Replacing metal rails requires a good deal of work.
Many exterior stairs consist of poured concrete, making them both functional and sturdy. The railing for these stairs is often wrought iron, which attaches securely to the stairs using special masonry hardware. If your metal railing has deteriorated or rusted, replacing it is the best option. Replacing a metal railing requires that you remove the old railing before installing the new one. Removing the old hardware is often a challenge, since the anchors are usually buried deep in the concrete. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Examine the bottom of the metal railing where it attaches to the concrete, and locate the screws that hold it down. Remove the screws, using a power drill. If you meet extreme resistance, the screws may have rusted to the railing. Spray them with a lubricating spray and let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes before trying to remove them again.
2. Examine the wall of the home where the rear portion of the metal stairs mounts. Locate the mounting brackets in this location and remove the screws for them in the same manner. Lift the metal railing out of the way.
3. Remove any remaining metal support posts on the concrete stairs by cutting them off flush with the concrete. Put on protective eye wear, and insert a metal cutting blade into a reciprocating saw. Hold the blade firmly on top of the stairs and cut parallel to it until the support posts detach.
4. Look at the top of the concrete stairs to determine whether rust stains are present. If rust exists, brush the concrete vigorously with a wire brush until they disappear.
5. Place the new railing on top of the concrete stairs 2 inches from the side edge. Position the railing over the previous holes to hide them, if possible. However, make sure that the screw holes on the railing are over solid concrete.
6. Mark each screw hole, using a pencil, and set the railing aside. Insert a 1/4-inch-diameter masonry bit into a drill and create a 1-5/8-inch-deep hole in each marked location.
7. Place the new metal railing back in place, and insert a corrosion-resistant masonry screw into each screw hole on the railing, using a power drill. Attach the wall mounts to the home with more corrosion-resistant masonry screws, or wood screws if it is not brick or stone.
8. Open a tub of concrete patching compound if any old holes remain. Scoop out some of the patching compound with a putty knife and spread it over the holes to fill them.
Tags: metal railing, concrete stairs, corrosion-resistant masonry, each screw, each screw hole, patching compound