| Old wrought iron railings in disrepair can often be | | | | to correct the problem, a broken piece of iron |
| restored. Know when do-it-yourself applies and | | | | may remain weak. If it’s for a |
| when it’s better to call in a pro. | | | | supportive rail or staircase, this could lead to |
| If you have an old wrought iron railing that needs | | | | accidents. Supporting the interior of the metal can |
| repair, this can sometimes be done with minor | | | | be a better alternative to simply re-welding it. |
| repairs. It’s not always necessary to | | | | While you can use metal cement, stabilizing the |
| replace it. Other times, it’s a good | | | | entire post or pole is a better solution. |
| idea to call in a professional. Very old railings can | | | | If you are unsure, call in a professional |
| become brittle and unsafe as well as unsightly but | | | | Many qualified craftsmen will allow you to bring in |
| they can often be repaired and restored. Wrought | | | | a piece that needs supporting if you are not |
| iron railings date way back in time. There are | | | | comfortable doing this yourself. Do-it-yourself |
| many examples from the sixteen hundreds. | | | | stores often will provide helpful advice if you do |
| There’s also evidence that even | | | | wish to carry out the repairs on your own. Some |
| back then, when a railing was constructed of | | | | procedures include steel or wooden inserts into |
| wrought iron, it was considered to be very artistic | | | | the post or pipe. The repair process of supporting |
| and valuable. | | | | brittle or broken railings can result in it looking like |
| Older railings might need restoration and repair if | | | | new again. The supporting process is important |
| they have been neglected. While wrought iron is | | | | especially when a railing is meant for safety |
| very durable, years of neglect can take their toll | | | | purposes. Stability of the posts is extremely |
| and lead to rust, corrosion or brittle joints. | | | | critical to the safety and integrity of the structure. |
| Repair tips for wrought iron rails | | | | When fixing other parts of the railing, there are |
| With caution, care and a bit of knowledge, repairs | | | | some aspects of repairs that you can complete |
| can be made to restore older wrought iron rails, | | | | on your own but other elements are best left to |
| fencing or staircases. | | | | professionals. It’s a good idea to |
| You will need tools such as a drill, saw, metal | | | | consult with a professional if you are a little |
| cement, a tool to smooth and basic woodworking | | | | uneasy about the stability of a structure, |
| tools. | | | | especially when the railing is used for safety |
| Although welding a railing made of iron can appear | | | | purposes. |