14 Nov Protecting and Maintaining Steel Railings and Gates

The majority of steel railings and gateways fabricated by Baker Steel Trading come equipped with a protective finish such as a galvanise or powder coating.

However, steel should be appropriately maintained and cleaned for lasting protection and durability against the elements.

Since rust (or more as it’s more formally known, oxidation) is caused by exposure to air or moisture, a protective coating, along with a simple cleaning regime, has been found to be effective at preventing any rust from forming on your steel gates and railings.

Surface Protection

When left exposed and unprotected, steel will inevitably be overcome by rust, damaging both the appearance and integrity of your steel gate or railings. This is why the first port of call for protecting external metalwork is surface protection or coating.

During the galvanisation process, zinc is added to coat the steel. The added zinc reacts quickly with oxygen in the atmosphere, forming a strong zinc oxide layer which protects the underlying steel from oxidation.

Protecting steel from corrosion is crucial as the damage caused by oxidation can often render steel irreparable. This is why early intervention, such as direct surface protection, prevents damage to your steel railings and gateways.

Anchoring

A common problem for steel gates or large railings is poor anchoring. Anchoring relates to the way in which posts are set into masonry, anchoring your railings in stone. It is a technique favoured for load-bearing structures to ensure the highest level of safety for years to come. 

However, if executed incorrectly, it can be detrimental to the building going forwards. 

Poor anchoring in which water is allowed to collect and settle in the base of the masonry can lead to your steel railings sitting in water, expediting the oxidation process that causes rust. 

Effective maintenance can mean filling any holes and ensuring your steel is protected from submerging in water.

Annual Inspection

Carrying out a full inspection once a year can help to find rusting before it becomes a serious issue. It’s much easier to fix slight rusting and prevent further damage than it is to repair a severely rusted and failing piece of metalwork.

On top of this, preventative measures can include making sure trees or plants aren’t touching the railings, as well as ensuring that spray from passing vehicles or sprinklers doesn’t reach railings, to reduce dampness as much as possible.

Failing to adhere to a necessary annual inspection can lead to further, possibly unsolvable, problems down the road. It’s always best to check when an assessment is due and ensure it takes place.

Cleaning

Due to the wear and tear effects of everyday life, steel railings and gates can become dirty, leaving an unwanted appearance on what should be a pristine entrance to your home. This is why regular cleaning and maintenance are vital. We recommend a thorough cleaning and inspection of your gates and railings on an annual basis.

During your annual inspection, it’s beneficial to the health of your railings and gates to clean them with a soft sponge and soapy water. This can be followed up by drying thoroughly using old towels and applying a wax coating to protect the paintwork.

Repairing Scratches

If your steel gate or railing has been scratched or has other similar forms of surface damage, you can use an epoxy repair compound to fill in the scratches. 

In order to adequately repair scratches, you should begin by thoroughly cleaning the scratch and surrounding area to ensure the scratch is clean and free from dirt and debris. You can then fill in the scratch, following the instructions on the can of your chosen epoxy compound.

Steel Gates and Railings from Baker Steel Trading

Baker Steel Trading are experts in steel fabrication, with years of experience providing our clients with bespoke steel gateways and railings, and a variety of other steel construction products, along with a variety of specialist services such as fabrication drawing, 3D modelling and mobile welding.

If you’re looking to renovate your home or garden, look no further than Baker Steel Trading for robust and dependable steel.