Contractor Tips Blog

Nov
8

3 Signs of an Aging Metal Staircase

Posted in Metal Stairs

Do you have a commercial building with an older metal staircase? While metal staircases can last for decades when maintained, they will eventually need repairs, retrofits or replacement. Many metal staircases on commercial buildings are outside and exposed to the elements. When they begin to age, they can become a liability for your business and need repair to keep them safe for your employees, tenants and/or customers. Here are three signs your metal staircase is aging and in need of some TLC.

  1. Rust. Most metal staircases have a protective coating to prevent rust. However, as they age, this coating wears away and the metal is exposed. Spots of rust or corrosion are definite signs your staircase needs maintenance.
  2. Holes in stair treads. If rust does attack the metal, the stair treads are often the first to get holes through the metal. Treads are thinner metal, and the coating wears off quicker, making them susceptible to holes through the metal.
  3. Loose welds. If the railings or stair treads are loose, the welds may be losing their strength. This can become dangerous and prove to be a liability if someone falls or trips on your staircase.

Repair or Replacement?

If you see any of these signs of aging on your metal staircase, it is time to schedule an inspection. Contact a local metal fabricator that specializes in metal staircases for an inspection. They can help determine if you only need repairs and new coating for your staircase, or if a complete overhaul is the best option. It is a wise investment to prevent injuries that could be very costly if you are determined to be liable due to an unsafe staircase.

Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028
(678) 455-5552

Nov
30

Extend the Life of Your Metal Staircase

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal staircases are a wise investment for commercial properties, offering durability for heavy use. However, both indoor and outdoor metal stairs do wear out from exposure and heavy traffic. Avoid untimely replacement by restoring your metal staircase. A quick overhaul can add many years to the life of your staircase, protecting your investment.

Restoring Metal Staircases

Metal can withstand plenty of abuse from weather, chemicals and weight, but it will eventually corrode and weaken. Metal fatigue can occur in treads and support structures on your staircase; coatings can wear thin and expose the metal to rust and corrosion. Restoration can fix these issues and extend the life of your staircase.

Metal stair restoration starts with fixing structural issues. All elements of the staircase need to be inspected and repaired when needed. Treads that have worn thin from metal fatigue should be replaced. Railings that have become loose may need new welds to strengthen the structure. Once all the small issues have been addressed and repaired, you will need to add new protection to the surface.

Recoating the staircase can protect the metal and make your structure look like new again. Primer, coating and new paint can add the layers of protection needed to keep rust and corrosion at bay. Once completed, you can look forward to many more years of use before you need a complete staircase replacement.

For metal staircase restoration, only trust an experienced metal fabricator that specializes in commercial metal work. Considering the amount of use and abuse your staircases withstand, you want to ensure the best techniques and products are used in your restoration for long-lasting results.

Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028
(678) 455-5552

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