4 Residential Ornamental Iron Repairs That Increase Safety

Ornamental iron fences, gates, and other types of residential enclosures are timeless and elegant. Metal does not rot or succumb to termites like wood and will not yellow like many vinyl materials. With a little care and maintenance, wrought iron lasts a very long time.

However, corroded or damaged ornamental iron is weak and susceptible to further breakage. When this happens, fences and other structures can become unsafe or downright dangerous. An expert with the right repair and welding knowledge can easily restore metal fences and gates to make them stronger and safer. Take a look at these four ornamental iron repairs that increase safety around your property.

1. Balcony Railings

A balcony with a wrought iron railing is a thing of beauty, as delicate scrolled metal panels frame your view from a second or third floor at your home. Higher elevations require a sturdy enclosure at least three feet high to keep you safe from falls. Weakened fence sections are liable to give way under pressure and turn an afternoon view into an unfortunate accident.

Your railing could be unsafe if support beams are loose or a few crucial metal fasteners are missing. Sometimes a small weld job is all that's necessary to restore a railing to its original strength.

2. Swimming Pool Enclosure

The presence of a swimming pool requires extra vigilance and safety with regards to access. A fence that encloses your pool prevents children and others from accidental drowning. Ornamental fences are often a preferred material and style because they do not obstruct views toward a pool and its swimmers.

Vertical iron fence beams should be solid and spaced properly to keep someone from squeezing through. An ornamental iron pool fence less than 45 inches high should have no more than 1 3/4 inches between vertical beams. For taller fences, that space can safely increase to four inches.

Vertical beams or rods that are rusted and weak can snap and allow someone to slip through the fence. Regularly test each fence vertical for weakness or signs of rust, which can easily be repaired with a quick weld.

3. Pool Gate Latch

Your iron pool fence is only as good as the strength of its pedestrian gate. Pool gates should be selfclosing and always pull open away from the pool to prevent an accidental push to gain access. A lock ensures no one can gain unwanted access. If you do not already have one, install a hinge and trip latch that automatically locks when shut.

If you do have a hinge and trip latch, check it carefully. Heavy use can work on the mechanism over time and loosen important pieces. If your latch is coming loose or does not lock each time the gate closes, the gate is no longer reliable. An unsafe gate cannot keep a child safely away from the swimming pool.

4. Staircase Handrail

The beauty of an open or sweeping staircase is its decorative iron handrail and guard rails. These structures are important safety features for a potentially dangerous area in your home. Over one million people are hurt each year from falls on stairs, which highlights the importance of sturdy, secure iron handrail components.

Indoor stairs are not exposed to elements that corrode ornamental iron. However, damage to stair rails can loosen or break support beams and hardware. A coat of protective paint will not strengthen the integrity of loose handrails or guard rails. Only an expert decorative iron welder can examine a piece and decide which repairs are necessary.

Sam's Welding, Inc , is equipped to repair all types of ornamental iron fences, gates, and railings around your home and yard. Call us when you need reliable, professional weld repairs to increase the safety of your important ornamental iron pieces.