Contractor Tips Blog

Feb
18

Cleaning and Maintaining Outdoor Metal Staircases

Posted in Metal Stairs

One of the advantages of metal staircases is the low maintenance required. Even when used outdoors, metal staircases withstand the elements and can last for decades. But low maintenance does not mean no maintenance – to extend the life of your stairs you need to keep them clean and repaired. Here are some simple cleaning and maintenance tips that should be done periodically on your outdoor metal staircases.

Clean Away Dirt and Debris

Accumulated dirt and debris can cause wear on the coating and paint protecting the metal structure of your staircase. Most metal stairs can be easily cleaned with a hose and soft scrub brush or with a low-pressure power washing. This can remove mildew, dirt and other debris, keeping your staircases clean for appearance and to protect against wear.

Inspect Rails, Treads and Supports

Check your staircase for any signs of loose welds or components. Even a slight wiggle or loose bolt should be repaired right away. Repairs to a loose railing or tread can be quickly accomplished and can reduce safety issues, delaying any further deterioration.

Look for Bare Metal

If you find any areas where the paint or coating has worn away, leaving bare metal, it is time for more coating. Metal will rust and quickly deteriorate without protection. Contact a local metal staircase fabricator that offers on-site recoating to restore the protective shield. Your staircase will look like new again and be ready to last for many more years.

Metal staircases are simple to maintain and clean but do need occasional repairs and upkeep. Stay on top of needed repairs and maintenance to make your staircase last for many years.

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

Apr
16

Importance of Maintenance and Repairs for Outdoor Metal Staircases

Posted in Metal Stairs

One of the reasons metal staircases are popular for commercial buildings is their longevity. A quality metal staircase can last for decades, making it a wise investment for apartment buildings, industrial warehouses and other businesses. While metal is durable, it does corrode over time, especially when exposed to the outdoor elements. Maintenance can help keep metal staircases safe and extend the life of the structure.

Routine Maintenance for Metal Staircases

Quality outdoor metal staircases are painted or coated to protect the metal from rust and corrosion. Over time, this protective covering can wear off. The best way to protect the paint and stairway is to keep it clean. Pressure washing away dirt and debris can help reduce wear and tear.

In addition to regular cleaning, metal staircases will need new paint or coating every few years. When the coating wears through and the metal is exposed, rust will occur. Keeping the protective coating updated can help reduce wear and tear.

Professional Metal Repairs

Eventually metal staircases will need repairs. Treads, railings and welds may become weak, creating safety hazards. Inspections of the staircases should be made routinely to check for loose railings, rust and holes in the metal. Repairs can be made by metal fabricators that specialize in metal staircases, repairing or replacing components as needed. Metal stair restoration can extend the life of a staircase, delaying replacement.

Metal staircases are low maintenance, but they do still need some routine care. Keeping outdoor metal staircases clean and coated can prevent premature wear and tear. When repairs are needed, find an experienced metal fabricator that can replace and repair the components to maintain a safe stairway for your building.

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

Sep
9

Spring Renovations for Your Business’ Metal Stairs

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal staircases are used in many commercial buildings due to their durability for heavy traffic and exposure to the elements. However, even the highest quality metal can begin to show fatigue and wear over time, creating aesthetic and safety issues. If you own or manage a business with metal staircases, spring is the perfect time to reevaluate whether it is time to rejuvenate their structural integrity with a restoration service.

Inspecting Your Metal Staircases

Whether your metal stairs are indoor or outside, you want to ensure they are continuing to perform at a high safety level. Even indoors, metal can be exposed to moisture and industrial components that can deteriorate the coating on the metal, causing rust and weakness at the weld points. If the elements have impacted the coating, it may be obvious from just a glance that at a bare minimum your metal stairs need new coating to protect the metal. However, safety is a higher concern.

Signs that your metal stairs could become hazardous and cause liability for your business include:

  • Treads with holes or weak points
  • Loose railings
  • Rust through coating
  • Disconnected or weak welds

Once severe deterioration begins, the metal will continue to corrode and become unsafe. However, if caught early, you can save money over a stair replacement with a metal stair renovation. A quality metal fabrication company that specializes in industrial metal stairs can restore and repair the weak points in the stairs. With recoating or painting, the aesthetic aspect can be restored along with adequate protection for the metal.

