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

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

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

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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