Contractor Tips Blog

Dec
3

Does Your Business’ Metal Staircase Need Repair or Replacement?

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal stairs are an excellent investment for commercial properties. Apartment buildings, manufacturing outfits and many other types of business prefer the durability and easy maintenance that metal staircases provide. However, even steel does need some maintenance, including repairs. But when it is more than just a staircase repair that you need to keep your commercial property safe? Here are some signs that you may need a complete metal staircase replacement.

  • Multiple repairs. Have your metal staircases needed repairs constantly over the last few years? If the welds on corners are beginning to give and your treads are starting to rust, it may be time to consider replacement. Fixing the stairs piece by piece will cost you more in the long run, plus eventually you will still need to pay for a replacement.
  • Injuries. Have you already had an employee or customer injure themselves on the stairs due to disrepair? You cannot afford to have a large liability like a crumbling staircase in your business. A new staircase is a drop in the bucket compared to a liability lawsuit.
  • Aesthetics. If your metal staircase is used by customers, you don’t want an old, rusty staircase representing your business. If the integrity of the staircase is compromised, it is time to replace; however, if it looks bad yet is still viable, a professional coating can make it look great again and extend the life of your stairs.

Whether you decide to repair or replace, you need quality metal fabricator. Make sure to choose a company that specializes in commercial metal staircases to ensure you get the best quality and safety built into your metal stairs.

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

Apr
8

Invest in Metal Staircases for Your Commercial Property

Posted in Metal Stairs

If you own a business, apartment complex or any type of industrial property with two or more levels, staircases are important to your investment. Both interior and exterior stairs must be built to last with safety as a top priority. When it comes time to replace older stairs or add new staircases to your property, consider the benefits of choosing metal staircases.

Benefits of Metal Staircases

For commercial use, metal outshines both wood and cement as the material of choice. Regardless of whether the stairs are interior or exterior, there are some excellent reasons to use metal instead of any other options. Consider these benefits:

  • Longevity. Metal staircases are strong and can outlast many other materials. When properly coated, they will withstand all types of elements and even chemical exposure.
  • Flexibility. When created by an experienced metal fabricator, metal staircases can be designed to fit in almost any area. Even small, confined areas can be easily equipped with a narrow metal staircase.
  • Design. Metal staircases can be customized for your industrial or aesthetic needs. Whether you need sturdy stairs that can withstand heavy loads or want a staircase that is stylized for your building’s design, metal can be formed to meet your project’s requirements.
  • Easy maintenance. Metal stairs are easy to clean and maintain, making them perfect for most commercial applications.

For your next commercial staircase project, find an experienced metal fabricator that can design the ultimate staircase for your property. With the right fabricator, you can quickly have a metal staircases designed and installed that will last for decades to come, making it a worthwhile investment.

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

Nov
21

Metal Stair Repairs

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal is an extremely durable and a strong material as long as it is properly maintained, especially when it is subject to heavy use, impact, weather and chemicals, all of which can cause deterioration.  One of the most dangerous things that can be found on any commercial, industrial, educational or residential structure is a metal staircase, handrail or guardrail where this deterioration has occurred.  Often this deterioration includes such things as corrosion, cracked or broken welds.  Other potential damage includes impact damage, wear and fatigue, which can lead to failures in the treads, railings and supporting structure. Obviously this is an extremely dangerous situation, with the possibility of severe injury or death, if not corrected. 

The process for repairing steel stairs is relatively straightforward.  It is recommended that any property owner use an experienced metal stair repair company to periodically inspect their metal stairs, metal guardrails and metal handrails.  It is critical that the stair repair company use certified welders to make any minor corrections on the spot and that they be experienced in working with all sorts of metals and just not steel as the welding techniques and equipment are different.  In addition to being experienced, the company should be licensed and insured as well. 

In some cases if the experienced craftsman performing the inspection and repairs may notice something out of the ordinary and a structural engineer may need to be consulted to recommend the repair.  An example of this would be when the anchors securing to the stair to the wall are pulling away from the structure or an obvious structural failure, other than a broken weld, of a supporting component.  An engineer should be consulted to provide guidance on what to do. 

In most cases the inspection and the repairs can be done quickly and economically by a qualified welding company that specializes in metal stair repairs!

Posted on behalf of LCG Welding

Jul
3

Stair Talk: A Primer of Sorts

Posted in Welding

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.

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