Don’t wait for an injury or accident to occur at your business due to worn metal stairs. Plan your spring stair restoration today.

Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028

Jun
23

Has Winter Been Rough on Your Metal Stairs?

Posted in Welding

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.

  • Holes in treads. Inspect the treads on your stairs. Many outdoor metal stairs have perforated treads to allow water to drain through. Often these small holes are the first to show signs of corrosion. Look for holes that have expanded or begun to rust – you may need to replace one or more treads.
  • Check railings. Another area that can become worn is the welds on your railings. Check your handrails to ensure they are not loosened or unstable. If they move, you may need your railings re-welded and reinforced.
  • Excessive rust. Even if your metal stairs seem sturdy, excessive rust covering the structure is a good reason to schedule restoration. Not only will the rust eventually compromise the structure, it is aesthetically unappealing. Restoration can make your stairs look like new again and restore the protective coating to extend the life of 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

Mar
13

What Part of Your Metal Stairs Need Repair?

Posted in Metal Stairs

If you own or manage an apartment building or other type of commercial building with metal stairs, you rarely will need to concern yourself with their construction. After all, metal stairs last for years, even decades, without needing repairs. However, even metal will eventually wear down with use and exposure and when it does on a staircase, it can become a hazard. You will need a metal stair fabricator to repair certain parts, but which ones? Do you know the names for the parts of your stairs? Here is the simple breakdown of stair parts and terms to make it easier.

  • Balustrade. The entire railing system of a stairway.
  • Baluster. The part of the balustrade that runs in a vertical direction, holding up the handrail.
  • Bullnose (starting step). The first or bottom step, generally larger in size than the other steps.
  • Flight. On section of staircase between floors or landings.
  • Handrail. The part of the balustrade you hold as you ascend or descend.
  • Landing or Platform. This is the wider flat area at the bottom and top of each flight of staircase. Often there is a landing in the middle of staircase between floors to change directions.
  • Riser. The part of the stair that runs at a right angle at the back of the tread; the flat vertical surface of the step. (not all metal stairs have risers)
  • Stringer. This is the main skeleton of the staircase that supports the risers and treads. Usually there are two, one on each side of the staircase.
  • Tread. The part of the stair you step on, the actual steps of the stairs.
  • Winder. A tread that is wider on one side than the other to help the staircase move in a curved direction, only used on spiral staircases.

These terms can help you explain to a metal stair fabricator what needs repair or replacement. You should inspect all these parts regularly for any rust or weakening as part of your property safety regimen.

Jan
28

Do Your Metal Stairs Need Repair, Restoration or Replacement?

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal staircases are popular for commercial use. Due to their durability and affordability, many commercial building owners prefer metal for their staircases both for exterior and interior use. However, even metal can corrode and deteriorate over time. If you own or manage a commercial property with aging metal staircases, you need to stay on top of maintenance on these stairs to avoid costly injuries or accidents. So if your metal staircases are showing signs of corrosion, should you repair, restore or replace your stairs?

Metal Stair Repair

If you inspect your staircases and there are only a few signs of rust or corrosion, repair may be all you need. Isolated areas can be repaired without the need for a complete overhaul on your entire staircase. Repairs can be made on a rusted or loose tread or railing to keep the stairs safe.

Metal Stair Restoration

If your entire staircase is beginning to show signs of rust and corrosion, a full restoration may be needed. In restoration, rust can be removed, welds repaired and the stairs can be recoated to look like new again.

Metal Stair Replacement

In some cases, the extent of corrosion may be too far gone for restoration. If the stairs have already undergone restoration or there has been a lack of maintenance, there may be too much damage to the structure to safely repair. In this scenario, a full replacement may be needed.

To determine the best solution for your metal stair maintenance and service, call your local metal stair contractor. They can inspect your metal stairs and offer a solution for repair, restoration or replacement.

Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028

Jan
6

Restoring Rusted Metal Staircases

Posted in Welding

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:

  • Loose railings
  • Rust spots on stair treads or seams
  • Chipped or peeling coating, showing bare metal or rust underneath
  • Holes in metal platforms, treads or flooring

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

Jul
25

Are Your Metal Stairs Falling Apart?

