maintenance tips to extend the life of your metal staircase.
Cleaning
Dirt, dust and debris can shorten the life of your staircase. When allowed to accumulate, the grit and grime can wear down the protective coating, exposing the metal to the elements. This will also detract from the aesthetics of the metal. Cleaning should be done as often as needed.
To clean metal staircases, you can use an all-purpose floor cleaner. First, test the cleaner on a small patch of the metal to ensure the chemicals do not cause a reaction. Once tested, you can use a stiff brush to apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In outdoor areas, a pressure washer or hose can be used to rinse the stairs; be careful not to use too much pressure that could harm the coating.
Inspections
You should routinely inspect your metal staircases, testing rails and treads. If any seem loose or begin to show signs of rust, schedule a repair. A local metal fabricator that specializes in staircases can fix loose welds or replace treads that have damage.
Restoration
If multiple issues begin occurring on your staircase, it may be time for a restoration. Fixing and replacing corroded or rusted areas and adding a new coating can extend the life of your staircase by many years without the expense of replacement.
Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028
One of the reasons many businesses choose metal stairs is due to their durability and longevity. However, even metal can corrode over time, especially in winter weather. Over the years, the protective coating used on most metal staircases can diminish and expose the metal underneath to rust and corrosion. If you have aging metal stairs, this winter may have been the final blast that compromised your staircase. Here are some signs that you need to repair or replace your stairs.
If you have multiple problems with your treads and railings, you may need a full stair replacement or restoration. Call your local welding fabricator that specializes in metal staircase installation and restoration to have your stairs inspected and get a quote for repair. It is worth the investment to extend the life of your stairs and prevent expensive injuries.
Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028
If you own an apartment complex, a commercial multiple-story building or other type of multiple-level structure with a metal staircase, you know that safety is a priority. Metal staircases are a great investment for commercial buildings due to the ability to custom design them to fit almost any structure, plus they are extremely durable and affordable. However, even with protective coatings, metal stairs can begin to rust and become a liability for your business. At the first signs of rust, have your metal staircases restored to protect your business from expensive injury lawsuits.
Signs of Metal Staircase Corrosion
A rusted stair tread or corroded weld on your metal staircase can quickly end in an injury, costing your business a small fortune in medical bills and raised insurance premiums. It only takes on small spot of rusted metal to end up a giant liability for your finances. These accidents can be avoided by restoring your staircases before they become a hazard. Signs it is time to invest in metal staircase restoration include:
At the first sign of any of these issues, call a local metal fabricator that specializes in metal staircase fabrication and restoration. They can inspect your staircase and give you a bid on restoring your staircase to improve safety. In some cases, the corrosion may be more intrusive and hazardous than you realize, requiring replacement versus restoration.
Keeping your commercial property free of safety hazards is part of the cost of doing business. Don’t let your metal staircases become a liability; have them inspected for rust and corrosion today.
Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028
If you’re like most homeowners or commercial property owners or managers, you probably rarely think about metal stairs – at least not in any great detail. But if your metal stairs need repair or you need a new metal staircase in your home or commercial building, it may be necessary to get up to speed on the different parts of a stair.
Here are a few basic terms that may come up in your conversation with your metal staircase fabricator or designer when discussing the design and installation of new metal stair or metal stair restoration of your existing metal stairs:
Tread
The part of the stair you step on, or to be more specific, the flat, horizontal surface that you step on.
Riser
The part of the stair that runs at a right angle to the tread; the flat vertical surface of the step.
Stringer
This is the part of the staircase that supports the risers and treads. Usually there are two, one on each side of the staircase.
Starting Step or Bullnose
The first or bottom step, usually a step that is larger than the rest.
Winder
A tread that is wider on one side than the other to help the staircase move in a curved direction.
Balustrade
The entire railing system of a stairway, the part that keeps you from falling away.
Handrail
The part of the railing system you hold as you ascend or descend.
Baluster
The part of the balustrade that runs in a vertical direction, holding up the handrail.
Landing or Platform
This is the wider flat area at the bottom and top of the staircase, and with larger staircases, there can also be one in the middle, usually used to change direction of the staircase, or break up long staircases.
Flight
An uninterrupted section of the staircase. Large commercial buildings often have many flights of stairs.
The emphasis today in most areas of the construction business seems to be “full service” and “customizing” those services. This is true even in the welding industry. Many welding companies today will be self-contained and able to provide you with everything from estimating to project management.
While providing a full range of metal and steel products fabrication and construction services to property owners and general contractors, welding companies can still be a source for a wide range of custom welding projects, such as various ornamental works of iron, or specific projects of stainless steel and aluminum. Typical fabrications can include railings and platforms, racks or cages for storage, different sizes of ladders or stairs.
Some full service welding and metal fabrication contractors may also offer a special emphasis on the design, fabrication and installation of metal stairs for new construction or for existing facilities. They specialize in the design and installation of steel stairs, landings, and railings to meet exact specifications, whether they are inside a building or even standing alone outside, such as fire observation towers. Talented metal craftsmen and welders can build top quality metal stairs and walkways using your drawings or you can work with their draftsmen to create a design for your project that will turn your concept into reality. Most project managers have the experience and expertise necessary to keep your project on time and within your budget.
When contacting your local welding professional, find out if they can provide single source, turnkey (from concept to completion) solutions to general contractors and property owners. Make sure they can handle the project from start to finish, including design, fabrication, demolition of existing structures, installation and finishing (powder coating, galvanizing, and primer and paint), as well as other miscellaneous repairs or changes while on site, such as concrete work and wood work.
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