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal staircases are extremely popular for commercial buildings due to the longevity and affordability that metal provides. One of the many other benefits is that metal staircases are easy to maintain. However, this does not mean they will not need some maintenance, repair and even restoration after years of use. If you ignore the signs of inevitable wear, your metal stairs can become dangerous, ending up costing you more in repairs and liability. 

Signs of Metal Stair Damage

Although metal stairs can last for many years, exposure to the elements will eventually take its toll. If left unattended, small damage to the stairs lead to larger, more expensive problems. Once metal stairs become unstable, you could be liable for injuries from trips, falls and abrasions. Some signs that it is time to have your metal stairs repaired or restored include: 

  • Lose railings. If the railings move or become unstable, the welds may be loosening that hold them in place. This can be extremely dangerous if not repaired.
  • Failing treads. Many metal stairs have treads with holes or webbing that can begin to corrode and rust. This perforated metal is often the first area to become worn and need repair.
  • Signs of rust. Most metal stairs are covered with a protective coating to ward off rust. Rust is a sign this coating has worn off over the years and is no longer protecting the metal underneath. 

When you begin to notice these signs of wear, call an experienced welding contractor that specializes in metal stair repair. Catching and repairing these problems early can prevent expensive injuries and the need for complete replacement of the staircase.

 Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028

Feb
2

Versatility of Metal Staircases

Posted in Metal Stairs

In commercial applications, metal staircases are generally chosen for their durability, but it’s not just the strength of steel that makes metal staircases the best choice for apartment complexes, industrial buildings and other commercial settings. Custom fabrication allows for unlimited versatility in the size, design and options for metal staircases.

Creating the Best Staircase for Your Business

The benefit of using custom metal fabrication for creating your staircase is your control over added features. An experienced metal fabricator can create a staircase specifically designed to meet your architectural and functional needs. From tread length to railing design, you can work with your fabricator to build a completely unique staircase for your business. Some factors to keep in mind include:

–          Weight restrictions. For industrial staircases, you may need higher weight capacities. Talk to your fabricator about reinforced stairs to handle higher weights.

–          Aesthetics. Metal is not only durable; it also can be beautiful. Talented metal fabricators can create metal stairs and railings that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are strong.

–          Space. Metal stairs can be designed to fit into almost any space, including spiral cases for small areas and many other options.

–          Coatings. For exterior stairways, choose from a variety of coatings to protect the metal from the elements for longer lasting results.

Metal staircases are one of the best options for any commercial setting. If you are planning a new commercial building with multiple stories, consider the benefits and versatility of having customized metal staircases created for your project. Contact a quality metal fabricator who is experienced in commercial application to begin designing the best staircases for your new building.

Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028

Nov
21

Do Your Metal Stairs Need Restoration or Replacement?

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal stairs are extremely durable and can last for many years. However, eventually even heavy metal will begin to corrode, weaken or rust over time when it’s regularly exposed to moisture and other elements. If you own a building with metal stairs, you may have started to notice they’re are beginning to show the effects of time. While replacing an entire flight of stairs can be a large investment, it may be possible to restore your metal stairs, giving you many more years of use and saving you a substantial amount of money. 

Issues That Can Be Resolved Through Metal Stair Restoration

There are some times when metal stairs have deteriorated to the point where they need full replacement to be safe. In other cases, many metal stairs may only have surface damage, which can be repaired through professional restoration. For many business or commercial property owners, this can be an affordable solution to keeping their stairs safe and functional for many more years. Some issues that restoration may be able to fix include: 

–        Worn finishes or coatings

–        Surface rust

–        Weakened welds

–        Worn or fatigued metal components 

A professional metal stair restoration company can inspect your stairs to evaluate the extent of the damage. If your stairs are still viable, they can transform your old, corroded metal stairs back to a beautiful, functional staircase. Once the corroded or worn metal pieces are fixed or replaced, they can add a protective coating to keep these new improvements safe from the elements. Once restored, your stairs can look as good as new, with many more years of use ahead of them.

Posted on behalf of:
LCG Welding, LLC
4625 Church Road
Cumming, GA 30028

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